Raven & Kinze Collaborate on Multi-Hybrid Planter

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, agronomy, Kinze, Planting, Raven

ravenRaven Industries has announced a collaboration with Kinze Manufacturing bringing a new multi-hybrid planter control system to Kinze’s product offering. This past summer, Raven introduced the first commercially available multi-hybrid planter solution that allows growers to switch between two different hybrids at the drop of the hat.

Raven will be the technology provider for Kinze’s new 4900 series multi-hybrid concept planters that are being tested by farmers across the United States this spring. This planter will be the first to offer producers this capability as a factory-installed option. Beck’s Hybrid, the world’s largest family-owned independent seed company, will provide their agronomic expertise. Beck’s introduced their first multi-hybrid planter in 2012 and will be starting their third year of testing in 2014.

“Multi-hybrid technology allows corn planting to include precision hybrid placement,” said Jason Webster, Central Illinois Practical Farm Research Director for Beck’s Hybrids. “Placing the correct corn hybrid is one of the most important decisions a grower can make each and every year. Our multi-hybrid testing at Beck’s has shown significant yield gains and profitability by changing corn hybrid placement on the fly based upon varying degrees of yield potential throughout a field.”

“We’re very excited to see a quick adoption of this ground-breaking technology with one of the world’s leading manufacturers, Kinze. Growers will quickly realize the benefits of a multi-hybrid system and the resulting ROI through the use of that technology,” said Matt Burkhart, Vice President and General Manager for Raven’s Applied Technology Division.

You can learn more about Raven Industries and their multi-hybrid planter system at RavenPrecision.com.

NuTech Seed’s YieldLeader Precision Placement Tool

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, computers, technology, yields

NuTech_Seed_Logo4color-with-TM-1024x315NuTech Seed®, LLC has launched YieldLeader, a Web-based precision placement tool program powered by MyFarms, for their dealers and customers this season.

“The YieldLeader placement tool allows our growers to better use the field data they have collected over the years, combine it with all the great genetics and choices that NuTech offers, and use this information to make better decisions on their hybrid placement,” says Gene Kassmeyer, director of products for NuTech Seed. “Growers can use this tool and technology to get suggestions on hybrids in minutes rather than hours. Time is valuable to farmers and every minute counts.”

MyFarms is a leader in Data-Driven Farming and services growers and their supporters by delivering security accuracy and convenience. With the help of their dealer, growers can review, select and place unique NuTech Seed hybrids based on soil type, management practices, diseases and pests, as well as desired agronomic characteristics. Utilizing this program will help NuTech Seed growers increase their accuracy and efficiency, while ultimately increasing yield potential and adding convenience.

“With ever increasing access to new technologies and devices, having a program for farmers to access anywhere will be more important down the road,” says Tim Elliott, general manager for NuTech Seed. “The YieldLeader precision placement tool allows our dealers and growers to access their farm data from just about anywhere, at any time, as well as record notes about their day-to-day operations.”

The new tool runs on any web-accessible electronic device and can be found at NuTechSeed.com.

Could Drones (UAV’s) Be Utilized On Your Operation?

Jamie JohansenZimmPoll

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your opinion of state HSUS Ag Councils?”

We had an overwhelming large turn out of voters for this controversial ZimmPoll question. The majority of voters agree that if the HSUS label is present in anything, then it can’t be trusted. However, many are eager to work with the group. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. It will be interesting to see how productive these HSUS Ag Councils are and if their goals aline with those of the agricultural community.

Our poll results:

  • Can’t trust HSUS – 55%
  • Should work with HSUS – 32%
  • Waste of time – 7%
  • Don’t know – 2%
  • Other – 4%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Could drones (UAV’s) serve a purpose on your operation?”

Precision technology in the agricultural industry is impossible to ignore and continually growing interest with farmers and ranchers globally. We have been seeing a lot of talk about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s) or better known as drones. The use of drones to fly over crops and livestock to maximize profits is one of the hottest topics entering the agriculture sector. The sky seems to be the limit when it comes to the possibilities with this new technology, but advancements won’t be seen at all until approval is given from the FAA. The price tag might seem high to some, but others may see only see the benefits. We did a similar ZimmPoll on this topic last year asking, “What use would you have for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle?” Could you see yourself utilizing these unmanned aircrafts to increase profitability on your operation?

Growers Edge Releases New Free iPad App

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Apps, Farmers

Growers_Edge.color.tag[1]Farmers have trusted Growers Edge™ for personalized weather, local & best cash prices, markets and news to help maximize profits for years. They continues to innovate with new technology from text messaging services to smartphone apps and now the free iPad app. The Growers Edge iPad app, is available now in the App Store, includes Profit Analyzer™, local & best cash prices, pin pointed weather and many additional features to help growers make more informed profitability decisions wherever they are on the farm.

“We value our users feedback, they asked for an iPad app and we delivered.” said Craig Mouchka, president of Growers Edge. “Our farmers are utilizing technology to increase efficiency and generate higher profits with Growers Edge. The accessibility of Growers Edge on the iPad allows the farmer to have information readily available to make decisions that positively affect his profitability.”

Growers Edge iPad App features include:
– Local & Best Cash Prices
– Risk Management
– Pin Pointed Weather
– Markets
– Commentary

Growers-edge.com provides farmers with a one-stop resource for business and marketing needs, for free. More than 28,000 farmers are using growers-edge.com to help enhance their profits. For more information, and to sign up for the My Weather Report and other free features from Growers Edge on their website.

Using Technology to Create Efficiency, Increase Profitability

Melissa SandfortAg Leader, Biodiesel, Software

nbb-14-frank-legnerAt the recent National Biodiesel Conference a number of commodity groups were represented. Frank Legner, Legner Farms is a member of the Illinois Soybean Association and attended the conference to get an update on biodiesel for grower members back in Illinois. He talks about how he uses precision agriculture and Ag Leader software technology on his farm where they grow 50/50 soybeans and corn.

“We use SMS Advanced from Ag Leader because it gives us a lot of ability to write our own recommendation for fertilizer; we use SMS Mobile to go out into our fields and take our own samples, that way we can control the sampling sites and take care of the ground the best it can be. We use SMS Mobile for crop scouting – when I write recommendations myself, I can save the money on the acres that we do spread and that’s how I can justify the upgrade fees every year to keep my software new. And the analysis we run on soil types with hybrids, with population, helps us drive better decisions so we can know that we are putting the right product on the right acre due to past performance. What’s great it doesn’t matter what color.”

Legner Farms has truly adopted the use of technology to create efficiency and increase profitability. He goes on to explain how they have taken advantage of different precision ag company’s innovations and looks forward to seeing what’s next.

You can listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Frank here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/nbb/nbb-14-frank-legner.mp3″ text=”Interview with Frank Legner”]

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Popular Agronomy Resource Now Available as App

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, agronomy, Apps

14AppAdVertFor years farmers have depended on the printed MFA Incorporated Agronomy Guide as a way to compare seed and crop protection products they might need on their farming operations. But that day has come to an end. Farmers who have access to iOS, Android or Windows smartphones or tablets can access all the same information in app form.

The MFA Agronomy Guide app includes detailed comparisons on all categories of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides providing product trade names, common names and chemical families. It also gives info on each chemistry’s mode of action, EPA regulations, storage temperatures and rotation restrictions.

MFA’s Director of Agronomy, Dr. Jason Weirich, said “We update the database that powers the Agronomy Guide app every year, and what you find in there is the unbiased information that shows growers what products best fit the soils, disease pressures and weed pressures on their farm, field by field. In-season, it’s a great resource to review what insect and disease control products will give growers the best control. Growers can find the most effective product, rate and timing for the problems they face. That’s important for environmental stewardship, and it’s good for the bottom line.”

The herbicides are rated by efficacy on target weeds and label info is right there on the app. Seed treatment suggestions and rates are covered as well. In its Seed menus, the Agronomy Guide provides comparisons for major seed lines. Comparison tools let growers evaluate seed based on maturity, disease packages, standability, plant height and other details.

“We still print the paper version of the Agronomy Guide,” said Weirich, “and it is as popular as ever, but we only print so many. The app is available to everyone, and with its customizable comparisons, search capabilities and the fact that it’s always in your pocket, we think it’s a valuable tool.”

John Deere is the inaugural sponsor of the app so users will be able to easily access additional information on a wide variety of John Deere products via links.

To download the app, visit Agronomyguide.com or the online market place for your device and search for MFA Agronomy Guide.

Farm Polices Impact on Precision Ag

Jamie JohansenAg Group, Audio, Biodiesel, Corn, Soybeans, technology

nbb-14-kevin-rossMember of the National Corn Growers Association Board and director of Western Iowa Energy, LLC, Kevin Ross, chatted with Chuck after the opening session at the 2014 National Biodiesel Conference. They discuss farm policy and how precision agriculture technology has impacted his farming operation where he raises cattle and grows corn and soybeans.

Kevin shared that if we don’t move past what RFS has already provided then we become stuck and the innovation stops. He says everyone needs to do what they can to ensure the investments continue and technologies are utilized. He feels the government has given mixed signals and believes simple education on the issue could help.

“The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) itself is vitally important to my operation at home and to my neighbors. Not just from the farming side, but also from the livestock side. Especially, operations like mine in western Iowa where we can utilize the fats and add value back to the livestock. I am not sure how many people know that its even possible. Let alone be done on an industrial scale. Agriculture is about value-added. Creating markets in those new economies within a broader ag industry is what it is all about.”

Kevin goes on to discuss what types of precision agriculture they have taken advantage of on his operation.

“On our farm it has been a fast ramp up of precision technology. Just a couple years ago on our own farm we’ve gone to auto steer. I couldn’t plant straight rows if I tried. We also use single row shut-offs and it has been a huge plus for us. Overall newer equipment is more efficient with yield monitors and data that we collect. We are going into a new soil data collection phase on our farm which is an entirely new way of doing it then before. We have made major advancement in the recent years and profitability in ag and RFS have really had a huge role in making that possible.”

You can listen to Chuck’s complete interview with Kevin here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/nbb/nbb-14-kevin-ross.mp3″ text=”Interview with Kevin Ross”]

2014 National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

BASF Zidua® Herbicide Gets Registration for Wheat

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, agronomy, Herbicides, wheat

BASFWheat growers have new class of chemistry to fight Italian ryegrass.

BASF just announced that Zidua® herbicide has received federal registration from the Environmental Protection Agency for spring and winter wheat.

basf-ziduaZidua herbicide provides wheat growers with a powerful tool to fight tough to control weeds like Italian ryegrass, annual bluegrass and canarygrass. In addition, Zidua herbicide suppresses many broadleaf and grasses in wheat including brome species, wild oat, foxtail species, kochia, pigweed, chickweed, henbit and wild mustard. Zidua herbicide was previously registered only for use in corn and soybeans.

Zidua herbicide utilizes a unique class of chemistry – pyroxasulfone. More than 10 years of research and field trials by BASF have demonstrated that Zidua herbicide provides excellent residual control of resistant weeds like Italian ryegrass.

“Wheat growers now have access to a new residual tool for long-lasting weed control with Zidua herbicide,” said Greg Armel, Ph.D., Technical Market Manager, BASF. “The pyroxasulfone in Zidua herbicide helps control Italian ryegrass weed populations, even those populations resistant to ALS-inhibitor and ACCase herbicides.”

We talked with Greg about Zidua at last year’s Commodity Classic after they received registration for soybeans. I suspect we will hear more about it this year at Classic!

11 Myths About Electric Fences

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Farmers, Fencing, Humor

fi-shock-electric-fence-myths-infographicHow many times have you heard that simply wearing shoes will prevent you from getting shocked from an electric fence? Well, it’s not the case.

These and other myths about electric fences have been debunked by Fi-Shock Animal Containment Systems.

As with most myths and urban legends, it’s a lack of understanding that perpetuates these misconceptions. Not understanding how electric fences work and how they keep animals safe has led people to believe a lot of tall tales about electric fences.

The folks at Fi-Shock created this infographic to help educate people about electric fences and remind them that they provide an affordable, safe way for farmers and ranchers to keep livestock contained, predators out and crops protected.

Here are the 11 myths about electric fences.
Checkout the infographic to learn the truth.

Myth #1 – Electric fences are expensive.

Myth #2 – A low voltage line is safe.

Myth #3 – Electric fences are inhumane to animals.

Myth #4 – Everything that touches an electric fence will be shocked.

Myth #5 – You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Myth #6 – Don’t whiz on the electric fence.

Myth #7 – Wearing shoes will prevent the shock.

Myth #8 – Horses can’t see electric fences.

Myth #9 – Plants near the fence will not grow.

Myth #10 – Grab the wire to test the fence.

Myth #11 – An electric fence will stop a herd of cows.

I remember growing up my dad would always say I was safe if I had on my rubber boots. I guess he was right. I, however, have since been shocked by many electric fences. Not a fun thing to endure.

Texas Tech $19.3 Million from Bayer CropScience

Jamie JohansenAgribusiness, Bayer CropScience, Education

Texas Tech and Bayer AnnouncementBayer CropScience contributes $19.3 million to Texas Tech University to benefit research programs and projects in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The contribution has been submitted for an equal amount of state matching funding from the Texas Research Incentive Program and would increase the total to nearly $40 million. The largest cash investment for research in the history of Texas Tech.

“Today’s announcement continues a productive and valuable research collaboration between Texas Tech University and Bayer CropScience,” said Texas Tech University System Chancellor Kent Hance, who has been working on this contribution with Scott Cooksey, interim vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement, for three years.

Research developments in the Department of Plant and Soil Science (PSS), including an endowed chair in PSS, a fellowship endowment for graduate students and new research facilities and space in PSS will all be supported by the funds.

“We are so pleased at the opportunity to continue to build our relationship with Texas Tech University,” said Mike Gilbert, vice president for Global Breeding and Trait Development, Bayer CropScience. “It will take multiple companies and institutions to address all the challenges agriculture will face in the future. Bayer CropScience is committed to research and development through collaborations such as this, and Texas Tech shares these same commitments. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship that will impact agriculture in ways we can’t even imagine today.”

View the complete release here.