Maximizing Yields With FieldScripts

Jamie JohansenAudio, Corn, Farm Progress Show, Monsanto, seed

monsanto-media-fps-13-66-editedMaximizing field yield is the goal of every grower, but is easier said than done. However, Monsanto’s FieldScripts program might be the answer. During the 2013 Farm Progress Show, Monsanto invited the media out to field to discuss the new opportunity and talk with FieldScripts Ground Breaker Growers.

Dale Sorensen, Integrated Farming Systems Field Research Lead, shared with the group the basics of what FieldScripts can offer in terms of precise seed placement and seeding rates. And how genetic and environmental components come into play.

“In 2013 we had our ground breakers program for FieldScripts. We had 150 growers from Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. Those 150 growers had three to five fields on average. They basically shared the field boundaries, prior yield history and soil test results. And then we developed what we call out FieldScripts Management Zones and created a variable rate seeding zone within that field with the genetics that the dealer and grower had chosen.”

Listen to my interview with Dale here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-monsanto-sorensen.mp3″ text=”Interview with Dale Sorensen”]

GRAINCO FS dealer, John Walsh, was also on hand to share his insights from the dealer perspective. John went through the steps to become FieldScripts certified to add specific value to his customers.

“It’s not a dealership certification. Each individual gets certified. My main job is with the seed portion and this was going to differentiate us from a lot of other seed dealers. You can buy that same bag of seed at several different places. We try every year to come up with something to add value to our dealership.”

Listen to my interview with John here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-monsanto-walsh.mp3″ text=”Interview with John Walsh”]

I also took the opportunity to talk with one of John’s growers, Doug and Justin Durdan. The father and son team farm about 100 miles from the Farm Progress Show location and shared why they jumped at the chance to increase yields with this new technology.

“We always just try and stay on top of new technologies and we thought that this was a good avenue for use to stay ahead.”

“The biggest benefit is putting the proper plants in the proper areas. We really felt we were over populating our lighter soil, which we were. Now we feel we can get a better averaged yield.”

Listen to my interview with Doug & Justin here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-monsanto-durdan.mp3″ text=”Interview with Doug & Justin Durdan”]

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Monsanto Ground Breakers Media Event Photo Album

Make the Most of Data with Precision Ag Tools

Talia GoesAgribusiness, Data Collection, Dupont Pioneer

logo_pioneerUnderstanding what worked this past growing season and what didn’t is vital in planning for next year. To help turn data into management decisions for the next season, DuPont Pioneer experts are available to help growers analyze their harvest data with Pioneer Field360 services.

After taking the data card to a Pioneer sales professional, growers will receive yield summaries and harvest maps in a quick and timely manner via Pioneer Field360 Select software. Because this program provides field-level information anytime, anywhere through a web browser, growers are able to refer back to the summaries throughout the next season when making vital decisions.

By using as-planted maps and harvest data, sales professionals are able to provide growers with hybrid comparisons and performance data field-by-field and soil type-by-soil type to help growers understand what products succeeded and what didn’t.

A single season’s field summary is good, but multiple seasons of data are better. Subscribing to Pioneer Field360 Select software in subsequent years allows sales professionals to combine historical data and perform multiyear analysis. These analyses provide even more information to help growers and sales professionals make the best management decisions, such as hybrid and variety selections and positioning, as well as seeding rate decisions on a field-by-field basis.

Illinois Governor Launches Cover Crop Demo Project

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Conservation, Farm Progress Show, Government

fps13-govAt the Farm Progress Show last week, Governor Pat Quinn announced the start of a three-year demonstration project by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to encourage the planting of environmentally-beneficial cover crops. The initiative’s goal is to improve water quality in Illinois lakes and streams by reducing soil erosion and nutrient run-off from farm fields.

“Illinois is a leading agricultural state because of its ability to adopt sustainable farming practices that protect our valuable soil and water resources without sacrificing productivity,” Governor Quinn said. “This project is a good example of the industry’s commitment to our environment.”

Beginning this fall, 14 plots throughout the state will be planted in such crops either by aerially seeding into a standing crop of corn or soybeans or by drilling a cover crop seed mix into the soil after harvest. All of the plots are located adjacent to an interstate or state highway and were specifically chosen because of their high visibility.

Signs at each of the plots will direct passers-by to covercrops.illinois.gov, a website established as a “one-stop shop” for information about cover crops. The site will include a link to the Midwest Cover Crops Decision Tool, an interactive resource that provides specific information on which varieties of cover crops are best suited to meet a grower’s objectives as well as the best dates for planting and management advice.

Listen to Governor Quinn explain more in this Q&A with reporters at the show: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps13-quinn-press-2.mp3″ text=”Illinois Governor Pat Quinn”]

2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Growmark, Ag Leader and John Deere

Reasons for Attending Farm Shows

Talia GoesZimmPoll

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, ” Why do you attend farm shows?”

Our poll results:

· To “window shop” new equipment 27%
· To ask questions about existing equipment 19%
· Other 19%
· To purchase new equipment 16%
· For the freebies 11%
· For the food 8%

Among the “other” responses were: For kids to learn about agriculture, networking and for new ideas. For exhibiting companies, trade shows seem to be time well spent according to our poll results.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question “How important is it to learn about farming in other countries?” The ZimmComm team is currently attending the 2013 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress, learning about agriculture in Argentina and networking with our colleagues from around the world. So what do you think – is it valuable for us to learn about ag outside our borders? Let us know!

Monsanto’s Ground Breaker Growers

Jamie JohansenAudio, Farm Progress Show, Monsanto, Soybeans, Weed control

monsanto-media-fps-13-27-editedMonsanto hosted a Ground Breakers Media Event right before the 2013 Farm Progress Show kicked off last week. Media gathered for dinner and then headed out into the field to see first hand the results from Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybean Ground Breakers.

Tony White is the Soybean Technology Development Manager for Monsanto. His main responsibilities are managing the trait with Roundup Xtend soybeans. At his station he hit on the highlights of their Roundup Xtend Crop System and on the application requirements. He also shed some light on the feed back they have received from the Ground Breaker Growers who have used this system in their own fields.

“This is really the first time we will come to market with a trait and chemistry package. So we will have Roundup Xtend which will be resistant to dicamba and we will also have chemistry we can spray over the top of that. This is really an important tool for growers who are battling weed resistance and who need tools in the tool box to help control weeds.”

Listen to my interview with Tony here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-monsanto-white.mp3″ text=”Interview with Tony White”]

monsanto-media-fps-13-45-editedDuring the event we also had the chance to hear from some of the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Ground Breaker Growers. Jim Hild from Illiopolis, IL. farms just 25 miles from the Farm Progress Show location. He specializes in corn, soybeans and seed corn and has been very pleased with the results. Jim also shared how straight forward the application requirements are and how simple they are to follow.

“We sprayed the beans three to four weeks after planting wuth Roundup Xtend, which is a mixture of Roundup and dicamba. And cleaned up the weeds. I was very pleased. Probably two to three weeks of residual from that product. I’d like to use it on every acre, it’s a very good program.”

Listen to my interview with Jim here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-monsanto-hild.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jim Hild”]

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Monsanto Ground Breakers Media Event Photo Album

Calcium Products at Farm Progress Show

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, Farm Progress Show, Fertilizer

fps-13-725-editedCalcium Products, Inc. was answering farmers’ questions about soil and fertility at the 2013 Farm Progress Show last week.

Craig Dick, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Calcium Products, says they have been around for quite awhile. “Calcium Products is a 26 year-old company,” he said during an interview at the show. “We produce the countries purest, most efficient pelletized gypsum and lime products, SuperCal S04 and SuperCal 98G. And we distribute the products all across North America.”

Calcium Products has recently redesigned their website, www.calciumproducts.com. Now it is easier to find resources to help you optimize your soil and raise your bottom line. Find product information and custom calculators, agronomy research, stories of real results and much more. The company also recently named a new CEO to succeed Larry Moore, who founded and grew the business into one of the largest producers of pelletized limestone and gypsum in the world. Mike Hogan joins Calcium Products as CEO following a 24 year career with John Deere.

Learn more about Calcium Products in this interview with Craig: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-calcium-dick.mp3″ text=”Interview with Craig Dick”] Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland

Herbicide Application Done Right

Jamie JohansenAudio, BASF, Farm Progress Show

fps-13-137-editedConsultant for BASF, Dr. Bob Wolf, spoke at the BASF press conference during last week’s Farm Progress Show. Their On Target Application Academy was the topic of discussion and how it’s three goals of increasing efficiency, minimizing off-target movement and safety are their focal point. Dr. Wolf also stressed the importance of the nozzle size, lowering the boom and labeling.

“Those are basic goals that any person applying a crop protection product should follow. There job is to and control the pests and they need to do that without drifting the product into an area that might cause damage. Either crop damage or damage to animals or people. With the size of farms people have today, they have a lot of acres to spray and they need to do it efficiently and they need to remember the safety aspects when working with crop chemicals.”

The On Target Application Academy is a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity that provides growers extensive hands-on training for better awareness of herbicide application.

Looking into 2014, both BASF and Dr. Wolf are looking to hold more workshops to increase the awareness of the correct and more efficient application process. For more information on an academy in your area click here.

Listen to my interview with Dr. Wolf here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-basf-wolf.mp3″ text=”Interview with Dr. Bob Wolf”]

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland

An On The Farm Full Service Provider

Jamie Johansenagronomy, Audio, Energy, Farm Progress Show, Growmark, propane, seed

fps-13-673-editedGROWMARK, along with FS had a strong presence at the recent Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. No matter where you went it was hard to escape the view of an FS flag waving high in the sky. Not only were they again sponsors of fuel used throughout the grounds, but they also gave a hands-on view of all the companies product divisions.

On the coolest day of the Farm Progress Show I visited the FS booth and spoke with Jenny Haycraft, who works in marketing and communications for the company. She shared what attendees were able to take in during the event and how FS is a full line service provider on the farm. This includes needs in energy, lubricants, propane, agronomy, seed and in precision farming.

fps-13-677-edited

“Throughout the exhibit we have designated areas for primary product divisions. We’ve got agronomy, seed, grain systems and energy. There are interactive games for attendees to play and learn a little bit about our products and services we offer in each area. And then once they play the game we can interact with them as much as possible and see if they are current customers or potential prospects.”

Listen to my interview with Jenny here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/farm-progress/fps-13-growmark-haycraft.mp3″ text=”Interview with Jenny Haycraft”]

Check out photos from the event here: 2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Coverage of the 2013 Farm Progress show is sponsored by Bayer CropScience, Growmark and New Holland

Rural Internet Talk of Next Farm Foundation Forum

John DavisInternet

farmfoundationlogo3Walk down the street in most major American cities today, and it’s pretty easy to get a high-speed wireless Internet hook-up. But move away from the city lights and into rural America, and it’s a different story. Too many farms lack real access to the web … ironic considering how much more reliant precision agriculture has become on the Internet. Our friends at Farm Foundation are tackling just this issue in their next forum, Wednesday, Sept. 11th from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. EDT at the National Press Club, in Washington, D.C. and through a live webcast:

Moderating the panel will be Iowa farmer Ann Jorgensen, a former member of the Board of the Farm Credit Administration, now working on rural economic development issues. Presenting perspectives on broadband issues will be:

Sharon Strover, the Philip G. Warner Regents Professor in Communication in the Radio-TV-Film Department at the University of Texas…

Jessica Zufolo, Deputy Administrator of USDA’s Rural Utilities Service…

Mark Lewellen, Manager of Spectrum Advocacy, Deere and Company…

John Windhausen, Executive Director of the Schools, Health and Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition…

As I mentioned earlier, if you can’t be in DC to take part, you can still participate in this free forum by way of a live webcast. More information and registration are available on the Farm Foundation website.

Ag Leader Brings Compass to Farm Progress Show

Melissa SandfortAg Leader, Insights Weekly

Insights WeeklyGrowers looking for a simple and affordable precision farming display now have an entry-level solution, thanks to the new Compass™ display from Ag Leader Technology, Inc.

The Compass display was designed for growers who want a display to use primarily for guidance. With a built-in lightbar, the Compass display provides on-screen guidance and coverage mapping that allows operators to improve pass-to-pass accuracy and easily track where they have been in the field, reducing costly gaps and overlaps.

fps13-agleader-compassMike Olson, Ag Leader North America Sales Manager, was on hand to talk about the new display during Farm Progress Show. He says Compass is simple to operate and set up guidance operations. “The user doesn’t need to know how to set up field information within the display to operate, with the new event feature they can simply create a new event each time they enter a field and go.”

[wpaudio url=”http://precision.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/08/fps13-agleader-olson.mp3″ text=”Interview with Mike Olson, Ag Leader”]

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.