Precision farming techniques are driving growth in soil sampling say Midwest soil labs, according to a report in Midwest Producer. “At the peak of the season we’ll test 20,000 samples each day,” says Kennard Pohlman of Omaha’s Midwest Labs. “We always test the organic matter in the sample and the pH. You want to verify the nitrogen carryover and the … Read More
Precision Farming By The Zone
The Furrow magazine, produced by John Deere, profiled several growers on their use of precision farming management zones in a story called “Farming In The Zone” in their March 2010 issue. Broadwater, Neb., grower Frank Lussetto says zone management helped him accomplish three broad goals of being agronomically sound, economically smart and environmentally safe. He uses zone maps for phosphorous, … Read More
Young Farmer Forum Talks Precision Agriculture
Agriculture.com, one of the longest running ag websites powered by Successful Farming, has a social network for young and beginning farmers called Farmers For The Future. One of the recent topics centered around precision farming talks about a move into RTK and the CORS network. The challenge is dealing with all ages and different colors of equipment. Sam asks…We have … Read More
Use Precision Software Data For Planting Trials and More
Give farmers a piece of technology and they find inventive ways to use it to benefit their operation. In the case of Newton, Iowa farmer (and Ag Leader SeedComand product specialist) Will Cannon, it all started with the yield monitor and mapping hybrids. “I like knowing exactly to a row when hybrids and varieties start and stop—especially when you have … Read More
Sensors Aim to Improve Your N Use on Corn
You won’t find too many farmers who would disagree with the notion that corn plant health can vary widely across a field. And I think the majority of growers would love to improve their nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency—if only the weather would cooperate. While variable rate fertilizer based on grids/management zones and soil tests is one possible solution, that practice … Read More
The Value of Software Training
Friday, I wrote about how Ag Leader listened to customers of their SMS Advanced software and built a Certified Training program to give participants deeper knowledge that helps their own business. This weekend I spoke with Justin McCuiston, who helps customers of the farmer-owned cooperative Farm Service Inc., in northeast Arkansas with variable-rate fertilizer programs, yield mapping and other precision … Read More
Bread from Precision Agriculture by EarthGrains
Sara Lee is taking a unique approach to market its 100% Natural line of EarthGrain brand bread. They are promoting wheat, known as Eco-Grain, grown by precision farming growers who use variable rate fertilizer driven by satellite imagery. And they’re calling it a movement, “Helping to preserve the earth, one field at a time.” Horizon Milling (a joint venture between … Read More
The Move to Reduce Monitor/Controller Cab Clutter
The fight for space in the tractor/sprayer/combine cab continues, especially as more and more precision farming capabilities are added to an operation. Clutter has happened for a variety of reasons. From anxious early adopter growers buying numerous early controllers, to anxious dealers selling the latest equipment without regard to grower needs, to growers not thinking about longer term needs. Paul … Read More
No-Till Precision Products of the Year
No-Till Farmer recently announced the top No-Till Products of 2009 according to a poll by readers, and the overall winner was Precision Plantings Keeton Seed Firmer. The Keeton Seed Firmer was voted the top no-till product in the Planter/Drill Attachments category and was among 11 finalists entered in the overall Product of the Year voting. Precision Planting, the manufacturers of … Read More
Crop Consultants Help Precision Farming Strategies
When the term ‘crop consultant’ comes to mind, growers often think in terms of scouting, insects, diseases, soil fertility and testing, and perhaps input buying recommendations. But have you stopped to think about their value in helping you properly invest in tools of precision agriculture? Retailers who sell precision ag equipment know the technology, but do they know your operation … Read More