TeeJet Introduces New Guidance System and Receiver

John DavisAgribusiness, Spraying, technology

Matrix_430_1Application technology company TeeJet Technologies has introduced a new GNSS guidance system and dual frequency receiver to its product lineup.

The new Matrix 430 is an easy-to-use and low cost GNSS guidance system. The compact unit features a graphical, touchscreen user interface that allows for fast setup and intuitive operation. The system is ideal for a wide range of field applications including spraying, spreading, tillage and solid seeding.

Features include a high-contrast, full-color display for excellent visibility, even in bright light conditions. return-to-point, coverage mapping, field area measurement, applied area alert, elapsed time counter, simple job reporting, and a choice of four guidance modes.

“The Matrix 430 builds upon our highly successful and proven CenterLine 220 guidance product while providing an enhanced user interface and expanded capabilities,” notes Tim Stuenkel, Global Marketing Manager with TeeJet Technologies. “This product is designed for the grower who wants a simple, affordable guidance system – whether they are a first time buyer or experienced user of GNSS guidance products.”

The new RX520 dual frequency GNSS receiver from TeeJet Technologies features an integrated L1/L2 GPS+GLONASS receiver and antenna in a single compact enclosure. Integral magnetic mounting allows for a clean, low-profile installation.

All RX520 receivers include ClearPath technology which ensures smooth, consistent position data even if brief signal losses occur.

“This is a very versatile receiver that is compatible with TeeJet and many third-party guidance and auto steer products” notes Tim Stuenkel, Global Marketing Manager with TeeJet Technologies. “Another great feature is the ability to pay for only the accuracy you need today, with the flexibility to upgrade to higher performance down the road as your needs change.”

TeeJet Technologies manufactures a comprehensive line of products including agricultural spray nozzles for various pesticide/fertilizer applications, boom components, valves/manifolds, strainers, and spray guns, as well as GPS guidance systems, sprayer control systems, ISOBUS job computers, assisted steering systems and other precision farming products.

Late Governor’s Daughter at NFMS Celebration

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, NFMS

nfms15-clippingShe was just a little girl 50 years ago, but Linda Breathitt knows how much it meant to her father Governor Ned Breathitt to kick off what has now become the largest indoor farm show in the country.

“It was important to my dad as he knew how important agriculture is to the economy of our state,” said Linda Breathitt, who took part in a ceremony Wednesday marking the 50th anniversary of the National Farm Machinery Show.

nfms15-lindaBreathitt was the 51st Governor of Kentucky, serving from 1963 to 1967. “His comment 50 years ago was that this (NFMS) has tremendous potential,” said his daughter. “I don’t think he would believe how it’s grown to take up the whole fairgrounds. He would be thrilled.”

Listen to an interview with Linda after Wednesday’s ribbon cutting here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/nfms/nfms15-breathitt.mp3″ text=”Linda Breathitt, daughter of late Kentucky Gov. Ned Breathitt”]

2015 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by John Deere

Deere Introduces Smaller Self-Propelled Sprayer

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, John Deere, National Farm Machinery Show, Spraying

nfms15-deere-sprayerAt the National Farm Machinery Show this week, John Deere announced the introduction of the new R4023 Self-Propelled Sprayer – smaller, more nimble, and ideal for producers with smaller, irregular-shaped fields.

Dave Mulder, product line manager for John Deere application equipment, says the new R4023, which replaces the 4630 model, features a 4.5L, 173 horsepower Final Tier 4 engine, new premium cab option, wide and narrow axle configurations and the latest integrated technology.

“It’s really just a smaller, lighter weight machine that can get in and out of those small fields quick and easy,” said Mulder, who adds that growers are especially interested in the comfort cab options. “We added a Soft Shock option as well as a nice premium cab so they can be just like sitting in their living room and be comfortable operating those machines all day long.”

Learn more about the new R4023 sprayer in this interview with Dave: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/nfms/nfms15-deere-sprayer.mp3″ text=”Interview with Dave Mulder, John Deere”]

2015 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

The official show hashtag is #NFMS15.

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by John Deere

50th NFMS is Underway

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Equipment, NFMS, Video

nfms15-ribbonThe ribbon and the cake have been cut and the 50th National Farm Machinery Show is officially underway.

Joining officials from the Kentucky State Fair Board to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country’s largest indoor farm show were Kentucky Lt. Governor Crit Luallen, and the daughter of former governor Ned Breathitt who cut the ribbon to begin the first NFMS in 1966. Some of the 50 original exhibitors who were there at that first show were also recognized during the ribbon cutting.

Listen to comments from the ribbon cutters here and watch the video below:[wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/nfms/nfms15-ribbon-cut.mp3″ text=”50th NFMS Ribbon Cutting”]


2015 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

The official show hashtag is #NFMS15.

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by John Deere

Kinze Presents Kinze Cash™ Planter Sales Event

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Equipment, Kinze, Planting

Screen Shot 2015-02-11 at 7.48.14 AMKinze® Manufacturing, Inc. announced Kinze Cash™ Planter Sales Event, giving farmers multiple ways to save on planter purchases. The sales event runs from February 9, 2015 to March 31, 2015 and offers farmers the following savings options:

– 0% interest for 36 months and up to $12,500 cash rebate (based on planter model and model year)
– Up to $25,000 cash rebate (based on planter model and model year)
– Comparable lease option

“Kinze is committed to being the ‘First Choice of Farmers, Dealers and Employees,’ said Susanne Veatch, Kinze’s vice president and chief marketing officer. “Low grain prices and lack of bonus depreciation have led to high levels of dealer inventory. Kinze is doing its part in helping dealers get farmers the equipment they need.”

Sales options vary based on planter model and are limited while supplies last. Certain restrictions apply.

Data Is Available & It Is Accurate

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Audio, Crop Insurance, Data

cirb-15-deb-casurellaDuring the 2015 annual meeting for the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, a panel was formed to talked about the impact of big data on crop insurance. One of those panelist was Deb Casurella with MyAgData and Chuck caught up with her as she shared her insights into this rapidly evolving industry.

“We take data from the tractor and tie it to a crop insurance policy and the land to allow a crop insurance agent or producer to have an accurate acreage report for USDA program participation.”

Deb said they are in the early stages of using the data so early adoption is small, but once farmers see the results they expect it to takeoff similar to the technology of auto steering. “People will understand that it’s accurate, it’s audible, it can stand up in compliance review and they are going to want to use the data that is collected on the farm.”

She also added that she believes that the farm technology is ahead of where the USDA is. Data privacy was also discussed along with how adaptable their system is when it comes to the color or type of equipment the farmer is using. Listen to those topics and more in Chuck’s complete interview with Deb here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/cirb/cirb-15-deb-data.mp3″ text=”Interview with Deb Casurella, MyAgData”]

2015 Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting Photo Album

Coverage of the Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting is sponsored by
Coverage of the Crop Insurance & Reinsurance Bureau Annual Meeting is sponsored by RCIS

Syngenta Drive to Thrive Contest

John DavisAgribusiness, Syngenta

syngentaA new contest announced by a leading plant science company is designed to reward individuals and farming communities. Syngenta says its Drive to Thrive contest is now open and asks growers and other industry professionals to describe how agriculture makes their communities thrive. The 10 best entries will each receive a mini touch-screen tablet and leather case, with one grand prizewinner receiving a $500 gas card and a $1,000 Syngenta donation in his or her name to a local charity or civic organization.

“Agriculture is the engine that drives so many communities across the U.S. to succeed,” said Wendell Calhoun, communications manager at Syngenta. “The Drive to Thrive contest gives us a chance to reward and recognize a few individuals whose talents and hard work make U.S. agriculture the leader in feeding, fueling and clothing the world.”

The process to participate is simple:

Click on the easy-to-use online entry form.
In about 200 words, describe how agriculture makes your community thrive.
Then, upload a photograph or video that visually supports your written entry.

The deadline for entering is June 1, 2015, and 10 finalists will be chosen. Syngenta will then post all finalists’ entries on the Thrive website and ask visitors to help choose the grand prizewinner by voting for their favorite. These votes, along with the judges’ scores, will determine the winner. Online voting ends Sept. 1, 2015, with Syngenta announcing the grand prizewinner in October.

USDA Scientists Develop Higher Yielding Sorghum

John DavisAgribusiness, Sorghum, USDA

sorghumResearchers for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have developed a new variety of sorghum that produces more seeds than conventional varieties. This article from USDA says ARS molecular biologist Zhanguo Xin and plant geneticist Gloria Burow at the Plant Stress and Germplasm Research Unit, along with lab director and research leader John Burke, at the ARS Cropping Systems Research Laboratory in Lubbock, Texas, developed a mutant sorghum plant that produces 30 to 40 percent more seeds.

The researchers developed the higher yielding sorghum by taking advantage of a plant part called a “spikelet.” A spikelet is a cluster of florets within the panicle, a type of flower cluster found in some other grasses, such as millet or rye. Sorghum produces two types of spikelets: the sessile spikelets and the pedicellate spikelets. Normally, only the sessile spikelets are fertile, but the ARS scientists developed a sorghum plant that produces seeds in both types of spikelets.

The team developed the productive sorghum line by inducing a mutation in sorghum plants that allowed infertile spikelets to grow and produce seed, according to Xin. An induced mutation is produced by treatment with a mutagen, like radiation or a chemical agent such as ethyl methane sulfonate. The mutation resulted in an overall increase in size and volume (length, width, and thickness) of the sorghum panicle.

The researchers say all of the spikelets of the new sorghum plant develop into flowers and produce mature seeds, significantly increasing seed production and yield in comparison to conventional sorghum. They also believe these mutants could be crossed with other, larger-seeded sorghum lines to improve overall yields.

Eco Agro Teams with Solvay, Ekompany to Expand Reach

John DavisAgribusiness

ecoagroFlorida-based specialty chemicals developer Eco Agro Resources has announced a pair of important partnerships aimed at expanding the company’s reach and make more products available to consumers. In one deal, Eco Agro Resources is partnering with Solvay Novecare to develop market and product portfolio opportunities in North and South America.

The partnership is part of larger discussions aimed at leveraging the companies’ combined enhanced efficiency fertilizer products (EEFs) for agricultural distributors and customers.

Andrew Semple, CEO of Eco Agro Resources, sees the partnership as a natural evolution of the business. “We’ve worked to identify and develop novel technologies to bring to the agricultural marketplace. To accomplish this takes the right people and relationships. Solvay Novecare’s culture, portfolio, and customer and market focus complements our own strategy and offerings.”

The other deal is a commercial agreement expanding its product range to include Ekote, a line of eco-friendly controlled-release fertilizers by Netherlands-based Ekompany.

Semple anticipates great demand for an alternative source of controlled release fertilizers in the North American markets especially when they are manufactured in a more sustainable fashion. Ekompany developed Ekote coated mineral fertilizers with an eco-friendly patented process. The process and the resulting enhanced efficiency fertilizer significantly reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions as compared to conventional processes and fertilizers. Sustainable organic polymers are used and harmful solvents are eliminated from the coating process. This new generation of controlled release fertilizer allows macro- and micro-nutrients as well as minerals to be delivered over a prescribed time period. By releasing just what the plant needs when it needs it, crop growth is maximized while minimizing environmental loss of nutrients.

50 Years of the National Farm Machinery Show

Cindy ZimmermanEquipment, NFMS

nfms-50The National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) will celebrate 50 years of farming this year, starting with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the show on Wednesday in Louisville.

Kentucky Lt. Governor Crit Luallen, and the daughter of former governor Ned Breathitt, Linda, will perform the ribbon cutting. Gov. Breathitt cut the ribbon to begin the first NFMS in 1966. Charter members who have exhibited at all shows will be honored during an exhibitor reception.

What is now the country’s largest indoor farm show grew out of an electricity demonstration and exhibit in Lexington in 1963. Still held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, this year’s show Feb. 11-14 will again feature the latest in farming technology and equipment from 860 exhibitors in over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. This year’s seminar topics include unmanned aerial vehicles, cloud-based data handling and weather and commodity trends.

And carrying on a 47 year tradition this week is the Championship Tractor Pull, sponsored by Syngenta, and held in conjunction with NFMS. Each year 500 teams apply to pull in the prestigious event and 180 are chosen to contend for $250,000 in prize money. This year’s teams include all reigning Grand Champions and a record number of women drivers.

We will be bringing you all the latest on what’s new here on Precision.AgWired.com, thanks to the generous sponsorship of John Deere. Hope to see you there!

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by
Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by John Deere