John Deere Introduces Machine Sync

John Deere unveiled a product that you couldn’t see on the show floor at this week’s product launch. It’s called Machine Sync. This new technology provides “timely, critical information on equipment location, operational status and automates equipment during harvest.”

“Having real-time data is critical for equipment operators during harvest,” says Holli Brokaw, AMS product manager for John Deere. “Our new Machine Sync and Machine Communication Radio provide the accurate, in-field information producers need to maximize efficiencies during the hectic harvest season.”
The Machine Communication Radio is the first radio on the market that can create an in-field, high-speed wireless network to facilitate machine-to-machine communication. The radio is designed to enable up to 10 vehicles in a single network to distribute data between one another when operating within a three-mile radius.

The radio, which is easy to set up and use, teams up with the Machine Sync activation and GreenStar™ 3 2630 Display and StarFire Receiver to create the in-field network to share logistics information.
Machine Sync is a John Deere exclusive system that takes harvest automation to the next level and the first application that uses the Machine Communication Radio hardware.

We got a field demonstration of how Machine Sync work from John Deere’s Bob Dyer. This was a simulated corn harvest demonstration where the combine and tractor/grain cart were “in sync.” I asked Bob to describe how the system works and you can also see the demonstration in the video.

You can listen to my interview with Bob here: Interview with Bob Dyer

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

John Deere is Accelerating Growth

This evening John Lagemann, John Deere Vice President, Sales & Marketing — United States/Canada/Australia/New Zealand for the Agriculture and Turf Division, welcomed us to the biggest product launch in the history of the company. The ag media along with a large crowd of dealers got a great show and then had the opportunity to take to the floor to get on the new equipment and talk with John Deere product representatives. The photo below is a new John Deere S660 Combine.

I visited with John immediately after the show. John says this is a “tremendously important introduction for us because it’s the culmination of a wide portfolio of products with integrated technology.” Connectivity was a key word during the presentation. John estimates that well over 6,000 people will participate in the product launch.

You can listen to my interview with John here: Interview with John Lagemann

John Deere today completed the public unveiling of its new ag equipment for 2012 as part of the largest, most significant product introduction in the company’s 174-year history. Significant improvements in power, comfort, and performance are the hallmarks of the new machines including the S-Series Combines with larger corn heads and platforms; high-horsepower 4WD and track 9R/9RT Tractors; 6R Series row-crop tractors and 5 Series utility and specialty tractors.

According to Barry Nelson, manager of media relations for John Deere Ag and Turf Division, these products greatly extend the company’s broad portfolio of equipment products for use in all types of farming, livestock and specialty crop operations, as well as for commercial and property maintenance businesses. “Across the board, we’ve increased the power and added many features to our new equipment that will make customers even more productive, wherever these machines are used,” Nelson says. “This is the strongest lineup of new ag products ever from John Deere.”

In addition to new John Deere combines, headers and tractors, the company recently introduced its new 7R Series Tractors for the row-crop market; its largest, most advanced self-propelled 4940 Sprayer with 1,200-gal. solution tank, 120-ft. booms, and advanced loading and application technologies; and revolutionary Triple-Mounted Mower-Conditioner that cuts a swath more than 28 feet wide.

We started our day out in the field with the new machines. I’ve recorded some video and other interviews from there that I’ll be posting over the coming days. But you can bet I got photos that are online!

2011 John Deere Product Launch Photo Album

iPhone vs. Android/Thunderbolt

iPhone or Android? That is the question. It’s pretty easy to answer in my opinion. I’ve had an AT&T iPhone since they came out and earlier this year I got a Verizon HTC Thunderbolt (4G). The iPhone wins this comparison hands down. Even the AT&T network seems improved, which was a major complaint I used to have for it. Here’s a photo of each phone displaying the AgWired App (iPhone on right). Maybe when the Motorola Droid Bionic comes out I will change my mind.

So why do I think the iPhone is better? I think it’s much more user friendly. The camera is better. The size if perfect for my hand. The battery lasts much, much longer. There are more and better apps than you will find for Android. But one of the best things I’ve found is that when I tether my computer or iPad to it the connection seems to be rock solid and it’s not on my Thunderbolt. Maybe that’s a problem still with the Thunderbolt but I can’t use it tethered to my computer for more than about 15 minutes before it no longer provides an internet connection. Even when it is providing one it seems to blip in and out. For example, when I’m uploading photos using Flickr tethered to the Thunderbolt I will often get an error in mid upload. That never happens on the iPhone. I love the speed of 4G on the Thunderbolt when I can find it. However, I’ve had several instances of having a good 4G signal and all of the sudden it disappears and I’ve only got 3G. At that point I might as well be using my iPhone.

Apps seem to crash more on the Android. I use the Weather Channel app a lot. On the Android it will not show me maps. It just crashes with an error report. I’ve uninstalled it and started over with the same problem.

The Thunderbolt eats battery. Even if I don’t use it for a day it will be out of battery and that’s with all services like bluetooth, wifi, etc, turned off. It has to be charged constantly. And you can’t use it tethered with 4G unless it’s plugged in. I can sometimes go two days without charging the iPhone depending on use and I’d call myself a power user.

I like to text on my iPhone with one hand. The Thunderbolt is just too big for that. I’m sure there are other Android phones out there that would be slimmer. I just doubt they’d perform any better than the Thunderbolt when it comes to user friendliness. I like being able to put my apps into folder and not have a lot of screen space to scroll through to find what I want.

I thought this would be a good pre-AgChat Agvocacy 2.0 post since I’ll be on a panel talking about using mobile technology to enhance productivity. When it comes to using apps on these phones the ones I use most are for email, Twitter, weather, camera, music, texting, contacts, calendar and oh yeah, the phone. I also do quite a few of my on location interviews with the iPhone too. I’ve also started doing most of my video clips with the iPhone. Then I can just upload them straight to YouTube when I’ve got a good wifi connection. As a road warrior the iPhone seems to help make me more productive than the Thunderbolt. I hope this helps. Let me know if you’ve got questions.

Make Your iPad Do A Handstand

How about a customized “Handstand” for your iPad? I’ve been trying one out.

This is a new way to handle and hold your favorite tablet. They’re made for both the iPad and iPad 2. I’ve just started using the Handstand which is made by Hub International. Some of my first impressions include that it’s very sturdy and light weight. The strap stretches to fit your hand and helps you keep a firm grip on your iPad. I’m thinking this would be a good for those of you who may be considering using your iPad for some field scouting or to carry around in the cab of your truck or combine.

HandStand allows you to keep your hand in a comfortable position while turning the iPad for best viewing. It becomes an extension of your body as well as your mind. Hold it effortlessly, spin it portrait or landscape, display the screen to others — work, watch or play effortlessly. You’ll do more with your iPad and get more value out of your investment.

Hub International was founded in 2010 and the Handstand is their first consumer product. Founder Jaime Smith is currently president of Ritter Chemical, national distributor of high quality agrochemicals.

What do you think? Want one? Let ‘em know on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

New Farm Podcaster Tool

Hey farm podcasters. Here’s a new tool I just noticed that looks pretty cool. Of course if you’re recording and making your own music this tool will serve you too. It’s the MICRO BR® BR-80: Digital Recorder made by Roland and looks like it’s going for about $299.

Small enough to fit in your pocket, the BOSS MICRO BR BR-80 is the ultimate new portable recording and jam-along tool for guitarists and other musicians. It’s equipped with three modes to create, record, and perform your music: an eight-track MTR (Multi-Track Recorder) mode; an eBand mode for onstage backing tracks and phrase training; and a Live Rec mode for instantly capturing high-quality stereo recordings. You can even combine the three modes seamlessly. Record your phrase ideas using Live Rec mode, for example, and then import the recordings into MTR mode to use as foundations for song production. Once you’ve added tracks, import your finished songs into eBand mode for backing-track accompaniment at the gig. The MICRO BR BR-80 is truly a must-have for all musicians!

Three modes: MTR (multi-track recorder), eBand, and Live Rec
Records directly to SD/SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB)
High-quality stereo condenser microphone built in for instant audio capture
64 V-Tracks and eight simultaneous playback tracks
eBand function for phrase training and play-along tracks
Huge library of built-in backing and rhythm patterns
World-class COSM® amps and effects onboard
Use as a USB audio interface with built-in effects
SONAR X1 LE software included

Find full specs here.

New Farm Podcaster Tool – Zoom H2n

Hey farm podcasters. Here’s another option for your gear bag. The Zoom H2n from Samson.

No matter the application, the H2n brings the very best in stereo recording to a convenient, user-friendly package that fits in your pocket.

Zoom H2n Handy Recorder. The new standard in portable recording.

FEATURES
Five built-in mic capsules provide Mid-Side (MS) stereo, 90° X/Y stereo, 2-channel and 4-channel recording modes
Records in WAV up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 up to 320kbps
Newly designed user interface
Additional functions include Lo-cut Filter, Compressor/Limiter, Auto Gain, Pre-Rec, Auto-Rec, Tuner, Metronome, Variable Speed Playback, Key Control, A-B Repeat, File Dividing, Normalize, MP3 Post-Encode, Marker and Surround Mixer
Data recovery function protects against unexpected recording errors
Over 20 hours of operation using two standard AA batteries
Operates on battery, AC or USB bus power
1.8-inch backlit LCD display with 128 x 64 resolution
Analog-type Mic Gain wheel
Built-in reference speaker
High-speed USB 2.0 card reader function
1/8-inch Mic/Line Input and Phones/Line Output stereo phone jacks
Accommodates up to 32GB SDHC memory cards
Includes Steinberg WaveLab LE 7 editing software, 2GB SD memory card and two AA batteries
Optional accessory package (APH-2n) includes remote control with extension cable, windscreen, AC adapter (USB type), USB cable, adjustable tripod stand, padded-shell case and a mic clip adapter.

7R Series Tractors Unveiled by John Deere

With a focus on increased power, versatility, capacity and improved operator comfort, John Deere introduces the 7R Series Tractors for the 2011-2012 season. These completely new row-crop tractor models have many of the performance features found in the larger 8R Series, making them even more productive in the field.

The 7R Series Tractors come with a wide array of new customer-driven features including the new IVT and Command Quad transmissions, options for larger tires, compact chassis, and greater engine horsepower ratings. These features give the 7R Tractors the versatility to handle the tillage, planting, haying, loader work and many other tough chores on the farm.

The 7R Tractors have 30 percent more fuel capacity and 23 percent greater hitch-lift capacity compared to their large-frame 7030 series predecessors. For rear-driven equipment, a new 3-speed economy PTO with power-assist PTO shifting is an available fuel-saving option. Inside the cab, John Deere has made major changes to enhance the operating experience.

The 7R models also can be equipped with ActiveCommand Steering, which utilizes breakthroughs in steering technology to deliver the ultimate in precise steering control, especially at transport speeds.

Good Morning Sunshine

Good morning agrimarketing world. I hope you’re having a sunny start to the week. Ours is a little stormy here in mid Missouri but the sun was trying to pop out.

I just thought I’d take a moment to go geek on you. If you’re in the market for a good quality digital camera that fits in your pocket consider the Canon Powershot S95. They’re hard to get right now but if you can find one, you’ll like it. I used it for this photo while stopped at a red light this morning. What I’m liking about this camera includes the fact that I can manually adjust things like shutter speed, exposure and ISO. It also has low light settings and a better lens than you’ll find in most small point and shoots. Of course you can go fully automatic too. It also shoots video and saves as .mov files which are much more user friendly than the .avi files of my previous one.

Some of you are probably thinking, “Chuck usually has a big Nikon hanging off of him.” That’s true. But this one fits in my pocket and I plan to use it as much as I can. Between it and my iPhone I always have a camera on me. It’s hard to get a photo of something if you don’t have a camera, if you know what I mean.

Otterbox For iPad 2

I still have yet to see a tablet that competes with the iPad and especially the iPad 2. I know. There are a lot of them out there. Has anyone actually bought one? Do you really like it? I’ve looked at a couple and read a lot about them. I haven’t really seen anything positive enough to make me switch.

But this is about the new Otterbox case for the iPad 2. All you iPad 2 cowboys now have a case rugged enough to just pop your iPad into your saddle bag!

The tablet that started a mobile technology revolution has gotten an upgrade – the Apple® iPad® 2 is faster, lighter and smarter than its older brother. OtterBox®, the company that revolutionized technology protection, is following suit; introducing the OtterBox Defender Series® case for iPad 2.
“For a device as versatile as the iPad 2, maximizing protection without sacrificing portability is key,” said OtterBox Founder and CEO Curt Richardson. “From its light-weight design to the integrated viewing stand, the level of protection and functionality of our newest Defender Series is impressive.”

Chuck Leavell and Sterling Microphones

I’m sure you remember Chuck Leavell from stories we’ve done due to his involvement with New Holland. I haven’t heard from Chuck in a while. Then this evening I got my Mix Magazine e-newsletter and there’s an ad featuring Chuck for Sterling Microphones. Maybe ZimmComm should look into these further. What do you think? Does a tree farming rock and roller know what he’s talking about?

As you should know, he’s the piano man. At least in my mind (sorry Billy Joel). Here’s an associated video clip you farm podcasters might enjoy.

Farm Podcaster Tool

Here’s a great gift for your favorite farm podcaster. A USB microphone made by Samson that also looks very cool on your desktop or wherever you need to record. It’s the Meteor Mic.

Meteor Mic is the universal solution for recording music on your computer. Perfect for your home studio, Meteor Mic is also ideal for Skype, iChat or voice recognition software. With Meteor Mic, you can make incredible recordings that are out of this world.

Since there’s no need for drivers, you can start recording right out of the box on any computer. And Meteor Mic is compatible with most computer-based digital audio workstations. A USB cable and carry pouch are also included.

Read all about it on their website.

How Do uShip Ag Equipment or Livestock

If you’re shipping heavy ag equipment or livestock then uShip has some ideas they asked us to pass along. A big one is what to do with an empty truck or trailer after it makes a drop off. How about putting something in it for the return trip? It can not only save you money but helps the environment at the same time. You can learn more about Green Shipping on their website. Watch the video to learn how it works.



Since 2004, uShip has made transport and trucking more affordable and efficient. We’ve matched hundreds of thousands of customers’ shipments with the extra space in transporters’ trucks, reducing the number of empty miles on the road and saving people millions of dollars in lowered delivery costs.

But that’s only half of the equation. uShip also has a long-standing partnership with TerraPass, the award-winning carbon offset provider, to purchase credits to further neutralize the negative impact of carbon dioxide emissions created from transport jobs booked on uShip. Whether you’re a customer or a transporter, you can easily participate by purchasing TerraPass credits to make a difference.

Once you’ve created an account you can search to find people and businesses that have heavy haul ag equipment or livestock that they need shipped.

iPad 2 Review

I got the new iPad 2 yesterday and thought I’d share my first impressions. In fact I’m typing this on the new one with the WordPress app. The first comment is that thinner and lighter are an apt description. It just feels sleeker. And the first wasn’t bad. So for portability purposes this is a plus.

With iTunes, syncing all my stuff was a breeze. I had backed up my old iPad first of course. Then just plugged the sync cable in and that was that. It just doesn’t get any easier than that. I’m typing on the built in keyboard because I forgot my wireless one. But it is not as difficult as some people have made it out to be.

I have all my same apps. The ones I use the most are Mail, Twitter, The Weather Channel, Kindle, Netflix, iPod, Newspapers, USA Today, iBreviary, Maps, Safari, Google, Friendly, Contacts and Calendar but I have a lot more including 1Password, iDisk, DocsToGo, Dropbox. Apps are where it’s at!

The new iPad is a little easier to hold while sitting because it is lighter and I have to comment on the new smart cover. I’ve got a white iPad with the blue leather smart cover. This cover is cool! It attaches with magnets and knows where to fit them. It only covers the screen but that’s okay with me. I’m going to be putting this into a carry on bag or have it lying on a coffee table. I’m not worried about scratching the back. The cover turns it off when I close it automatically. Then the iPad turns on instantly when I open it! That doesn’t sound like much but its a nice user friendly feature. The cover is in panels that allow you to either swing it around to the back to read your book or fold into several configurations as a stand like I’m doing now to type. I recommend this cover!

Now let’s talk about some other improvements. Can you say cameras? Front and back and I’ve already used FaceTime with a friend. Works great. I haven’t used Skype on it yet but I’m sure that will work fine too. Having these cameras opens up a whole new world of opportunities!

Before I got it I was asked if it would have a USB port. It does not. But I had already gotten the camera kit which includes a USB adapter that worked fine on my original. That let’s me connect a Multi card reader for example to plug in compact flash cards.

I also bought the original adapter to let me plug this into a projector but still haven’t found this to be too useful. But then I really don’t use Keynote (PowerPoint) that much. I don’t use this to plug into a wide screen tv either. I have my Apple TV for that.

Finally, I have the wifi only version. I either use this where I have wifi or I have my iPhone 4 with a tethering account to create my own wifi. I saw no need to have an extra monthly bill! Does this replace my MacBook Pro? No way. Do I use it a lot? Yes. I have learned to love reading books and watching movies on it. It’s great for checking email, Twitter and Facebook. It’s a lot easier to pull out on the plane and use. I do wish they’d get rid of that rule to have all electronic devices turned off on takeoff and landing though!

So there you have it. It gets my highest recommendation. What did I do with my original? It has replaced Cindy’s Sony Reader. Now if Sony and Apple would just see eye to eye on their app . . .

Post Update: I added the photo after I got back from the coffee shop.

AGRITECHNICA Will Feature Smart Farming

2011 commodity classicAgricultural equipment and machinery manufacturers are implementing more advanced electronics into their products these days to help farmers become ever more efficient. That’s why “Smart Farming” will have its own special segment at Agritechnica 2011, November 15-19 in Germany.

During the 2011 Commodity Classic, I had a chance to chat with our friends Malene Conlong and Annette Reichhold with DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts-Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society) who organize the bi-annual Agritechnica. Malene says they chose “smart farming” as the special topic to highlight during Agritechnica this year. “You guys in America actually started this off with your precision farming and this is something that we’ll be exploring in depth,” she said. “By 2050 we’ve got 9 billion people on the earth and these people have to be fed somehow and I think smart farming is one of the ways that will be possible.”

Agritechnica started in 1985 and is the world’s largest agricultural machinery and equipment exhibition, with 2300 exhibitors and 355,000 visitors. They recently partnered with the AgConnect Expo here in the United States to build up a similar show on this side of the Atlantic on the off years – even though they will technically be held in the same calendar year.

Listen to or download my interview with Malene and Annette here: 2011 Agritechnica Preview

2011 Commodity Classic Photo Album

Recording Digital Audio With Apps

I keep you notified when new digital audio recorders become available and I have pointed out before that your iPod or iPhone can also handle digital audio recording duties. I thought it was time to point back to them as I see more and more ag journalists recording audio.

I currently have seven audio recording apps on my iPhone but the one I keep coming back to is the one that comes with the device and that’s Apple’s Voice Memo App. The latest versions of it do an excellent job of recording and even give you a nice microphone image to go along with it! Unless you’ve maxed your device memory you can record a lot of audio on these and just re-charge when necessary, saving you on batteries. You can trim audio with this app and then import into iTunes to convert to an mp3. If you don’t need to do major editing, that’s all you need! How easy is that? If you want to connect a hand held microphone to your device, or a mult box, consider an adapter like this one.

Here’s a list of the audio apps I’ve got on my iPhone:

Blue Fire
Castor
Recorder
Speakeasy
Tweetmic
iProRecorder
Voice Memo

What is your favorite audio recording app? Different one? How about on a device other than Apple?

Self Propelled Guardians From New Holland

New Holland Tyler RobertsThe biggest machine in the New Holland booth at this year’s Commodity Classic is their Guardian Rear Boom Sprayer. There wasn’t enough space for it to “spread its wings” though. I talked with Tyler Roberts about the self propelled sprayers now being made by New Holland.

Tyler says these machines are ready to get out in the field after being introduced last fall. He says the Guardian name ties into the crop protection capabilities of the sprayers. And these are big Guardians! Besides the rear boom they also offer a front boom sprayer which Tyler gets real excited talking about.

You can listen to my interview with Tyler here: Interview with Tyler Roberts

2011 Commodity Classic Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the 2011 Commodity Classic
is sponsored by: BASF New Holland and AgHaven

New Holland PowerStar Utility Tractors

Brad MooreI didn’t get to go to the World Ag Expo to see these tractors unveiled but they were on display at the National Farm Machinery Show. They are the New Holland PowerStar Series Utility Tractors. To learn about them I spoke with Brad Moore, North American Mid-Range Tractor Segment Leader.

Brad says customers really designed these tractors by giving feedback in a series of customer clinics and “virtual reality” applications. The virtual reality allowed for a lot of models that could be tested with customers without using real steel.

PowerStar tractors will be available in both cab and ROPS versions. The entire three-model line (75 hp – 100 hp) will provide outstanding maneuverability, unparalleled comfort and excellent fuel efficiency for part-time farmers as well as livestock, dairy and other operators who are looking for a highly versatile tractor.

You can listen to my interview with Brad here: Brad Moore Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

John Deere Launches 1 Series Subcompact Utility Tractors

John Deere Subcompact 1 SeriesAt the National Farm Machinery Show John Deere unveiled a new line of subcompact tractors – the 1 Series Subcompact Utility tractors. The media got a preview before the show opened one morning. You can see the presentation by Kevin Branstetter, John Deere Product Manager, in the video clip below. I also interviewed Kevin.

Kevin says their are two models, the 1023E and 1026R. He says they’re customer designed and will accept a full range of implements. One of those is a mid mount mower deck that allows the operator to drive over it and auto connect! Also important is an auxiliary power outlet so you can keep your mobile phone charged while you’re mowing or working. They’ll be available in John Deere dealers soon.

You can listen to my interview with Kevin here: Kevin Branstetter Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Touring New Holland

Touring New Holland BoothI got a birds eye view of the New Holland exhibit at the National Farm Machinery Show. Mike Harvey and I did a video overview of what’s on display from the top of a New Holland CR9060 Combine! You can find all the technical specs for these combines here.

The tour includes the new PowerStar tractors, hay and forage equipment, precision ag products as well as the new line of skid steer loaders.

Thanks to Gene Hemphill for taking our photo from the floor.

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland

New Holland Construction Intros New Super Boom Skid Steers

New Holland Construction Super Boom Skid SteerThe New Holland Construction new Super Boom skid steer loaders drew a lot of attention at the National Farm Machinery Show today. These 200 Series machines have been years in the making. I spoke with Dave December, Marketing Manager, New Holland Construction and Jorge De Hoyos, Global Product Marketing Manager to learn all about these new products. They sell skid steer loaders throughout their dealer network that includes ag equipment dealers.

With the new 200 Series, New Holland maintains the best-in-class forward dump height and reach with the Super Boom® loader vertical lift design – and introduces breakthrough productivity improvements. The new skid steers culminate five years of customer research, design and engineering improvements.

“New Holland skid steers are built around our customers’ needs. Our engineers used input from hundreds of customers to design the new 200 Series line-up,” said Dave December, marketing manager at New Holland Construction. “The New Holland skid steer loaders have been engineered from the ground up. No matter what your line of work, agriculture, landscaping or construction, you’ll work faster, smarter and more profitably with our new skid steers.”

You can listen to my interview with David and Jorge here: Skid Steer Introduction Interview

There are a number of other photos of the new skid steers in my photo album: 2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Super Boom Road ShowIn our interview you can hear all about the New Holland Construction Super Boom Road Show which is an open house customer event held at New Holland dealerships across North America. The event includes a skid steer challenge featuring New Holland’s new 200 Series skid steer loaders.

The Super Boom Road Show will take place at 35 New Holland dealerships across the United States and Canada. Highlighting each event is a skid steer challenge where equipment operators compete for the best time on a special course. Prizes and cash are awarded to the top finishers. In addition, the operator who wins each local competition will be flown to Louisville, Ky., to compete in a final competition during GIE+EXPO 2011 (Oct. 27-29) to determine the North American champion. The grand prize winner will receive a new, fully-loaded New Holland 200 Series skid steer loader – valued at $35,000 – for their sponsoring company, plus $5,000 and New Holland gear for the operator.

AgWired coverage at the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:
New Holland