DPP Graindesk Mobile App

Talia GoesAgribusiness, Apps, Dupont Pioneer

dpp_bannerWith more growers relying on mobile technology for their daily farming operations, Farms Technology, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont Pioneer, has upgraded its Dynamic Pricing PlatformSM (DPPSM) Graindesk mobile app to reflect sellers’ changing needs for updated grain-market information.

The free DPP mobile app puts your preferred buyers’ bids at your fingertips, enabling you to make, monitor and manage offers to sell corn, soybeans and wheat 24 hours a day.

The DPP Graindesk mobile app also delivers updated market information with the ability to create and manage futures-only and cash offers. Through mobile messaging, buyers can communicate with sellers directly through the mobile platform.

DPP Graindesk offers are monitored with every tick of the futures market from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 7:45 a.m. Utilizing the CME Group electronic markets, the DPP Graindesk facilitates an automatic connection between grower-approved offers and buyers’ hedge orders. With patented e-Pit®services, DPP Graindesk can place a hedge order, receive confirmation of the fill, execute the cash purchase, and notify both buyer and seller in seconds. Before the DPP Graindesk and the upgraded DPP Graindesk mobile app, growers interested in selling grain contacted merchandisers to get a price or waited for a price notification via a scheduled text message.

The DPP Graindesk mobile app is compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. Download the free mobile app at the App Store or Google Play store.

FMC Announces Anthem Finalists

Cindy ZimmermanAudio, FMC

ams13-fmcYou could call it “Rural America’s Got Talent.” After six months, 185 entries and a round of online voting and judging, FMC Corporation has announced the final four contestants in the Anthem “Stand and be Heard” Singing Contest.

“This is the second year we’ve had the Stand and be Heard contest,” said FMC’s Tim Thompson, pictured here second from the right with his colleagues at the Ag Media Summit last week. “It’s for students in FFA, NAMA and 4H – ag students – who sing the national anthem on video and submit it and (are judged) for the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in scholarships.”

FMC Anthem Stand and Be HeardTim says over 30 states were represented in the entries and they have now been judged down to the final four – Alexander Raun, 18, from Minden, Nebraska; Alexandra Carpenter, 19, from Crawfordsville, Indiana; Hayley Hall, 17, from Bladenboro, North Carolina; and Noelle Goodson, 18, Fayette, Ohio.

Next the four will be on their way to Nashville for a professional recording session and new videos will be posted to the site on August 26 so you can cast your vote for the winner. You really have to go and listen to these kids sing acapella to hear their pure sound. Everyone knows what a difficult song our beautiful national anthem is to sing, so you know these kids have real talent!

The contest was started last year to promote FMC’s Anthem herbicide for corn and Tim says they expect to have new registrations coming soon for cereals, potatoes, peanuts, cotton and soybeans. “A great grass products, longest residual product on the market today, along with great broadleaf control for things like palmer amaranth,” he added.

Listen to my interview with Tim here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/ams/ams13-fmc-tim-1.mp3″ text=”Interview with Tim Thompson, FMC”]

Studies Show Conservations Measure Working

Talia GoesAgribusiness, Conservation, Nutrient Management, Resources

vcsPRAsset_525494_58592_fdb60e8c-c17f-4430-bd6c-c041bd181192_0_ifbf_newsreleaseAn analysis of recent water data show long-term declining levels of nitrates in the Raccoon River, despite the weather-induced spike seen this spring.

Additionally, according to Des Moines Water Works website posted measurements, 80 percent of the daily nitrate values since 2006 are less than the drinking water standard of 10 parts per million (ppm).

“The fact that there’s been a steady decline in nitrates in the Raccoon River should not be interpreted that farmers are somehow shirking their responsibility for their share of the nitrate load. In fact, ag groups are stepping up to the plate, embracing the new Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy and encouraging all farmers to do the same. Farmers are considering additional steps they can take to help make further reductions,” says IFBF president Craig Hill.

This trend analysis follows a recent study, featured in the Journal of Environmental Quality, 2012, which confirmed that for 1992-2008, rainfall and temperature contribute more to nitrate variations in the Raccoon River, than modern farming practices.

In the last 30 years, voluntary conservation measures have reduced soil erosion in the U.S. by 43 percent, according to the USDA’s National Resources Inventory report. Iowa’s erosion rate was down 33 percent, due in part to a combination of practices being put in place, such as buffer strips, terraces, no-till, cover crops, restoring wetlands, installing bio-filters and grassy waterways in fields.

Farmers Edge: 2013 ASTech Awards Honoree

Talia GoesAgribusiness, technology, yields

logoFarmers Edge, provider of precision agronomic management services, has been selected as one of the 23 Honorees of the 2013 Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Awards. The theme of this year’s ASTech Awards Gala is “Shaping the Future” and will showcase the significant impact each of the honorees have in the development of innovation in Alberta. The honorees will be recognized for their contributions at the 2013 ASTech Awards Gala on October 25, 2013.

For 24 years, the ASTech Foundation has invited members of industry, educational institutions and government agencies to be nominated for the ASTech Awards and only the top candidates are selected as honorees in each category.

Recognized for the development of Advanced Geospatial Yield Analysis. This technology enables the ability to process vast amounts of harvest data to measure yield results with geospatial accuracy. This powerful new tool from Farmers Edge allows better measurement of the yield and return of investment of crop input decisions on an unprecedented number fields allowing growers to make better farm management decisions.

Summer Insights Magazine Now Available

Melissa SandfortAg Leader, Insights Weekly

Insights WeeklyInsights magazine is a magazine entirely devoted to precision farming. Designed to give you more in-depth information about what’s happening today in precision agriculture, this publication will show you how you can capitalize on the technologies now available to make your operation more successful and profitable.

The Summer 2013 issue is now available!

In addition to precision ag information, we will also introduce you to folks who can tell you firsthand just how beneficial precision farming practices have been to their operation. In addition, we’ll share valuable agronomic information from experts across the country so you can use to make informed decisions in the field. And we will take you inside Ag Leader so you can meet the people responsible for developing Ag Leader’s line of innovative precision farming products. As always, you’ll be the first to know about new products, local training opportunities and much more!

Sign up for a free subscription or download the Insights magazine here. Currently Insights magazine is only available for subscription in the United States and Canada.

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.

Ag Industries Growing Demand for Workers

Talia GoesZimmPoll

zp-nhOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Do you think cellulosic ethanol can be commercialized?”

Our poll results:

· Almost There 33%
· It Already Is 26%
· Could Be Someday 25%
· Just A Fantasy 11%
· No Clue 3%
· Other 2%

According to our latest ZimmPoll results, most people believe that cellulosic ethanol, which can be made from agricultural waste or non-food crops, is already or soon to be commercialized.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What is the biggest growth area for ag jobs?” The agriculture industry continues to grow creating thousands of new jobs. Which ag area do you feel supplies the most jobs? Let us know.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by New Holland Agriculture.

New Holland’s New Speedrower Line

Jamie JohansenAudio, Beef, Dairy, Equipment, Hay, New Holland

new-holland-ag-13-125-editedNew Holland Agriculture’s Speedrower Self-Propelled Windrowers was another stop during their First in the Field Media Event. The Speedrower allows for producers to travel faster and increase efficiency. Yet still provides the industry-leading power, control, comfort and performance New Holland customers expect.

  • Integrated IntelliSteer auto-guidance eliminates pass-to-pass overlap.
  • Improved steering control gives for smooth, responsive handling.
  • Hydrostatic transmission allows for 24-mph, high-speed, foward-looking transport.
  • Prairie Special and draper-ready upgrades.
  • Upgraded rear support and tire options.

new-holland-ag-13-124-editedSeth Doman, Brand Marketing Manager for Hay & Forage Preparation Products, explained each new addition and shared dealer feedback after they participated in the First in the Field event.

“We have three new models in the Speedrower line replacing the H8000 series that will be new for 2014. Dealers can order this producer across North American today and are ordering. We have a pre-sale program that is going on through the end of the month.”

Listen to my interview with Seth from here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/new-holland/new-holland-ag-13-doman-speedrower.mp3″ text=”Interview with Seth Doman”]

View photos from the event here: 2013 New Holland Ag Media Event Photo Album

BigBalers for Big Jobs

Jamie JohansenAudio, Beef, Dairy, Equipment, Hay, New Holland

new-holland-ag-13-093-editedNow here is a new toy for all those commercial hay operations, straw contractors and owner-operators shipping world-wide. New Holland Agriculture’s Next Generation BigBaler 330 produces 3’x3′ bales and the BigBaler 340 produces 3’x4′ bales.

  • Provides up to 20% more capacity with up to 5% more density with patented “C” Shaped Shuttle design.
  • Increased baling speeds of 110 bales per hour.
  • PTO driveline design brings improved durability with efficient and faster feeding.
  • Proven pre-change chamber along with 48% increased flywheel inertia ensuring consistent and dense flake formation with less driveline.
  • SMART features including Smart Fill Indicators, Crop Saver and Crop ID.

new-holland-ag-13-081-editedMark Lowery, Hay & Forage Marketing Specialist, focuses on crop packaging and baling equipment and served as our BigBaler expert for the day. While interviewing Mark, he gave light into the new technologies used to bring New Holland’s 2014 lineup front and center when it comes to hay and forage production in North America.

Listen to my interview with Mark from here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/new-holland/new-holland-ag-13-lowery.mp3″ text=”Interview with Mark Lowery”]

View photos from the event here: 2013 New Holland Ag Media Event Photo Album

True Blue Tractor Luxury

Jamie JohansenAudio, Beef, Dairy, Equipment, Hay, New Holland

new-holland-ag-13-103-editedThe two tractors highlighted during New Holland Agriculture’s First in the Field Media Event included the T5 and T6 series tractors. The new T5 has redefined utility tractor standards for mixed farmers with diversified livestock and crop operations. And the T6 has been further enriched by the addition of Auto Command.

T5 Series:
– 3.4L F5D Tier 4A emission complaint engines that utilize a Cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation system & a Diesel Particulate Filter.
– Heavy-duty components that enable long hours of working on the farm.
– A broad loader offering further enhanced versatility.
– VisionView cab provides ultimate comfort and visibility.
– Ergonomic CommandArc console provides the operator with perfect placement of controls.

T6 Series:
– Auto Command transmission for enhanced efficiency.
– Multi-award-winning Side Winder II armrest.
– Upgraded Horizon Cab for outstanding all-day comfort.
– Powerful hydraulics boasting 33 gal. per min. of flow capacity.
– Blue Power edition for a touch of farming luxury.
– ECOBlue SCR technology which will reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%.

Mike Sevick, Marketing Specialist in Dairy & Livestock Brand Marketing, specifically works with T4, T5, T5 Electro Command, T6, T6 Auto Command and TS6 series tractors. While explaining all the new features of these tractors, Mike was excited to share the dealers enthusiasm while they got behind the wheel of these blue beauties. He even stated that many are looking for them to replace the T6020 and T6030 tractors.

Listen to my interview with Mike from here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/new-holland/new-holland-ag-13-sevick.mp3″ text=”Interview with Mike Sevick”]

View photos from the event here: 2013 New Holland Ag Media Event Photo Album

Trimble Introduces New Agriculture App

Talia GoesAgribusiness, Apps, Trimble

smart-appTrimble announced the Connected Farm Fleet app built to serve managers and technicians by enabling them to access their fleet information from any location. Using smartphones and tablets, the app enables the fleet management portion of Trimble’s industry-leading Connected Farm Web solution to go mobile. With the app, managers can track the location of vehicles, receive geo-fence and curfew alerts, analyze vehicle status, and view historical positions.

The app can display current status information such as whether the vehicle is idling, moving, working or delayed. This information flows into the Connected Farm Web solution, which allows managers to analyze the efficiency and productivity of their fleet.

Features of the Connected Farm Fleet app include:
· Map the locations of landmarks (such as structures, storage locations, irrigation/drainage, etc.) and view them for reference when navigating in remote areas
· Use turn-by-turn navigation to locate vehicles from your current position
· Receive geo-fence and curfew alerts
· View historical positions

The free Connected Farm Fleet app is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2013 and is compatible with a variety of smartphones and tablets using an iOS or Android operating system. To download the app, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or visit: www.connectedfarm.com.