The Move to Reduce Monitor/Controller Cab Clutter

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Displays, Equipment, Fertilizer, Guidance, Harvesting, Insights Weekly, Planting, Spraying

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

Planter Row Control Can Save You Money

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Displays, Equipment, Guidance, Harvesting, Insights Weekly, Planting, seed

As I talk to many growers about their adoption of precision farming equipment and tools, I always like to find out what technology they could eliminate from their operation—if they were forced to give up something. Well, as you can probably guess, almost everyone who has auto steer would never go back to steering again. Who can blame them. However, … Read More

Training Can Truly Speed Precision Ag Adoption

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Education, Equipment, Farmers, Guidance, Harvesting, Insights Weekly, Planting, Software, Spraying

As with any piece of machinery, computer, etc., there’s always a bit of a learning curve. Same goes for precision farming equipment. A good dealer with good technicians can be worth their weight in gold. But good ongoing training from a manufacturer can really help speed the adoption process. To that end, this week I asked Jessica Reis, Marketing Communications … Read More

Learn How CORS Network Can Fit Precision Farming

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Education, GPS, Guidance, Insights Weekly, Satellite

To give you a better understanding of the CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Stations) Network, Bill Cran, GPS & Guidance Product Specialist at Ag Leader Technology, answered our questions about its use in precision agriculture. 1. Why should a grower consider the CORS network and technology? • CORS is a service provided by some states, and in most cases is provided … Read More

Crop Consultants Help Precision Farming Strategies

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Dealers, Displays, Education, Equipment, Fertilizer, Guidance, Harvesting, Insights Weekly, Planting, seed, Spraying

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

Precision Farming 2009: What We Learned

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Education, Fertilizer, GPS, Guidance, Harvesting, Industry News, Insights Weekly, Planting, Remote sensing, Satellite, seed, Spraying, Trimble

In general, the past year in the world of precision agriculture has been one of consolidation among industry players. “We’ve really streamlined into 4 or 5 major players in precision ag,” says Matt Darr, Iowa State University Ag Engineer. “Rather than a lot of companies that offer a segment of products, we’re getting down to a core set of companies … Read More

The Move To Automatic Steering

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Audio, Education, Fertilizer, GPS, Guidance, Harvesting, Insights Weekly, Planting, Satellite, Spraying

As more mainstream mid-sized farmers move further into precision farming tools beyond the yield monitor or lightbar, they are fortunate to reap the benefits of those early-adopter farmers. These early users pushed companies to constantly improve their products. And the price tag on these systems has dropped dramatically, thanks to competition and better engineering. Such is the case with auto … Read More

Ag Leader Opens New Training Academy Facility

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Company Announcement, Dealers, Education, GPS, Guidance, Insights Weekly, Planting, Software, Spraying

The doors open next week on Ag Leader Technology’s new Ag Leader Academy, which will play host to its top 200 dealers who will use this great new training resource to learn about the new product line for 2010. “This is a big event for us, as we just launched an entire new suite of products, announced our new partnership … Read More

Think About Saving Seed Input Dollars In 2010

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Education, Insights Weekly, Planting

We hope harvest is finally over, although it may not be for some, due to the weather extremes that seemed to occur across the Midwest. As you reflect on your year, and begin to think about 2010, thoughts usually turn first to seed buying. And due to the tax advantages we highlighted last Friday (“5-Year Farm Equipment Depreciation Ends in … Read More

Six New Products From Ag Leader Technology

Kurt LawtonAg Leader, Company Announcement, Displays, Equipment, Fertilizer, GPS, Guidance, Harvesting, Insights Weekly, Planting, Satellite, Spraying

Last week, Ag Leader Technology made a big splash by announcing their new precision farming technology collaboration with AutoFarm. Along with that big news, they also launched six new products. Here’s a brief look. INTEGRA™ Display • Rugged, moisture-resistant design featuring a 12.1-inch full-color touchscreen with high-definition mapping. • Core functionality includes: built-in manual guidance, full-screen mapping, planter and application … Read More