Learn More About Down Force at Farm Progress Show

Cindy ZimmermanAg Leader, Insights Weekly

Insights Weekly

SeedCommand from Ag Leader helps growers manage all of their planting operations, including seed population, planter performance, hybrid/variety mapping, split planting and variable rates. This helps change and adapt to field situations instantaneously when airbags take several seconds to make an adjustment. This equates to improved planting because seed will be in the ground at exactly the right place at the right time, since field conditions can vary even just several feet down the line. And seconds can really count.

Will Cannon, Ag Leader product specialist for SeedCommand, says it’s evolved from its beginnings in 2006, and the Hydraulic Down Force technology helps growers measure or monitor how much load is on the gauge wheels of the planter. Listen to more about Down Force and why this technology is important.

Listen to my interview with Will here: [wpaudio url=”http://zimmcomm.biz/agleader/ag-leader-7-12-cannon.mp3″ text=”Interview with Will Cannon”]

Be sure to stop in and visit with an Ag Leader specialist about Hydraulic Down Force/SeedCommand at the Farm Progress Show, August 28-30, at Booth #517.

You can listen to additional interviews with Cannon here.

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 RTK Base Station for Agriculture

Melissa SandfortCompany Announcement, Leica Geosystems, RTK

Leica Geosystems announced the latest release of the RTK base station for the farming industry, Leica GeoAce. With the accelerating rate of technology adoption within the Agriculture sector and the markets need for high precision positioning, the Leica GeoAce delivers robust hardware coupled with an advanced feature set.

Feature and function capabilities for the Leica GeoAce include multiple positioning modes, open standard formats for further cross compatibility and the ability to import and export data for reference positions and configurations. The built in radio and modem allows the base station to transfer reference data by either the internet or radio. Additionally the internet connectivity provides peace of mind with the ability for remote servicing and over the air software upgrades via Leica Virtual Wrench.

The intuitive design of the Leica GeoAce ensures true portability in the field and can achieve short fix times through superior algorithms from a combination of GPS and GLONASS constellations. The built-in display and keypad supports easy to use functions, quick set up times and configuration processes.

The Leica GeoAce RTK base station is available now at your local Leica Geosystems dealer.

USDA Looks at Reduced Tillage to Meet Climate Change Challenges

John DavisConservation, Government, Research, USDA

New studies from the USDA look at how reduced tillage could help conserve water and reduce losses caused by climate change. This article from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) says researcher Laj Ahuja is leading a team at the ARS’ unit in Fort Collins, CO, looking at the relationship between climate projections and 15 to 17 years of field data and how that is affecting crop yields in the Midwest.

The projections included an increase in equivalent atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from 380 parts per million by volume (ppmv) in 2005 to 550 ppmv in 2050. The projections also included a 5-degree Fahrenheit increase in summer temperatures in Colorado from 2005 to 2050. The ARS scientists used these projections to calculate a linear increase of CO2 and temperature from 2050 to 2100.

Ahuja’s team used the Root Zone Water Quality Model (version 2) for crop rotations of wheat-fallow, wheat-corn-fallow, and wheat-corn-millet to see how yields might be affected in the future. They simulated different combinations of three climate change projections: rising CO2 levels, rising temperatures, and a shift in precipitation from late spring and summer to fall and winter. They ran the model with the projected climate for each of the 15 to 17 years of field crop data for each cropping system.

When they looked at all the factors, they saw yield projections over the coming 100 years drop for corn, millet and wheat, with the biggest drops in corn and millet. The researchers found that after an increase in summer temperatures by 8 degrees or more, even no-till would not halt crop losses.

New Automated Steering System from Ag Leader

Melissa SandfortAg Leader, Insights Weekly

Insights Weekly
Farmers looking to reduce operator fatigue, lower fuel consumption and extend working hours and operation windows have a new tool – a high-accuracy automated steering system from Ag Leader. The all-new GeoSteer automated steering system was designed for farmers looking for repeatable, sub-inch accuracy, making it ideal for planting, spraying and other field operations that require precise automated steering.

The single antenna design makes it easy to transfer the system from one vehicle to another. Additionally, an exclusive Flex Mode allows the GeoSteer system to continue operating for a period of time if the system temporarily loses the differential GPS signal.

Jeff Bentley, Ag Leader GPS guidance and steering sales manager, explains the product and how it works.

[wpaudio url=”http://precision.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/08/Jeff1.mp3″ text=”Listen to Bentley explain”]

The GeoSteer system integrates seamlessly with Ag Leader’s INTEGRA™ and VERSA™ in-cab displays, making setup quick and easy. Built-in remote diagnostics and auto-calibration is easily accessible from the in-cab display. GeoSteer’s remote service system allows dealer service technicians to access and diagnose the unit while the operator is in the field.

Bentley tells us what differentiates GeoSteer from other steering systems on the market.

[wpaudio url=”http://precision.agwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2012/08/Jeff2.mp3″ text=”Listen to Bentley explain”]

Bottom line: why GeoSteer? Simple, economical, accurate. GeoSteer bridges the gap between expensive, full-featured systems and less costly systems that don’t provide the functionality or level of precision desired.

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.

Previewing Farm Progress Show

Cindy ZimmermanFarm Progress Show

More than a dozen agricultural journalists got the annual sneak preview of the 2012 Farm Progress Show this week in Boone, Iowa. The show will be held August 28-30 – yes, that is already next week!

Don Tourte, Vice President of Sales & Events for Farm Progress Show, welcomed the journalists attending the Media Advance and talked about some of the new information technology that will be used to help visitors navigate and enjoy the show this year.

Four web cameras, sponsored by Slingshot brand from Raven Industries, have been installed on the show site to see what’s going on during show days right from the FPS website.

Interactive map and exhibitor list is also featured to allow visitors to map their days at the show in advance.

A Farm Progress Show app is now available for free download to your Android or iPhone. Just search for “Farm Progress Show” in your store and download for free.

Phone delivered voice messages from Max Armstrong during the show days you choose when you register. Updates will include traffic updates, field demo reminders, program info and more! Call 708-675-4648 and follow prompts to register.

And FPS is also on Facebook and Twitter. No excuse for not knowing what’s happening at the show this year.

Coalition Urges Congress to Pass a Farm Bill Now

John DavisAFBF, Ag Group, Farm Bill, Farm Progress Show, Government

A coalition of 39 farm groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, is calling on Congress to pass a new farm bill before the old one expires at the end of September. The group, Farm Bill Now, has an interactive web portal at www.FarmBillNow.com, that lets you connect with your members of Congress and show your support for a new five-year farm bill. The coalition points out that this isn’t just for farmers; consumers need to get involved in the effort as well since any farm bill is really a jobs, food, conservation, research, energy and trade bill… something for every American!

Members of Farm Bill Now plan to meet at Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa this coming Tuesday, August 28th to discuss the effort. In addition, representatives of many of the groups in the coalition will gather on September 12th, 2012 at the U.S. Capitol to encourage Congress to pass the bill before programs expire at the end of that month.

Valley Irrigation Introduces Valley TrackNet

Melissa SandfortCompany Announcement, Irrigation

Valley Irrigation introduces Valley TrackNet, a family of web-based irrigation management products that offers growers the ability to manage their center pivots and linears both remotely and more efficiently.

Though Tracker products have been available from Valley for nine years, the new TrackNet family of products allows for a wider range of options in the Tracker product line, including the new TrackerPro.

Through the use of Valley TrackNet, growers can easily monitor and manage any brand of center pivot or linear, as well as Valley auxiliary equipment from mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops.

With TrackNet, growers can control many aspects of their center pivots and linears, including turning machines on and off, programming application rates, monitoring chemigation, uploading Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) prescriptions, and viewing historical information and weather reports, all on one easy-to-use platform that is available in multiple languages.

There are three Valley TrackNet remote communication devices to choose from, based on the needs of the grower: TrackerLT, TrackerSP , and the new TrackerPro.

Poll Reveals a Close Presidential Race

Melissa SandfortZimmPoll

Our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “Which team for President would be best for agriculture?”

Our poll results: Forty-two percent said Romney/Ryan; thirty-five percent said Obama/Biden and twenty-three percent said neither, we need a better choice.

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “Beyond commodity prices, what will this year’s drought have a greater impact on?” From crop insurance to feed and fuel costs, there are a lot of potential items the drought could impact. But what do you think is going to take the biggest hit?

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

Only 25 Percent of Farms Using Smartphones, iPads

John DavisResearch, technology

Despite their seeming infiltration everywhere else, there’s one place where new technologies, such as smartphones and iPads, are not being used enough: the farm. In particular, Iowa State University research shows that just 25 percent of farmers are using them to receive crop production information. ISU Extension Entomologist Erin Hodgson says there are some reason why the technology is so under-used. “I think there are some misconceptions out there about what smartphones and other mobile devices could be used for,” she explains. “Sometimes, I think they get a bad rap that they are just for celebrities or kids, so some of the people I talk to are hesitant because they don’t feel it’s useful for them.”

Hodgson says some producers aren’t aware how the technologies could help in their management decisions. That’s why she has her own blog and podcasts to educate producers on the benefits. “We have a weekly podcast throughout the summer, which is a free subscription through iTunes,” and through ISU’s Soybean Aphids website she says. And her blog “It’s a bug’s life” gives producers “a heads up on scouting and management recommendations. You can also check out Hodgson’s twitter account @erinwhodgson for real-time updates.

AutoFarm Introduces GeoSteer Auto-Steering Solution

Melissa SandfortCompany Announcement, Equipment, Guidance

AutoFarm introduced the latest addition to its industry leading auto-steering portfolio called GeoSteer at the AgQuip show in Gunnedah, Australia.

AutoFarm is proud to offer a single antenna product, GeoSteer, to complement its widely acclaimed dual antenna system, ParaDyme. With the addition of GeoSteer to its steering family, AutoFarm provides solutions that not only demand premier performance but also offer great value to growers.

GeoSteer is compatible with a full range of field applications from tillage to planting, crop spraying and harvesting. Available at all levels of accuracy, GeoSteer is easily upgradeable from WAAS/EGNOS to OmniSTAR® or RTK configuration. Integrated cell modem for remote real-time service and NTRIP enables diverse communication modes. Interface support for hydraulic, CAN, mechanical & steer-ready vehicles makes GeoSteer compatible with most leading agriculture platforms.