Precision | Page 386 | News and reviews from the precision agriculture industry

AgGateway Digging into Data Sharing with SPADE

Cindy ZimmermanAugust 11, 2014Ag Leader, Audio, Data, Industry News, InfoAg, John Deere, MapShots

Many booths at the recent InfoAg Conference sported this little sign: AgGateway – SPADE Participant.

We caught up with AgGateway Standards Director Jim Wilson at the John Deere booth to learn more about the SPADE project. “SPADE stands for Standardized Precision Ag Data Exchange,” Wilson explained. As a non-profit industry consortium, AgGateway is facilitating the project which will ultimately benefit growers by better integration of farm equipment with farm management information systems. “It’s about bringing, at this point, over 30 companies together to talk about their field operations processes, the data that flows to support those processes, what the data requirements are per message, and how those requirements map to existing standards or where we might need to create new standards.”

Among the SPADE project members are John Deere, Ag Leader and MapShots. Learn more about the project on the AgGateway website and in this interview with Jim: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/infoag/infoag-14-deere-aggateway-wilson.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jim Wilson, AgGateway”]

InfoAg 2014 Photo Album

Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by

2014 Pre-Harvest Prep

Melissa SandfortAugust 8, 2014Ag Leader, Insights Weekly

It wasn’t long ago the focus was on getting the crops planted, fertilized, and sprayed. Hopefully the hard work is paying off and yields are looking good for the fall. With cost of inputs remaining high and a dip in most crop prices, it is very crucial to know what practices were successful and which did not have a good return on investment. Most growers that have diverse operations are curious on where the best yields are so they can know which seed, chemicals, and fertilizers worked best for their operation. By having the Ag Leader yield monitoring systems calibrated and ready for fall, growers will be able to know which practices made the most money.

For some, fall might seem too far away to think about but it will be here sooner than you know. We all know how busy fall can be while trying to get into the fields, so Ag Leader recommends taking a few simple steps before the busy season arrives to prepare for harvest.

Nick Hageman, Ag Leader Hardware Technical Support Representative, briefly explains how to proceed with taking care of the first six steps on the pre-harvest prep check list.

[wpaudio url=”http://precision.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/08/NickFirst6Steps.mp3″ text=”Listen to Hageman explain”]

Hageman explains what needs to be done by way of calibrations.

[wpaudio url=”http://precision.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2014/08/NickCalibration.mp3″ text=”Listen to Hageman explain”]

All told, these 10 steps should be able to be completed in three to four hours. Once completed, your combine should be prepared for harvest. Remember, after beginning harvest, weight and moisture calibration still needs to be done. These are two very important calibrations. Once all the calibrations are complete, the system will be very accurate.

We hope that your hard work and time will be rewarding this harvest season! Remember, if you have any questions you can contact Ag Leader Technical Support at 515-232-5363.

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

New USDA Conservation Program Receives Nearly 600 Proposals

Jamie JohansenAugust 8, 2014Ag Group, Farm Bill, Government, USDA

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that USDA’s new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), which brings together businesses, tribes, communities and other non-government partners to invest in conservation efforts, has drawn an overwhelming response from partners across the nation. Nearly 5,000 organizations partnered together to submit nearly 600 pre-proposals by the July deadline.

“This program is an entirely new approach to conservation,” Secretary Vilsack said. “By establishing new public-private partnerships, we can have an impact that’s well beyond what the Federal government could accomplish on its own. And we put our partners in the driver’s seat, allowing them to find creative solutions to the conservation issues in their local areas. The overwhelming response to this new effort illustrates an eagerness across country to partner and invest in innovative conservation projects.”

The RCPP is a way for private companies, tribes, local communities and non-government partners to collaborate and invest in cleaner water and air, healthier soil and enhanced wildlife habitat. It will allow USDA to partner with third parties or work directly with producers in watersheds and other critical conservation areas to leverage private sector funding to maximize conservation investments.

USDA has invested more than $12.5 billion in Farm Bill conservation programs since 2009. RCCP is also one way that the Obama Administration’s National Drought Resilience Partnership can support state, local and tribal efforts to plan and manage for long term drought resilience.

Precision Part of Michigan Ag Water Quality Strategy

Cindy ZimmermanAugust 7, 2014Ag Group, Audio, Nutrient Management, water

Michigan agricultural leaders held a conference call Thursday morning to discuss algae bloom issues and proactive water quality efforts being undertaken by producers in the state.

“Michigan agriculture is proactive and part of the solution when it comes to water quality issues in the Western Basin of Lake Erie and surrounding areas,” said Jim Byrum, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, who announced two new efforts which represent first steps in a long-term effort to ensure Michigan’s continued leadership on water quality issues. MABA will host three precision agriculture demonstrations this month for members of the media to learn more about advanced agriculture technology and water quality and will convene a special forum next week to engage fertilizer industry leaders on key issues, including water quality in the Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Jim Zook, executive director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association, discussed the role that technology plays in providing solutions to water issues. In particular, Michigan is a leader in the use of precision agriculture technology, which helps producers optimize fertilizer use.

“Even just a few years ago, the technology just wasn’t where it is today,” said Zook. “Growers didn’t have the precision agriculture tools that are in use across the state to pinpoint fertilizer applications. Michigan’s corn producers have embraced new technology, and they’re using it to be part of the solution on water quality issues.”

Also on the call were Michigan Milk Producers Association president Ken Nobis, Michigan Pork Producers executive director Mary Kelpinski, and Dr. Tim Boring, research director for the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.

Listen to the conference call here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/ag-group/mich-agbiz-call.mp3″ text=”Michigan Agriculture Groups Discuss Water Quality”]

Data Management and MyJohnDeere

Cindy ZimmermanAugust 7, 2014Audio, Data, InfoAg, John Deere

Big Data is the buzz word in the precision farming world these days and managing that data is all important.

Laura Donaldson with John Deere‘s Intelligent Solutions Group says they have a set of data principles to guide them in the data management space. “Those data principles are value, transparency and control, and those three words tie directly in to our core values for the company,” said Donaldson. Take value, for example. “We know that customers’ data has value but if they choose to share it, we believe that value can grow,” she explained. “If they share it on the MyJohnDeere platform, they’ll be able to access it much easier and share it with their trusted advisors and partners to tie that value back in.” [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/infoag/infoag-14-deere-donaldson.mp3″ text=”Interview with Laura Donaldson, John Deere”]

Talking with attendees at the recent InfoAg Conference, MyJohnDeere product manager Tyler Hogrefe explained more about the comprehensive information platform introduced in 2012 and what’s new. “In February we launched the first iteration of the operations center where we have an agronomic tool,” said Hogrefe. “This is our next step into a more low level evaluation of agronomic and machine data all in one place in one easy to use website.”

Hogrefe says keys for the operations center is being secure, open, accessible, and insightful, and a user can adapt the system for their needs from the simplest to the most advanced.

Learn more in this interview: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/infoag/infoag-14-deere-hogrefe.mp3″ text=”Interview with Tyler Hogrefe, John Deere”]

InfoAg 2014 Photo Album

Coverage of the InfoAg Conference is sponsored by

Getting Farm News You Can Use

Jamie JohansenAugust 7, 2014ZimmPoll

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “I prefer to get my farm news from:”

I am sure many of the younger generation feel real magazines and radio are a little out dated, but it is clear that they still serve a purpose when it comes to getting news that is relevant to our industry. Computers seem to easily take the the lead when it comes to a resource for farm news. Do you think we will see the day when computers seem dated? I might still be considered the ‘younger generation’ but I would rather listen to the radio any day.

Here are the poll results:

Magazine – 14%
Mobile Phone – 24%
Radio – 15%
Tablet – 10%
Computer – 34%
Other – 3%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, What’s your favorite way to eat peanut butter?

Peanut butter is quite diverse making it a staple in many households. I personally prefer a peanut butter cookie over anything else. Chuck and Cindy have covered the Southern Peanut Growers Conference for seven years. The three-day event provides farmers an opportunity to learn more about the industry and important issues. You can check out photos and audio from this years event here.

John Deere’s New Certified Pre-Owned Equipment Program

Jamie JohansenAugust 6, 2014Equipment, John Deere

John Deere introduces a new Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Equipment Program to assist customers looking for field-ready used machines with the latest technology to increase overall productivity for their farm or business operation.

“Some customers have not upgraded their machinery fleet in a few years and the Certified Pre-Owned Equipment Program will allow them to trade up to later model machines with new technology,” says Bill Weber, division manager, remarketing, John Deere. “Typically, these machines have better fuel economy, comfort, convenience, and the latest technology to provide exceptional value to customers wanting to enhance and improve their overall equipment line-up.”

Every Certified Pre-Owned tractor or combine is covered by a comprehensive PowerGard™ Protection Plan that provides extra value and cost-of-ownership effectiveness. All main components are covered including engine, transmission, final drives, hubs, steering components, electronics, hydraulics, cab, and air conditioning. There are some deductibles and John Deere dealers will have more detailed information about the PowerGard coverages.

“No one else offers a low-hour used machine that’s been field tested, inspected and certified on over 170 points for tractors and 200 points on combines,” says Weber. “Plus, customers will have the peace of mind to know that these machines are covered with one year of PowerGard protection.”

All Certified Pre-Owned machines will also receive a free one-year subscription to JDLink™ which monitors machinery location and performance, tracks fuel usage, and manages and protects equipment from a laptop, desktop, or mobile device.

“This is the ideal time for customers to consider purchasing a used, late model, combine or tractor,” emphasizes Weber. “There has never been a better selection of equipment, backed by an industry-leading protection plan, and fully outfitted with the latest technology to add comfort, convenience, and efficiency.”

Ag Leader Announces OnTrac3™ Assisted Steering System

Jamie JohansenAugust 6, 2014Ag Leader, Agribusiness, technology

Ag Leader Technology introduced its latest assisted steering system: OnTrac3. The newly designed OnTrac3 represents the next generation of the company’s assisted steering system and features a number of improvements to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU)and the Mechanical Drive Unit (MDU). A key update to Ag Leader’s assisted steering platform is the addition of an auto-calibration procedure. Through auto-calibration, OnTrac3 provides a simple and streamlined approach to vehicle tuning and calibration.

“With OnTrac3, users will see benefits from the upgrades within the ECU,” says Matt Pifkin, Steering Product Specialist. “Steering performance is better than ever with the implementation of nine-axis terrain compensation and an internal compass, both of which are new additions to Ag Leader’s assisted steering products.”

OnTrac3 also offers updates in the new Mechanical Drive Unit. “Building on the improvements to the ECU, we’ve implemented upgrades into the new MDU,” continues Pifkin. “The brushless, clutchless motor offers more torque for increased power and quicker response for faster steering, as well as quieter operation.” Additionally, added operator convenience comes in the form of LED diagnostic lights integrated into the MDU for at-a-glance system monitoring.

“We’ve taken what was a great product, in the OnTrac2+™, and improved it in virtually every way it operates,” concludes Pifkin. “OnTrac3 is really a great step forward for customers seeking an assisted steering system.”

OnTrac3 is available for order beginning August 4, 2014.

More Profits for Strawberry Growers

Jamie JohansenAugust 5, 2014Ag Group, climate, Fruit, Research

A University of Florida-developed web tool can bring growers $1.7 million more in net profits over 10 years than a calendar-based fungicide system because it guides growers to spray their crop at optimal times, a new UF study shows.

The Strawberry Advisory System, devised by an Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researcher, takes data such as temperature and leaf wetness and tells growers when to spray fungicide to ward off diseases.

Before the system was developed, strawberry farmers traditionally sprayed weekly during the November-to-March growing season. Spraying more often than is needed wastes money and can lead to fungicide resistance, said Natalia Peres, associate professor in plant pathology, who led the system’s development.

“The study will help additional producers to realize the benefits,” Tatiana Borisova, an assistant professor in UF/IFAS food and resource economics department, said. “Increased adoption of this system can increase the profitability of the strawberry industry in Florida, and it will help producers to stay competitive in the market.”

Ekaterina Vorotnikova, a doctoral student in food and resource economics, worked on the study to identify how much the web tool could increase profits and yield by reducing spraying for anthracnose and botrytis, two of the crop’s deadliest diseases.

“Given that world strawberry production was worth about $4.3 billion in 2013, the development and adoption of expert systems for small fruit production operations can benefit millions of farmers worldwide,” Vorotnikova said.

In 2012 and 2013, a UF/IFAS survey found 96 percent of Florida’s strawberry producers said botrytis attacks their crop. Half said they get anthracnose every three to four years, while 40 percent said they get it every year. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they subscribe to text or e-mail alerts about anthracnose and botrytis risk levels from the system, Borisova said.

Big Smart New Holland CR10.90 Combine

Chuck ZimmermanAugust 5, 2014Agribusiness, Audio, Harvesting, New Holland, Video

Introducing the first and only New Holland CR10.90 combine in North America. For the moment anyway. This bad boy will be on display at shows like Farm Progress. It is a monster of a machine. This one was on display for ag media last week with a draper head.

Telling us all about it is Nigel Mackenzie and he gets very whomped up when it comes to these machines. I put ZimmGlass through a workout during last week’s New Holland Media Day. This was my first video of the day and I’ve got more to come, including riding around a track in a new combine. I recently spoke to Nigel about the combine launch by phone. The media day gave me an opportunity to see it up close and personal. Here’s a little information about the new products.

New Holland has just upped the stakes for harvesting ease and capacity with the all-new CR Series combines—the most powerful Twin Rotor™ combines ever. Six models range from 401 to 652 maximum engine horsepower. All feature fuel-efficient ECOBlue™ HI-eSCR engines which are Tier 4B compliant. The flagship CR10.90 boasts the Diesel Engine of the Year 2014 which delivers epic power and in-field response. The new Dynamic Feed Roll™ system—the on-the-go, no-interruption stone trap—increases capacity by accelerating crop into the rotors.

To learn more about the new CR combines, especially the CR10.90 listen in or watch Nigel tell us all about it.

Listen to Nigel’s presentation here: [wpaudio url=”http://www.zimmcomm.biz/new-holland/nh-product-14-cr1090.mp3″ text=”New Holland CR10.90″]

2014 New Holland Media Day Photo Album

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