Precision | Page 412 | News and reviews from the precision agriculture industry

BASF: Knowing the Enemy is Key in Weed War

Cindy ZimmermanApril 28, 2014BASF, Crop Protection, Scouting, Weed control

The first defense in the war against weeds is knowing the enemy, according to BASF Crop Protection.

A recent BASF survey found that 76 percent of growers have made changes to their weed management programs to address weed resistance and proper weed identification is fundamental to any effective control program.

“The first step in weed control is to know your enemy,” said Kevin Bradley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of plant sciences at the University of Missouri. “If you don’t know what you’re going after, you’re probably going to be behind from the very beginning.”

Often, the same weed species will show up in a field year after year, so it is important to know where problem weeds live.

“It’s about characterizing which part of your farm needs certain attention,” said Greg Armel, Technical Market Manager, BASF. “There’s an adage – every year you don’t control weeds, there will be seven more years of fighting that weed. The less you know about what you’re dealing with, the more that weed has a chance to get a foothold in your ground and prevent you from controlling it in an effective manner.”

Newly acquired land, or any major land management changes, requires special attention when scouting and identifying weeds.

Read more from BASF.

Utilizing UAV Imagery with SMS Advanced

Melissa SandfortApril 25, 2014Ag Leader, Insights Weekly

The production ag community has envisioned the many benefits of utilizing UAV technology since its inception. With many affordable solutions on the market today, ag professionals have begun offering services, and growers have realized the opportunity of using their own UAVs in their operations. While UAVs have become more affordable, often this technology has required the purchase of additional software programs to stitch, process and analyze captured imagery. While SMS doesn’t currently offer image stitching tools, the software is capable of processing and analyzing the raw NIR imagery.

SMS Advanced features an NDVI Analysis tool that allows customers the ability to convert captured NIR imagery into manageable spatial layers. Images captured from UAVs, planes and satellites can be converted into mappable NDVI and Crop Vigor values by simply identifying the near-infrared and visible red bands. In addition, the Equation Analysis in SMS Advanced has the ability to reference individual color bands and insert those values into a user-defined formula for creating a custom map. These new maps can then be used for identifying problem areas, generating prescriptions, creating management zones and further data analysis. To learn more and download a free trial version of the SMS Advanced software, please visit agleader.com. (Photo at left is Processed Image using SMS NDVI Analysis.)

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.

Simpler Pyrolysis Means On-Farm Fuel Production

John DavisApril 25, 2014Resources, USDA

U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers are getting closer to developing a system that will help farmers make their own energy on the farm or produce biofuels for commercial purposes. This article from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says scientists have found a way to simplify the pyrolysis processes for bio-oil.

These findings by ARS scientists Charles Mullen and Akwasi Boateng promote the USDA priority of finding new bioenergy sources.

Fast pyrolysis is the process of rapidly heating biomass from wood, plants and other carbon-based materials at high temperatures without oxygen. Using pyrolysis to break down tough feedstocks produces three things: biochar, a gas, and bio-oils that are refined to make “green” gasoline.

The bio-oils are high in oxygen, making them acidic and unstable, but the oxygen can be removed by adding catalysts during pyrolysis. Although this adds to production costs and complicates the process, the resulting bio-oil is more suitable for use in existing energy infrastructure systems as a “drop-in” transportation fuel that can be used as a substitute for conventional fuels.

The article goes on to point out that bio-oils made from oak and switchgrass by the new process had considerably higher energy content than those produced by conventional fast pyrolysis. Oak bio-oil’s energy content was about one-third higher and contained about two-thirds of the energy contained in gasoline. Switchgrass did even better with an energy content that was 42 percent higher, slightly less than three-fourths of the energy content of gasoline.

A Keyboard for Your iPhone 5

Chuck ZimmermanApril 24, 2014Gadgets

If you wanted one I hope you ordered it in time.

After several weeks of using my iPhone 5S with a Typo Keyboard I’m ready to let you know what I think. But first you need to know that sales of the device are on hold right now. I guess this is due to a lawsuit filed by Blackberry. Hope that gets worked out soon. Right now you can sign up to their mailing list which I assume means you’ll be notified if/when it goes on sale again.

I got a lot of response when I first did a post about the new keyboard case. Many people, like me, loved the keyboard on our old Blackberrys. This looked like it might be a great accessory for our iPhones. It is. But maybe it’s too much like the old Blackberry keyboard although it is not exactly the same.

So, let’s get started. A very important feature of the Typo is that it’s powered by its own battery. It doesn’t use the phone battery. The Typo battery lasts a long time before needing charging. I was able to go almost a week before needing to recharge the Typo.

With a little use I became comfortable holding the phone vertically and resting the little ledge on the back of the Typo on two fingers while I typed with my thumbs. The keys have curved ridges so that your thumb fits onto the key you want to press easily. They curve for each thumb with the change right down the middle of the keyboard. You also get a click sound that let’s you know you pressed the key cleanly. An unusual multiple click lets you know you pushed more than one key. Those sounds are very helpful.

The keyboard can be backlit by clicking on a little light bulb image/button. This works great and is extremely handy.

Since the Typo covers the iPhone home button it has a key dedicated to that purpose on the bottom right corner of the keyboard. Here’s where we run into a problem. When I place the phone/keyboard into my pocket I often bump that button. This turns the keyboard on immediately to the iPhone home screen without having to do a swipe. That’s not good and it is annoying. However, by creating a password for the iPhone the Typo doesn’t take you directly to the iPhone home screen accidentally. This is the main negative I have found.

Something else that I found out on my first flight though is that when you place the phone in airplane mode you’ve just turned off Bluetooth and the keyboard is no longer functional. So if you still want to use the iPhone in airplane mode you have to take the Typo off to do so. This is simple and easy but it is still something I ran into that confused me at first.

When you use the Typo with apps like Messages you get a lot more screen real estate to see since the virtual keyboard is not being used. But if you still want to use the virtual keyboard with the Typo attached you can.

The Typo allows you full access to the iPhone controls and jacks and feels very sturdy. It does add to the length of the phone but that did not bother me at all. It affords as much protection as the case I was using before getting the Typo.

That’s about it. I like it. I use it a lot and can even still one hand type on it if I need to.

Pros: Physical keyboard that I can type on faster with less mistakes. Battery lasts forever.
Cons: Keyboard home key too easy to press when not being used and in your pocket. Pricey. Not available for sale at the moment!

Is corn planting underway in your area?

Jamie JohansenApril 24, 2014ZimmPoll

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your favorite use for Easter eggs?”

Deviled eggs is a clear winner in last week’s ZimmPoll. Personally, it is my favorite way to eat boiled eggs too. This Easter I was reminded of my husband’s family tradition of egg tapping. Each person takes a dyed boiled egg and taps the pointed end of their egg with that of another person. The last person left with an egg that is still in tact is the winner. When there is a couple dozen kids running around, this keeps them occupied for awhile. The catch is if you want to play you had better like hard boiled eggs, because when you loose you must eat it.

Our poll results:

egg salad – 16%
deviled eggs – 37%
unpeeled & plain -21%
special recipes – 5%
not a boiled egg fan – 8%
only use plastic – 5%
for hunts – 8%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Is corn planting underway in your area?”

Farmers across the country are busy in the fields. For some, planting is well underway. For others Mother Nature hasn’t quite cooperated. Let us know where you are in your corn planting.

ZimmComm Team Looking for Summer Intern

Jamie JohansenApril 24, 2014Ag Group, Agribusiness, Education, Intern, ZimmComm

ZimmComm New Media is now taking applications for a summer intern. Students in the agricultural communications field interested in attending and learning how to “agri-blog” some of the most important industry events held every year should apply.

The opportunities will include all-expense paid trips to one or more industry events where students will assist in the compiling of photos, audio, video and posting of activities on pertinent websites. Interns will learn and develop communication tools, techniques and technology to gather and distribute information through various social media channels. Per-diem and college credits may also be available.

YES! I’m interested in learning how to do some agri-blogging. Apply here.

Improvements Tackled for Sorghum Genetics

Jamie JohansenApril 24, 2014Agribusiness, agronomy, Dupont Pioneer, Sorghum

DuPont Pioneer and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program today announced a collaboration to advance genetic tools and opportunities for grain sorghum, which was planted on just over 8 million acres in the United States in 2013. Under a three-year collaboration agreement, the Sorghum Checkoff will leverage the world-class seed technology program at Pioneer for a total investment of $800,220 from Pioneer starting in 2014.

The collaboration is a reflection of sorghum’s value to farmers and consumers alike. In 2013, U.S. grain sorghum generated $1.7 billion in farm receipts. Additionally, 136 million bushels of sorghum produced last year were exported, with nearly 90 percent of the grain going to China. Sorghum exports have contributed more than $800 million to the U.S. economy.

“This collaboration will help increase sorghum farmer productivity and profitability,” said Kay Porter, DuPont Pioneer senior research manager. “We believe this collaboration will lead to new innovations to develop stronger and higher yielding sorghum varieties.”

As part of the collaboration between DuPont Pioneer and the Sorghum Checkoff, three genetic-focused projects will include:

– A search for a haploid inducer line, the first step in the development of double haploid sorghum breeding programs. If successful, this development would lead to a major leap forward sorghum breeding speed.
– The development of a high throughput, precision screening method for stress-induced stalk lodging, which targets an important agronomic challenge for sorghum farmers; and
– The development of non- and low-tillering sorghum hybrids, which would allow sorghum farmers to leverage precision farming techniques.

The projects will utilize the Pioneer global research network, with research conducted in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and off-season nurseries in Puerto Rico and Mexico.

“I believe the collaboration between DuPont Pioneer and the Sorghum Checkoff illustrates the interest of seed technology providers and their commitment to grain sorghum,” said Stewart Weaver, Sorghum Checkoff chairman and grower from Edmondson, Ark. “The Sorghum Checkoff’s collaborative efforts with Pioneer marks a rejuvenated era in sorghum genetic research. Pioneer is a longstanding leader in sorghum research, and we are enthusiastic about what this opportunity means for U.S. sorghum farmers.”

Results and developments from the projects will be made available to the industry. The agreement with Pioneer is the Sorghum Checkoff’s third collaboration with the private seed industry.

Sorghum offers growers a sound, water-efficient rotational crop while providing end-users with a versatile, attribute-rich grain. Sorghum is a whole grain that offers neutral flavor and provides another option for individuals seeking a gluten-free diet.

Hick Chick Chat: Farmland Film

Leah GuffeyApril 23, 2014General

It’s finally here, Farmland the film. We’ve heard about it being in production thanks to the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance promotion of the movie, as ag media we have been awaiting its arrival to theaters nationally on May 1, also coming to digital download and DVD (stay tuned for those details).

Director James Moll (3rd from left) and film editor Tim Calandrello pose with farmers David Loberg, Leighton Cooley, Sutton Morgan, Ryan Veldhuizen and Brad Bellah attend the Private New York Premiere of “Farmland” during the Tribeca Film Festival (Getty Images)

Last week, it was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. The movie was shown on two different screens and the theaters were packed. Good news for the farmers who are all in their 20s and have had their day to day operations filmed by Director James Moll. Moll traveled across the country interviewing the young farmers and ranchers about their high risk/high reward jobs and about their passion for a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation. Moll says much of the reason that he wanted to do this film is that most Americans have never stepped foot on a farm or ranch and don’t know how their food is cared for and raised beyond the grocery store shelves. His hope is that this film offers a lot of insight.

The featured farmers are:Brad Bellah – 6th generation cattle rancher in TexasLeighton Cooley – 4th generation poultry farmer in GeorgiaDavid Loberg – 5th generation corn and bean farmer from NebraskaSutton Morgan – 4th generation vegetable grower in CaliforniaRyan Veldhuizen – 5th generation hog farmerMargaret Schlass – CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) grower in Pennsylvania

[wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/podcast/hickchickchat-14-farmland.mp3″ text=”Hick Chick Chat about Farmland Film”]

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Syngenta Survey Confirms Ag Loves Digital Tech

Jamie JohansenApril 22, 2014Agribusiness, agronomy, Apps, Syngenta

A majority of growers and other agricultural professionals turn to online sources first for general information about their industry, and over half of them use mobile or handheld devices 10 or more times per workday. These are some of the key findings in a recent Syngenta survey, in which more than 300 readers of Thrive, the company’s production-focused magazine and website, responded to questions about their online habits and appetites.

Anthony Transou, Internet marketing manager at Syngenta, is not surprised that, like other industries, U.S. agriculture is embracing digital communications—from social media campaigns and blogs to precision farming and recordkeeping.

“Digital platforms give users a way to share and learn from others in the agricultural industry, whether they are around the corner in their communities or across the globe,” he said. “One of our key concentrations is to create optimized content that can spread across channels and be consumed anywhere, so there is a seamless experience from desktop to mobile users.”

Transou’s team has made several recent adjustments and additions to the Syngenta digital platform. For example, new websites like Tools to Grow More Soybeans and the Quilt Xcel®Fungicide Stress Management Training Module help growers locate information about specific issues or products more easily. Another recent online development is the Know More, Grow More agronomy blog, which features tips and local news updates from Syngenta agronomic service representatives. Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels are also convenient ways for growers to interact with Syngenta via questions, comments, contests and general discussions.

“Additionally, we are adding online companions to many of our print communications, including Thrive magazine,” Transou said. “This digital initiative allows us to reach a larger audience and provide deeper, more interactive content.”

One of his team’s proudest accomplishments is updating the company’s flagship grower-focused website, FarmAssist.com. This online resource has evolved into a one-stop shop for news, market updates and information about the Syngenta product portfolio. But until 2012, FarmAssist users needed a desktop computer for the site’s features to work properly. That changed with the launch of m.farmassist.com, a mobile-optimized version of the website that allows cellphone and tablet users to access the same capabilities as if they were on a desktop computer.

“Our current suite of digital assets is a result of our early preparation to become an active participant in the digital world,” Transou said. “We thought about a mobile strategy for Syngenta very early on so we could easily transition our content and existing assets to some of the emerging technologies and mediums.”

Looking forward, Syngenta aims to include more interactive localized content, which is a process of natural progression with the increasing use of mobile technology in agriculture. Transou said he envisions being able to send growers and other users pest alerts, weather information, market prices and yield data specifically targeted to their local areas.

The nature of digital communications allows Syngenta to gather and analyze customer feedback, which it uses to constantly improve existing digital assets and formulate ideas for new ones. The Thrive online survey is a good example of how the team uses feedback to influence content creation. Because respondents indicated that they are most interested in production best practices and new product information, the editorial team will start developing more articles and Web content around those topics.

“Farmers understand that information is now flowing in a digital world, especially the well-connected younger generation,” he said. “Our ultimate goal at Syngenta is to give growers the most positive digital experience in the industry.”

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