AgNerd Cloud – New Holland PLM

Chuck ZimmermanAgNerd, Agribusiness, Audio, New Holland

New Holland PLMIn this AgNerd Cloud we’re going to take a more in-depth look at New Holland’s Precision Land Management (PLM) platform with Chris Carrier, Marketing Manager, Precision Land Management & T7 Series. I visited with Chris in his office recently to talk about PLM.

New Holland’s PLM has a growing number of resources and functionalities that you can find on the PLM Portal. This can also be found within MyNewHolland.com. As you can see from the iPad image, PLM is also being heavily integrated into mobile technology.

New Holland PLM iPadIn my conversation with Chris we first talk about the evolution of PLM over a period of years into the platform it is today. He says that they’re moving into the new field of data and connectivity taking another step beyond things like auto guidance and swath control. The new PLM Connect is helping farmers better manage and optimize their fleets with easier data transfer using the cloud.

In our interview Chris talks about the options for different products in the PLM lineup. One of those is the PLM Calculator App that let’s you figure out the return on investment of using precision technology. You enter a number of parameters like field sizes to get instant feedback on the payback.

When it comes to training Chris points to their PLM Academy. This includes an app, web-based and instructor led training.

You can listen to my full interview with Chris here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/new-holland/nh-plm-carrier.mp3″ text=”Interview with Chris Carrier”]

Kubota Striving to Meet Consumer Demand

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Machinery, Retailers

kubota-logoKubota Tractor Corp. and Kubota Manufacturing of America Corp., have plans for a new manufacturing plant in Gainsville, GA.  The facility will be located on 180 acres with an estimated 502,000 square feet.  The existing plant, which has been operating since 1988, will also be expanded.  The upgrade is estimated to cost $80 million.

RTV Lineup_webAll of this comes on the heels of a recent announcement to move KTC’s headquarters to Grapevine, TX to be closer to its major market.

“The demand for Kubota products continues to grow in the U.S.,” said Mr. Hironobu Kubota, President of KMA. “We estimate that this expansion of our operations will allow us to increase production capacity by 60 percent over the next five years.”

The announcement further demonstrates the company’s commitment to support its growing product offerings with operational excellence as a priority. “Growing our manufacturing operations in Georgia will enable us to achieve even greater operational efficiencies to make Kubota’s business stronger and more competitive,” said Mr. Masato Yoshikawa, President & CEO of KTC. “We will be better equipped to respond to market needs more quickly, satisfying both dealer and customer demand for Kubota’s popular sub-compact tractors, turf products and utility vehicles.”

The expansion is expected to begin in September 2015 with a target production date of spring 2017.  The facility will produce Kubota’s RTV series utility vehicles, with a capacity to manufacture 50,000 units each year.

St. Louis Fed: Farm Income, Land Values Down

John DavisAgribusiness, farm land, Land

stlfedresA new report says farm incomes and land values continue their downward slide in the Midwest and Mid-South, and those trends are expected to continue. In its first quarter of 2015 survey, the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis blames the slump on declining grain prices worldwide.

Bankers noted a continued decline in farm income compared with the same period a year earlier. Based on a diffusion index methodology with a base of 100 (results above 100 indicate proportionately higher income compared with the same quarter a year earlier; results lower than 100 indicate lower income), the farm income index value was 49 for the first quarter.

This was the third consecutive quarter that this value fell below 100, and represented the lowest level since the survey began in the summer of 2012. Looking ahead, a large percentage of bankers expect further declines in the second quarter.

Corresponding with the decline in farm income, household expenditures and capital spending also fell during the first quarter.

“Lower grain prices are finally changing the psychological mindset for producers,” a Missouri banker noted. “Most producers are not able to lower operating expenses significantly and are looking at troublesome cash-flow projections. Grain prices will likely remain in this price range for several years and will have a huge impact on lenders.”

Farmland values dropped an average of 2.5 percent during the same period compared to a year earlier. This was the largest quarterly percentage decline since the survey began in the summer of 2012. The value of ranch or pastureland declined 1.6 percent, but unlike farmland prices, ranch or pastureland values are expected to rise.

USDA Debuts ‘Hope in Healthy Soil’ Ad

John DavisAgribusiness, NRCS, Soil, USDA, Video

A new 90-second ad on YouTube looks to bring new respect and admiration for the soil beneath our feet. As part of its “Unlock the Secrets in the Soil” campaign, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has released a new, 90-second public service announcement that encapsulates “The hope in healthy soil.”


According to Ron Nichols, the campaign’s communications coordinator, the benefits of soil health are numerous, both on and off the farm.

“By farming using soil health principles and practices like no-till, cover cropping and diverse rotations, farmers are actually increasing organic matter in their soil, increasing microbial activity, sequestering more carbon, improving wildlife and pollinator habitat—all while harvesting better profits and often better yields,” Nichols said. “Off the farm, these practices are improving water and air quality, too.”

The ad, is part of an on-going awareness and education campaign designed to help farmers, landowners and consumers understand the basics and benefits of soil health. Ultimately, the goal of the agency’s campaign is to increase the adoption of soil health-promoting systems on the nation’s farm and ranches.

Fifteen-second and 30-second versions of the ads are being sent to television stations throughout the country later this summer.

High Def Corn Planting

Cindy ZimmermanAerial Imagery, Corn, Planting, UAS, UAV, Video

Via Twitter alert from Robert Frye comes, “Iowa Corn Planting In High Definition.” Robert is obviously a drone pro judging by how he commanded his quad copter to take this gorgeous video. He published it on May 11, 2015.

Here’s how he described it on YouTube:

A “birds-eye-view” of Jim, Matt and Jay’s 2015 corn planting.
Please watch on full screen in full HD.
Please read music credit below.
The music selection title is metaphorical by design.
This video was shot on April 30th and May1st.
Thanks to Jim, Matt and Jay for allowing me to document their planting.
I hope this was not much of an inconvenience for them.
Flown with a DJI Inspire-1 and its 4K camera.
Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro 2014 CC

Music Credit:
Composer: Hans Zimmer
Selection: “In The Beginning”

Watch and enjoy.


Real-Time Data Solutions Maximize Productivity

Kelly MarshallAgribusiness, Corn, Dupont Pioneer, Fertilizer, Scouting, Soybeans

Dupont PioneerEncirca services from DuPont Pioneer are helping growers manage risks as they plant their 2015 crops.  With corn and soybean reported plantings running ahead of average, growers are able to use Encira services to make adjustments accordingly, making better decisions about things like seed and nitrogen fertilizer. Also provided is Encirca View, which allows farmers a way to record, organize and share scouting notes.

“The warmer spring and pockets of heavy rain throughout the country are exactly the types of weather anomalies that Encirca℠ services can help growers navigate,” said Joe Foresman, director of Encirca℠ services Marketing and Product Development. “Encirca℠ services are delivered through a trusted local advisor who helps growers evaluate their planting and nutrient management plans – taking into account weather, soil types, land topography and historical trends – in order to maximize operational efficiency and grower profitability at the end of the season.”

Launched earlier this year, Encirca℠ Yield Stand helps growers tailor corn and soybean planting prescriptions to unique areas of each field, while also providing risk analysis and planting priority tools to help growers make real-time adjustments if weather or other factors interfere with spring planting. The Encirca℠ Yield Nitrogen Management Service works together with Encirca℠ Yield Stand to help growers differentially manage acres at a sub-field level or decision zone to improve productivity and control costs by applying varied rates of nitrogen fertilizer (N).

“More growers are getting first-hand experience with the value of our real-time, data-driven management services,” said Foresman. “We’ve seen strong adoption of our Encirca℠ Yield and Encirca℠ View platforms and look forward to expanding with additional services that help growers improve input management and work through production challenges in real-time, on every acre.”

ASTA Plays Part in Pollinator Plan

Cindy ZimmermanASTA, Audio, Bees, pollinators

asta-logoThis week, the Task Force released its strategy, under the joint leadership of EPA and USDA and agriculture industry reaction to the plan has been very positive overall.

Andy LaVigne with the American Seed Trade Association says the industry had a seat at the table in developing the strategy. “We were part of the original program pulled together at the White House that was held about a year ago now,” said LaVigne.

Part of the strategy involves an EPA review of products used in agricultural production that could impact honey bees, including the neonicotinoid class of pesticides, and LaVigne says the industry is taking an active role there as well. “Our main focus is that EPA needs to look at this from a scientific standpoint,” he said.

The pollinator strategy highlighted the industry’s seed treatment stewardship program as an example of working with the public sector to mitigate pollinator exposure to agricultural chemicals. “What they were pleased with is that we took that initiative to raise awareness within the agriculture community on how farmers can be aware of pollinators in the area when they’re planting and make sure there aren’t any adverse affects from dust or anything,” said LaVigne.

In this interview, Andy also talks about the upcoming 132nd ASTA Annual Convention in Washington DC, June 17-20, where pollinator health will be one of many topics on the agenda. [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/asta/asta-andy.mp3″ text=”Interview with Andy LaVigne, American Seed Trade Association”]

Conservation Compliance Deadline June 1

John DavisAgribusiness, Conservation, Farm Bill, USDA

usda-logoFarmers are being reminded the deadline is near to certify their conservation compliance. This news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the new Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA Service Center by June 1, 2015, in order to remain eligible or to become eligible for crop insurance premium support.

Many farmers already have a certification form on file since it’s required for participation in most USDA programs including marketing assistance loans, farm storage facility loans and disaster assistance. However, farmers who only participate in the federal crop insurance program must now file a certification form to receive crop insurance premium support. These producers might include specialty crop farmers who may not participate in other USDA programs.

“USDA is making every effort possible to get the word out about this new Farm Bill provision,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “We’ve deployed a variety of informational documents and online resources including fact sheets, frequently asked questions and brochures to help farmers understand what they need to do. We’ve also conducted informational meetings and training sessions for nearly 6,000 stakeholders across the country. We want to make sure that those who are required to act do so by the June 1 deadline. We want all eligible producers to be able to maintain their ability to protect their operations with affordable crop insurance.”

If a good faith error and omission is made on certification forms, that can be corrected. But the deadline cannot be waived or extended and a form must be filed by June 1.

California Farmer Honored for Blackbird Protection

Kelly MarshallAg Group, Conservation, Dairy, environment

blackbirdA dairy farmer from Tipton, California was recognized for his efforts to protect the Tricolored Blackbird in his state.  

Frank Mendonsa is the President of Western United Dairymen and the owner of the silage fields that became a temporary nesting grounds for the emergency-listed birds.  Mendonsa delayed his harvest to allow the birds to raise their young. “When the birds first appeared on my property this spring, I didn’t know what kind they were,” said Mendonsa. “Once it was pointed out to me how few of these birds are left in the world and how many were on my property, I was very moved. I could see how much they needed my help and protection to build back their populations, so I have taken it upon myself to ensure their safety on this farm.”

Conservation partners working with Mendonsa to find win-win solutions for farmers and the imperiled birds include Audubon California, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), California Farm Bureau, Dairy Cares, Sustainable Conservation, and Western United Dairymen.

Entering its third year, NRCS and Audubon California have helped farmers who have Tricolored Blackbirds nesting in their fields by providing incentive payments to delay harvest until the young birds have fledged. Over the past three years, farmers’ participation in this initiative has resulted in nesting success for tens of thousands of birds. Currently, there are five contracts with dairy farmers that have nesting colonies in their fields.

 

Craft Beer Results Are In

Jamie JohansenZimmPoll

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What is your favorite type of craft beer?”

We have a very wide array of results from out most recent ZimmPoll. It is clear all these craft brews are needed to satisfy all our taste buds. Wheat topped our poll, but after attending the recent Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fest, I’m a big fan of a Kolsch. The 2nd annual event brought in over 4,000 attendees tasting 180 different beers from 51 breweries. 350 beers entered the Alltech Commonwealth Cup competition, but there was only one winner. Batch 100, a Belgian-style ale filtered, tank conditioned and made with candy sugar from The Dayton Beer Company of Dayton, Ohio took home the 2015 trophy.

alltech-brewsHere are the poll results:

  • IPA – 12%
  • Amber Ale – 15%
  • Stout – 9%
  • Porter – 4%
  • Barley Wine – 2%
  • Brown Ale – 0%
  • American Pale Ale – 3%
  • Wheat – 18%
  • Belgium – 3%
  • Bourbon Barrel Ale – 4%
  • Bock – 5%
  • Kolsch – 0%
  • Irish Red Ale – 2%
  • All of the above – 9%
  • Other – 14%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What should Congress do about COOL?

Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) has been a hot topic in ag circles for quite some time, but this week especially. The House Agriculture Committee approved legislation to effectively repeal country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for beef, pork, and chicken. Now it is time for Congress to decide the fate of COOL. Where do you stand on this issue?