Corn Yield Contest Winner Keeps Pushing

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Commodity Classic, Corn

classic15-randyIt got a little repetitive at the Commodity Classic corn banquet announcing the national winners of the Corn Yield Contest when Randy Dowdy of Valdosta, Georgia won six of the 18 categories.

But Dowdy did make history last year with nearly 504 bushels per acre in his irrigated plot using DEKALB DKC 62-08, and he thinks he can do even more than that. “One of the cool things we saw after analyzing SMS yield monitor data, we saw areas in the field that were much higher than that,” he said. “There’s this theoretical promise that there’s 600-800 bushel corn available through genetics, obviously we can’t control weather, but there are a lot of things we can do.”

Dowdy is a first generation farmer and his advice to other corn growers is “learn the science behind it and just push, keep pushing and keep testing things.”

Listen to my interview with Randy here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic15-ncyc-dowdy.MP3″ text=”Interview with NCYC winner Randy Dowdy”]

2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of Commodity Classic is sponsored by
Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by John Deere Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by Propane Education and Research Council

Deere Smaller Self-Propelled Sprayer at #Classic15

Taylor TruckeyAudio, Commodity Classic, Equipment, John Deere

16642314056_09187509b1_mDoug Felter, with John Deere, was excited to chat about John Deere’s newer sprayer series, especially the newest model; the JD R4023. The R4023 was first released at National Farm Machinery Show. In the past two years, Deere’s entire sprayer line has been updated to the 4 series which offers expanded storage capacity along with a complete redesign on sprayer booms and nozzles. It seemed the most enticing aspects of the newly released R4023 were the smaller size that allows for producers to work in tighter fields with irregular boundaries, and the updated “creature comforts”. For Commodity Classic attendees who spend hours in a sprayer at a time, the updates in the cab are welcome!

“The premium cab package on the R4023 offers conveniences like an updated stereo system, bluetooth capabilities, and a heated, ventilated leather seat, which for those guys spraying 14-16 hours, they can do it in a lot more comfort”.

Another value-added aspect of the the new sprayers, when paired with the MyJohnDeere portal, is that it will only enhance grower relations with their trusted advisors.

“Producers who don’t do their own spraying can get their retailers connected to the MyJohnDeere portal, so producers can share harvest or other data with them for prescription purposes.” For more information, contact your local John Deere dealership.

[wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic15-deere-sprayer.mp3″ text=”Interview with Doug Felter, John Deere”]

2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Deere ExactEmerge Planter at #Classic15

Taylor TruckeyAudio, Commodity Classic, Equipment, John Deere, Planting

Kelby 2015 Commodity Classic attendees were able to learn more about John Deere’s ExactEmerge planter technology that was unveiled last year in Louisville. ExactEmerge controls the seed as it moves through the seed trench allowing producers to plant accurately at speeds up to 10mph. 36 ExactEmerge planters were tested on over 75,000 acres in 2014. I spoke with Kelby Krueger to learn more about what customers are saying about ExactEmerge.

Customers who tested the planter systems were at first unsure of increasing speeds, but as the results stayed consistent, they slowly worked their way up to 10mph. Kelby explained, “They can read all they want, but they won’t believe it until they see it with their own eyes.” He encourages producers to go see a planter with ExactEmerge in action.

Kelby also mentioned a recent Purdue Univ. study that showed when producers using ExactEmerge sped up from 5mph to 10mph, there was no change in spacing, emergence, or yield. Attendees at Commodity Classic were full of questions and excitement for ExactEmerge tech, and we’ll keep you on top of any updates as they are released.

Deere is actively producing machines for this year that are currently being delivered for the 2015 growing season. Deere isn’t slowing down with the 1775 & 1795; they are furthering the ExactEmerge line-up to include their DB lineup (60-90 ft equipment) for 2016, are unveiling a new, adjustable row-cleaner that can work with higher speeds, and are putting ExactEmerge on their 1725 CSS integral.

[wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic15-deere-krueger.mp3″ text=”Interview with Kelby Krueger, John Deere”]

2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Coverage of Commodity Classic is sponsored by
Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by John Deere Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by Propane Education and Research Council

Bayer Issues Forum Shows Evolution of Innovation

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Bayer CropScience

aif-15-kneenAgribusinesses are reaching more and more into the innovation realm to help farmers stay at the top of production and meet the needs of a growing world population. Some have even characterized the process as an “evolution of innovation.”

“The ag companies, and in particular, Bayer, have been very good at innovation in the past, and we’re very good at product development,” Jeff Kneen, R&D New Ventures Manager for Bayer CropScience, told Chuck during an interview at the company’s 10th annual Ag Issues Forum in Phoenix. “But the breadth and scope of innovation taking place today is beyond some of our core competencies. And we need to be know what’s going on out there, invest in them and have access to them in due course.”

Part of that process includes the indirect venture capital investments Bayer is making in the future of food production. Jeff said there are gaps in what Bayer knows that could be filled by some of these innovations, as well as some innovations adding to what the company knows. And Bayer is leaving no stone, including those in the digital realm, unturned, to make sure safe and affordable food is available.

“We don’t know everything that’s going on in agricultural innovation right now. We want to have a better understanding of that, because it will influence what we do in the future.”

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Jeff here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/bayer/aif-15-kneen.mp3″ text=”Jeff Kneen, R&D New Ventures Manager for, Bayer CropScience”]

2015 Ag Issues Forum Photo Album

New Holland’s Certified Pre-Owned Program

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Audio, Equipment, New Holland

certified-pre-ownedAnother announcement from New Holland Agriculture includes their new Certified Pre-Owned program. Chuck learned more about the program as he spoke with New Holland’s Dan Valen.

“The Certified Pre-Owned program for New Holland high horse powered tractors and combines will allow customers to own and operate machines which are late model years, 2010 and newer, that have gone through an extensive and comprehensive inspection process by New Holland dealers.”

Beyond the comprehensive equipment inspection, the program will include an extended powertrain warranty with $0 deductible, a $100 Reward Card for the purchase of genuine New Holland parts along with service and parts support from New Holland dealers.

The program has been piloted at New Holland dealers throughout North America to make sure the check lists were comprehensive enough and to identify the amount of time needed for these inspections. The pilot program also allowed leadership to make sure the right level of incentive programs were in place for the end customers.

Learn more about New Holland’s Certified Pre-Owned program in Chuck’s complete interview with Dan here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic-15-nh-valen.mp3″ text=”Interview with New Holland’s Dan Valen”]

Photos from the event can be found here: 2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Acadian Seaplants’ Toggle to Boost Corn, Soybean Yields

John DavisAgribusiness, Corn, Soybeans

togglelogoA new product from Acadian Seaplants is offering growers some help in mitigating stress on corn and soybeans. The company’s Toggle is increasing yields by 7.6 percent and 9.9 percent in corn and soybeans, respectively.

Toggle™, manufactured by Acadian Seaplants Limited, enhances root development, nutrient uptake, and increases stress resistance allowing crops to reach their full genetic yield potential. Through its complex array of active compounds, Toggle™ works at the cellular level to stimulate plant growth and development.

“With growers today needing to produce more with less, it is particularly important that they have access to new, scientifically-proven technologies that maximize yield and offer a competitive advantage,” says Jean-Paul Deveau, President of Acadian Seaplants. “We believe Toggle™ is leading the next generation of product solutions for the row crop market.”

As a complement to a complete grower program, Toggle™ offers growers versatility in application with the ability to apply in-furrow and in a foliar spray. Working synergistically with current fertility programs, Toggle™ improves the crop’s use of nutrients thereby making the best use of production inputs.

Canada-based Acadian Seaplants has been producing fully-integrated, bio-tech, premium agricultural products for more than 34 years. Other ag products from the company include Stella Maris®, Acadian® and Stimplex®, used as soil and foliar inputs on more than 70 crops in more than 80 countries.

Bayer’s Ayers to Head CTIC’s New Board of Directors

John DavisAg Group, Bayer CropScience, Conservation, CTIC

bayer-ayersBayer CropScience‘s Alan Ayers will head the new board of directors for the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). CTIC made the announcement, along with announcing Lara Moody of The Fertilizer Institute as vice-chair and Terry Tindall of the J.R. Simplot Company being named treasurer.

“It’s exciting to work with such a dedicated board to continue building CTIC as a preferred source of information on technologies that help keep farmers economically and environmentally sustainable,” says Ayers.

“The strength of this board comes from its members’ commitment to advocating for conservation agriculture, as well as their diversity,” he adds. “For more than 30 years, CTIC has brought together people from across the agriculture industry, academic institutions, environmental groups, media and government agencies to share information on productive, profitable conservation systems. This board will continue that proud legacy, building strong partnerships that help farmers and the environment.”
“Alan has been a dedicated and active member of the CTIC board for years, and will be an outstanding leader,” says Karen A. Scanlon, CTIC’s executive director. “He’s a great example of the dedicated, hard-working people who make CTIC such a wonderful and effective organization.”

In addition, Pauley Bradley of John Deere will be an officer on the CTIC board as a Past Chair.

Polaris RANGER Becomes Sponsor of ProRodeo

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Company Announcement, Equipment

polarisrangerPolaris® Industries Inc., the leading manufacturer of off-road vehicles and The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) announced a national partnership recognizing the industry-leading utility vehicle (UTV), Polaris RANGER, as the “Official UTV of the PRCA, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.”

“Given that the majority of our members and fans reside in rural America, this partnership is a perfect fit,” stated PRCA Commissioner Karl Stressman. “Polaris RANGER’s commitment to ProRodeo truly shows the marketing efficacy of this sport and we are proud to have them onboard.”

prcaThe newly-formed partnership includes Polaris RANGER joining the PRCA’s family of national sponsors and serving as the Official UTV of the PRCA, the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will be renamed the “Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER.” PRCA World Champions and all RNCFR champions, effective next month in Kissimmee, Fla., will each receive a Polaris RANGER, as well as both of the Remuda Award winners. The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund will also benefit with fundraising activities for these two entities.

“Polaris RANGER is excited to continue our support of the sport of rodeo,” said Beth Shimanski, marketing manager for Polaris. “ProRodeo participants are some of the most passionate and dedicated individuals, and this partnership lets us celebrate them and their fans. We look forward to an exciting rodeo season.”

Polaris RANGER provides the hardest-working, smoothest riding UTVs for uses ranging from farming and hunting, to recreational and off-road trips. The line-up consists of premium and value offerings with seating from two to six, in electric, gas and diesel power options to cater to a wide variety of consumer needs.

Read full release here.

New Holland Debuts Guardian™ Injection Toolbar

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Audio, Commodity Classic, Fertilizer, New Holland, Nitrogen

classic-15-jason-hardyNew Holland has introduced the Guardian™ Injection Toolbar to the Guardian self-propelled sprayer line. The new piece of equipment was on display at the 2015 Commodity Classic and Chuck stopped by to chat with New Holland’s Jason Hardy to learn more about it’s capabilities.

The Guardian™ Injection Toolbar applies the liquid fertilizer exactly where the crop needs it most. Farmers don’t have to worry about burning and can keep efficiency at their finger tips.

“It has been well received so far. We are getting a lot of interest and I think our customers and dealers are going to appreciate it’s ability to add a little more nitrogen when the crop needs it.”

The toolbar can be mounted on all Guardian Series front-boom sprayers equipped with the Quick-Attach system, which is available as a factory option or as a dealer-installed accessory. The Quick-Attach system allows the operator to quickly switch between the Guardian Injection Toolbar and the sprayer boom.

“This is the first time we have had the opportunity to show this with our customers. There will be a lot more information to follow so stay tuned because we are really excited about this new product launch.”

Jason said they hope to have the Guardian™ Injection Toolbar ready to sell in the marketplace in just a few months. Listen to Chuck’s complete interview with him to learn more: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/commodity-classic/classic-15-nh-hardy.mp3″ text=”Interview with New Holland’s Jason Hardy”]

Photos from the event can be found here: 2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

BASF Xanthion In-Furrow Info at #Classic15

John DavisAgribusiness, Audio, BASF, Commodity Classic, Corn, Crop Protection

classic15-basf-carenBASF Technical Marketing Manager Caren Schmidt had 10 minutes to tell the Commodity Classic attendees at a Mini WIN session last week about Xanthion™ In-furrow fungicide, which received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration in October in time for use on corn this season.

“Xanthion is our newest in-furrow fungicide for corn, and it’s the first in-furrow fungicide to combine a traditional, a chemical active ingredient, and a biological active ingredient,” she said during an interview with Cindy.

Caren said adding the biological broadens the spectrum and length of disease control, plus adds certain plant health benefits beyond disease control. She said growers have been really positive about this new fungicide.

“It’s all about getting the corn crop off to the best start possible, and growers are looking for any tool they can utilize for that,” Caren said.

Listen to all of Caren’s remarks here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/basf/classic15-basf-caren.mp3″ text=”Interview with Caren Schmidt, BASF”]

2015 Commodity Classic Photo Album

2015 BASF Science Behind Photos

Coverage of Commodity Classic is sponsored by
Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by John Deere Coverage of Commodity Classic sponsored by Propane Education and Research Council