A new sensing system on corn heads called AutoTrac™ RowSense™ allows precision guidance to be used on combines that are harvesting corn. “The biggest benefits to the grower include less operator fatigue,” said John Deere combine product specialist Steve Sporrer at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville this week. “We’re also on the row more consistently and it’s an … Read More
New Precision Tools at Farm Machinery Show
The latest in precision technology is on display at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, for both newbies and more seasoned users. “On one hand we have new products for operators who have yet to get into precision ag,” says Kim Fletcher with John Deere Ag Management Solutions told me. “We came out with an entry level manual guidance … Read More
New John Deere Planter is Precision Driven
John Deere unveiled the largest planter in the industry at the 2009 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville this week. Rob Rippchen, division marketing manager at John Deere seed in Moline, IL says the DB120 “next generation” 120 foot planter is generating a lot of interest at the show. “There’s kind of a ‘wow’ factor,” said Rob. “It’s so wide … Read More
Variable-Rate Fertilizer Technology Adoption Needed
With tighter margins and higher input costs, now is the time to implement the best management practices (BMPs) for fertilizer use, says Bill Herz, VP of Scientific Programs for The Fertilizer Institute. Herz, who spoke at the recent Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association convention, promoted technology adoption–as reported by Farmweek. He urged farmers and fertilizer applicators to use available tools — … Read More
Farm Machinery Show Will Go On
Despite the icy weather that recently affected parts of Kentucky, the 2009 National Farm Machinery Show and Championship Tractor Pull will proceed as scheduled. More than 150,000 Kentucky residents were still without power this week after ice storms the last week of January, prompting President Obama to declare more than 90 counties a major disaster area and order federal aid … Read More
MachineFinder.com Improves Search For Used Equipment
Similar in scope to the overhaul of a tractor, John Deere has completely overhauled and redesigned its MachineFinder.com website. It is now easier than ever for customers to find and review pre-owned equipment…including precision agriculture technology. “MachineFinder not only provides improved user interfaces, but new functionality that will better assist customers in acquiring used equipment from John Deere dealers,” says Michael … Read More
Precision Agriculture Will Help Meet World Demand
“Precision agriculture is a key to helping meet the world’s demand for increased productivity from agriculture,” said Mike McGrady, John Deere Water Technologies president. These words, from the recent Deere & Company 2008 Annual Report, accurately sum up the feelings of most growers I talk to who have invested in precision farming technology and truly grasp the next level of efficiency they … Read More
Size Up Your GPS Investment Seminar
Spending time this winter analyzing your precision practices is always beneficial. To this end, check out this DTN AG Online Seminar called “Sizing Your GPS Investment/Which Tools Fit the Farm,” hosted in September by DTN and The Progressive Farmer magazine. The seminar discusses numerous topics: As more tools associated with GPS technologies come available, farmers are beginning to question which … Read More
Precision Workshops for Cotton Growers
The recent Cotton Incorporated Crop Management Seminar in Tunica, Mississippi featured workshops to help growers learn more about precision management. Director of Agricultural Research Ed Barnes says they actually had two different precision workshops. “One for people who really had not done any work with precision agriculture. We had a workshop on the basics of how to scout your field, … Read More
Precision Products For The Budget Minded
If you’re looking for an economical way to get started using precision ag on your farm, John Deere has some new options. Adding to the extensive lineup of GreenStar precision ag products, John Deere announces a new line of economical systems to help operators get started with precision ag or enhance the older systems they may already own. “Let’s start … Read More