AgGateway’s Precision Ag Council has launched a new project that will improve the data exchange processes that drive the use of precision agriculture field equipment for such major operations as seeding, tillage, spraying, fertilizing and harvesting. The Standardized Precision Ag Data Exchange (SPADE) project is intended to streamline and encourage adoption of precision ag practices. Currently, costs for exchanging data … Read More
Precision Farming Increases Sustainability
A grower sustainability panel took place during the recent Bayer CropScience 2012 Ag Issues Forum with the theme of “Hands in the Dirt: First-Hand Grower Experiences.” Panel member Nancy Kavazanjian, a farmer from Wisconsin who grows corn, soybeans and wheat, talked about what the word “sustainability” meant to her. “When a farmer hears the word sustainable they kind of cringe,” … Read More
Calibrating Corn Production in Potato Country
Idaho is synonymous with potatoes, but there is more corn in the ground there these days to support a growing dairy industry. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have found that some Pacific Northwest farmers can increase corn yields by using strip tillage and banding fertilizer instead of conventional tilling. Strip tillage and banding involves excavating a single row for … Read More
Clear Difference Between Tilled and No-Till Soil
One of the stops on the 2011 CTIC Conservation In Action Tour in Ohio last week was the farm of Todd Hesterman in Napoleon, Ohio. Todd has employed continuous no-till on his 450 acre corn, soybean and wheat operation for 22 years and used yield mapping for more than 14 years and is a strong advocate for doing what he … Read More
Benefits to No-Till
As Ann Perry reports: Wheat farmers in eastern Oregon and Washington who use no-till production systems can substantially stem soil erosion and enhance efforts to protect water quality, according to research by USDA scientists. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) hydrologist John Williams led a study that compared runoff, soil erosion and crop yields in a conventional, intensively tilled winter wheat-fallow system … Read More
Missouri Researchers Reduce Greenhouse Gases, Raise Yields
Researchers with the University of Missouri have found a way to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by agricultural operations, while increasing the yields of the crops. And precision agriculture equipment is playing a key role. Research agronomist at MU’s Greenley Research Center in northeast Missouri Kelly Nelson says that ag operations in the U.S. create 58 percent of … Read More
Top 10 Ag Technologies from 2010 by Farm Progress
Take a look at a story in Indiana Prairie Farmer that selected ten different agricultural technologies of interest this year. They listed: – Raven Sling Shot system – Connected Farm concept – GSI Binspector – Grain entrapment rescue tubes – Votivo nematicide seed treatment – SmartStax corn – Agrisure Viptera trait – Surveillance sunglasses – Vertical till revolution – Kixor … Read More
Excellent Ohio Technology and Conservation Conference
Corn and soybean growers in Ohio and surrounding states should definitely attend an excellent late-February conference to pick up great information that can improve their farm operation. The Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference is the largest, most comprehensive program of conservation tillage techniques in the Midwest. About 60 presenters (farmers, industry professionals, and university specialists) from around the country focus … Read More
Trimble Offers New Ag Water Management System
If your farm operation needs precision farming equipment that can help manage water, check out the new Trimble AG GCS200 system. Specifically designed for land leveling and drainage applications, it works in conjunction with a laser transmitter to provide automatic machine control of implements such as scrapers and drainage machines, helping farmers to manage water on their fields regardless of … Read More
Seed Savings With Planter Row Shut-Off
Northern Illinois corn and soybean grower Todd Glendenning says he saved an estimated $1,200 per day during spring planting with his Trimble guidance and row control system, according to a story in the June issue of Trimble’s StraightTalk newsletter. “After planting with RTK and implement guidance, I would never want to plant any other way,” says Glendenning. “I used to … Read More