While the anti-agriculture activists spout misinformed data about how genetically-modified grains have not boosted yields nor reduced use of fertilizer or chemicals–those of us living and breathing modern precision agriculture know the truth. In my hundreds and hundreds of interviews I’ve done over the years with progressive farmers (in stories that have appeared in Progressive Farmer, Farm Industry News and … Read More
Precision Ag Retailer Blogs To Customers And Fans
Does your precision technology provider deliver good information to you in methods beyond direct contact or a Website? A good lesson regarding customer service and expanded ways to connect with customers comes from precision agriculture solutions provider HTS Precision Ag, based in Harlan, Iowa. For example, check out their blog called “Precision Ag Explained,” where Adam Gittins posts weekly insights … Read More
New USDA Satellite Images of Ag Land
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) just released new satellite images of agricultural land cover for the 2008 crop year. The images, referred to as the Cropland Data Layer (CDL), identify geospatial crop locations in three U.S. regions: the Mid-Atlantic and, for the first time, the Southwest and Southeast. The CDL information is a useful tool for projects ranging from … Read More
InfoAg Talk: Understand Nutrient Variability
Growers need to focus on getting the right nutrient source applied at the right time, rate and place, says Steve Phillips, southeast region director of the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI). In his talk at the recent InfoAg precision agriculture conference, Phillips outlined the top 10 reasons why we need to understand spatial variability for nutrient management. 10. We need … Read More
InfoAg Talk: Soil Management Zones Increase N Efficiency
Ten years of research by Dr. Raj Khosla and his precision agriculture grad students at Colorado State University has produced a soil color based management zone technique that accurately optimizes Nitrogen use efficiency within and across zones in given corn fields. “Once farmers realize the value of varying N rates based on field productivity zones, most want to add more … Read More
Trimble Buys Farm Works Software
In a move stated to help accelerate its information management capabilties to offer precision farming customers significant new capabilities, Trimble acquired the assets of CTN Data Service, owner of Farm Works software. Farm Works provides integrated office and mobile software solutions for both the farmer and agriculture service professional. The software is compatible with a wide range of file formats … Read More
Add Precision To Irrigation Water Use
The battle for water between agriculture and urban use only continues to gain momentum, yet both sides must focus on further efficiency. In California, a new study by the Pacific Institute points to ways that agriculture can still flourish despite diminishing water supply and uncertain climate change. But, new steps to significantly increase water use efficiency must be taken. The … Read More
InfoAg Talk: Technology You Can Use
Speaking at the bi-annual precision agriculture InfoAg conference in Springfield, Ill., recently, Utah State Geospatial Extension Specialist Phil Rasmussen talked about the latest tools he uses in the field. Rasmussen has worked with NASA on remote sensing projects, and 10 years ago began a geospatial training program for County Extension agents called “On Target.” In his talk he highlighted the … Read More
SST Software and Raven Form Alliance
SST Software and Raven Industries recently formed a strategic alliance to offer new solutions in the precision agriculture market. The first of these solutions includes integration of SST’s AgX Platform into Raven’s Viper Pro and Envizio Pro field computers. The AgX Platform is a standardized data structure and reference database that enables efficient in-field record keeping and seamless communication between … Read More
PrecisionAg Supports New International Trade Show
The PrecisionAg Institute will be the supporting organization for the new AG CONNECT Expo 2010, which holds it’s first international show on January 13-15, 2010 in Orlando, Fla., according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Attendees will find the latest innovations, products, services and technology in all agriculture sectors and will be able to network and discuss industry trends and … Read More