At the National Farm Machinery Show New Holland introduced a new line of tractors. Pictured behind Tom Lano and me is one of their T-5000 Series tractors. I spoke to Tom who says they’ve received real good feedback on these tractors which have increased horsepower.
You can listen to my interview with Tom here:
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New Holland’s beefy new 70- to 96 PTO-hp T5000 Series utility tractors are built for long life and enduring productivity with high-strength frames, axles and components. They have the power and strength to perform heavy-duty loader work and handle larger, heavier implements, and to excel in tough hay conditions and demanding roadside mowing applications.
Powerful yet quiet four-cylinder engines provide the power and torque required for heavy-duty loader work and for operating hay tools, bat-wing mowers, feed wagons and mixers. The engines are turbocharged and intercooled for maximum fuel efficiency. Compared to previous models, the T5000 engine block is even thicker and heavier for reduced noise and vibration. The maximum engine speed has also been reduced from 2500 RPM to 2300 RPM to further reduce noise and prolong engine life. And, they are approved for use with B100 biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM 6751 standards.
While I was in the New Holland booth I got to meet Madison Hedgecock (pictured above), starting fullback for the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. He’s a Carolina farm boy who was out with his Dad to see the new machinery. I wonder if he made a deal to take one of these home.
If you’ve never attended the National Farm Machinery Show then you really owe it to yourself to wander around the largest indoor show of its kind in the world. I mean it’s big. I didn’t stay for the whole show this year but I think I covered some ground anyway.
While there I spoke with Dan Smaldone, Media Manager for the Kentucky Fair Board which is the organization that manages the facility. In our discussion he talks about how they market the show which includes the fact that 850 different companies and organizations are on display and they are all doing there best to get people there. He calls it a “must exhibit” show for companies in the farm machinery business. With over 300,000 people going through there during the show I understand what he means.
As I’ve mentioned before, this year Dan was able to set up a great media room with some of the fastest internet access I’ve found anywhere. Boy does that make our jobs easier. My coverage of the show was sponsored by John Deere and Precision Pays where you’ll find additional interviews than the ones posted on AgWired, some of them still to be posted later this week.
This week’s program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network. It’s called “Little Bit of Sunshine” by the Dr. Mic and the Brain Ninjas. I picked this song since I’ll be in Florida later this week. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.
You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 159 (18 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
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The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes
You know it would take a big bank account to write a check for a new John Deere combine and not too many farmers can do that. So to help them out they’ve got John Deere Credit. I spoke with Scotty Shipp, pictured on the right, at the National Farm Machinery Show about what the company offers to assist producers.
He says that John Deere Credit’s primary responsibility is to help dealers facilitate the sale of John Deere equipment. When it comes to precision ag equipment they can either include it in an original purchase or if after the fact, many dealers offer Farm Plan, a revolving credit plan that can be used to make purchases when needed like adding a new component to a precision system.
You can listen to my interview with Scotty here:
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This was today’s sunset on the way home from the National Farm Machinery Show.
This is right off I-64 in Illinois about an hour south of St. Louis. Very cool scene. I just thought I’d share it with you. The ride home was a lot more enjoyable than the one to the show.
I won’t be heading out again until mid week next week. In the meantime I’ll be getting caught up on some posts here over the weekend.
The media world sure is changing these days. Here’s Greg Lamp doing FIN TV. He’s a tv star. He’s a writer. He takes pictures. That’s media today. And this media is happening here at the National Farm Machinery Show.
I spoke with someone today who’s trying to figure out how to write a job description for the person they need to hire. They need someone with experience in photography, audio production, video production, web editing, writing, etc. That’s because we’re in a new media world and the traditional way is no longer “the way.”
I’m heading back to Missouri now so please feel free to browse the photos in the album and I’ve got more to post over the next couple days.
I tried to shoot a video clip of these tractors last night but my little point and shoot just couldn’t handle the noise I guess since it kept shutting off when they got close. But Leah Guffey, WFMB, save the day with her camera and provided me with a clip I can use.
Hopefully this video clip will give you an idea of why the arena was crowded on a Wednesday night as I’m sure it will be each night through the end of the show here. Syngenta is the sponsor once again and as I said last year in my coverage of the show, I am amazed at how much the ag chem and seed companies are involved with a machinery show.
I couldn’t resist taking this picture here in the media room which is a lot busier today. Here’s a couple of BARN guys, Andy Vance (l) and Adam Lohrey. One’s on his iPhone, the other’s on his iPod Touch and I’m taking the picture with my Blackberry Curve which I just emailed to my Mac for this post.
Yeah, it’s an exciting time here. Really. I’m going back into the show soon and getting some more interviews and pictures before heading home to tell Cindy, “Happy Valentines Day.”
Leah Guffey, WFMB, would like to hop on this Harley and drive it home. We were in the FMC farmer reception yesterday. The Harley is part of a contest the company is running. Our good friends Sally Behringer and Paul Redhage were on hand and so was Tyler Tuttle, FMC Retail Marketing Manager who I spoke with about their announcement for Authority Assist.
A new option for broad-spectrum control of broadleaf weeds with grass control assistance in soybeans is now available from FMC Corporation. New Authority Assist herbicide is the answer for effective residual control of tough broadleaves and grass control assistance. Soybean growers can rely on Authority Assist for complete broadleaf control, including control of small-seeded weeds, and grass assist, resulting in a cleaner start for increased yields.
Authority Assist is labeled for control of a variety of key weeds, including waterhemp, lambsquarters, pigweed, cocklebur, velvetleaf, Venice mallow, nightshade, morningglory, nutsedge, kochia, Russian thistle, barnyardgrass, foxtail and fall panicum. In addition, Authority Assist provides more effective control of many resistant biotypes, making it an important tool for an overall resistance management program in soybeans.
You can hear Tyler talk about their new product here:
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All I can say is that the testosterone level was high in the arena for the 40th National Championship Tractor Pull which got kicked off tonight in Louisville.
I attended last year and tonight things went way smoother. You can find a bunch of photos in my online event photo album.
There’s no way to describe the sound of these tractors as they compete by pulling these sleds. I’ll try to have a video clip of it for you later.
The media here at the National Farm Machinery Show are thrilled to have an official media room. It’s got the fastest internet access I’ve used in a long time. I sure wish they could all be like this.
When we get here we’re greeted by the lovely Ellen Anderson who’s an Administrative Assistant for the Kentucky State Fair Board that runs the show. All the people I’ve met here have been extremely helpful. Including Dan Smaldone, Media Manager, who handled our credentialing.
It’s about time for some receptions and then the Championship Tractor Pull which kicks off tonight. See you later.
John Deere is sponsoring my coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show so today they get all the love. I’ve done at least 7 interviews so far with more to go. Some of them will be featured on the Precision Pays website as well.
Before it got too difficult to walk through I shot a video clip of their booth for you. I think I really should have had someone walk along with me but they were all busy selling. As you’ll see, there are a lot of people here and Deere not only has a big booth but some big equipment. I really need a wide angle lens on this video camera!
By ethanol insurance I mean that John Deere Risk Protection is now offering a policy to a grower who wants some extra coverage in case he can’t fulfill a delivery contract to an ethanol plant.
Dennis Daggett, Director of Marketing for John Deere Risk Protection, is on the scene here at the National Farm Machinery Show. He’s been involved in crop insurance for over 30 years. He says Deere offers standard policies like multi-peril and crop hail. But this year they’ve introduced a new ethanol policy.
The first thing a farmer needs to do though is have a multi-peril plan in place. Then they can purchase the extra coverage. Sounds like good timing as we hear as farmers continue to work at meeting the needs for both fuel and food. The policy is available for this season in states in the grain belt area of the midwest only. You can find out all you want on their website.
You can hear Dennis talk about the new product here:
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The National Farm Machinery Show is off to a bright white start here in Louisville. They said it was over but they were wrong. I’ve spoken with some exhibitors inside who have apparently been here a while and they didn’t even know it was snowing hard outside.
Hopefully it’s just a short flurry and then we’ll be done. It’s making a mess out of the outside though.
Here inside it’s nice and warm. This is the show that’s entirely indoors and climate controlled, one of the nice things about it.
The wireless access here in the media room is working great and we’re place in an ideal location in the South Hall.
Eager to provide America’s farmers with all the resources they need to sustain any agricultural business, more than 800 exhibitors will showcase a complete selection of farming basics and technological advancements at the 43rd National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) in Louisville. As a result, approximately 300,000 people are expected to travel from across the country and around the globe to attend the event, recognized as the nation’s largest indoor farm show, when it returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC) this February 13-16.
Yuck. The drive to Louisville this afternoon got bad once I got into southern Indiana. I think I drove through everything - freezing drizzle, freezing rain, rain, snow, sleet, etc. Off and on, off and on. I passed or was passed by a number of farm trucks so I know I’m not the only one who traveled I-64 today. (Yes I was listening to my iPod).
Reminds me of last year, especially the last 50 miles.
I didn’t see too many cars off the road until then. I came around a curve and a guy had just spun out off the right side of the highway. Then after I passed him I saw a pickup behind me spin out and roll over twice. I called that one in to 911 and while I was talking to them I passed a bad one on the highway going the other way about 2 miles down the road with multiple emergency vehicles already on the scene.
Here in Louisville it’s kind of a light freezing rain right now.
It’s interesting what a flash will do from your camera when it’s snowing.
I’ve already had a voice mail from one person who’s had their flight in here canceled tonight. I wonder how many will be affected. Last year I had to spend the night in a hotel part way and get here late on opening day morning for the show.
I can’t tell you how happy I am to get in tonight! Be careful out there.
The National Farm Machinery Show now has an official media room. Great news for those of us who will be there this week. Last year was my first year and not having a media room made it a challenge.
An official National Farm Machinery Show (NFMS) media room designated to serve members of the working press at the NFMS and Championship Tractor Pull will provide hospitality to members of the media, allow stories to be filed online and provide an appropriate setting to conduct broadcast interviews.
WHEN: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, February 13-16
WHERE: Kentucky Exposition Center, South Wing B, Room 100
AMENITIES: Wireless Internet, computer access with printer, telephone, dedicated phone line for broadcasts, seating with backdrop for interviews, press rack and refreshments>
I really think I need to get in touch with more Internet Marketing Managers like Gigi Arino. She holds this position for Syngenta in their crop protection area. We had a great conversation at the National Farm Machinery Show and I recorded part of it to share with you.
Gigi says that a growing challenge within the company is how they coordinate and integrate the various divisions and the websites devoted to each. She sees herself as a bridge between IT and marketing to make sure that the websites in her area deliver the information promised in a fresh, updated and easy to use format. It sounds like we may even see a little Syngenta blogging before long. A few of her main sites include FarmAssist, AgriEdge and Syngenta Crop Protection.
You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 107 (15 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
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The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes.
AgWired coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show
is being sponsored by: and
On my way out of the National Farm Machinery Show I paid a visit on my friend and former farm broadcaster, Price Allen. Price works for Monty’s Plant Food Company which is practically across the highway from the show. He introduced me to the company president, Dennis Stephens (pictured).
Dennis shares the unique story about Monty’s Plant Food since it is the outgrowth of an effort by the company founder to make a better rose bloom! Now they sell their products in 13 countries and are really focusing growth on the agricultural market. Dennis explains all this and why their plant food product is so much superior in helping create a healthy plant which is their number one goal.
Listen to the Monty’s story in my interview with Dennis here (9 min):
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There’s not a lot of major national farm shows left that I haven’t attended at least once. They’re always a learning experience too. The National Farm Machinery Show has been no different. I didn’t even know who owned and operated the show. Now I do.
I met Amanda Storment, VP of Media & Public Relations for the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center. She says the NFMS is actually owned and operated by the Kentucky State Fair Board which owns the facility. In fact, she says the show really grew out of the state fair when the equipment displays got so big that they were running out of room for them and the other fair activities. So now we’re at the end of the 42nd year of this show.
If you’d like to learn more about the NFMS then listen to my interview with Amanda here (7 min):
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AgWired coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show
is being sponsored by: and
One of the biggest rigs in the John Deere booth at the National Farm Machinery Show this year is a 4930 Self Propelled Sprayer. This unit is made for commercial applicators and for large acreage farms. To learn more about it I interviewed product specialist, Jamie Bultemeier.
Jamie says that they’ve increased the horsepower on the 4930 Sprayer to 325-hp, outfitted it with a 1200 gallon high flow solution system, and designed it to maintain spray speeds in soft or hilly terrain. To make it more productive he says that John Deere offers an optional 300 cu. ft. dry box on the 4930 Sprayer. This allows the 4930 to deliver three- season performance of pre- and post-applications and combines two delivery systems on one machine.
Listen to my interview with Jamie here (4 min):
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AgWired coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show
is being sponsored by: and
I almost wish I could do an interview and post from every booth at a show like the National Farm Machinery Show. They all have a story to tell and you can find something interesting about all the products on display here. However, there’s only so much time. One interview I had set up before going was with Dwayne Leslie from Canada. We’ve communicated via email but never met. Dwayne is a farmer and an internet entrepreneur who is doing well with websites like Farm Auction Guide.
He just started one called Farmer Feeds where he’s aggregating farm podcasts like the ZimmCast. When we had a lull in the action I interviewed Dwayne to learn more about what he’s doing and why. I think it’s interesting that the websites he’s created are mostly born out of a need he had as a farmer personally. He just couldn’t find it so created it himself.
At the National Farm Machinery Show New Holland introduced a new line of tractors. Pictured behind Tom Lano and me is one of their T-5000 Series tractors. I spoke to Tom who says they’ve received real good feedback on these tractors which have increased horsepower.
Powerful yet quiet four-cylinder engines provide the power and torque required for heavy-duty loader work and for operating hay tools, bat-wing mowers, feed wagons and mixers. The engines are turbocharged and intercooled for maximum fuel efficiency. Compared to previous models, the T5000 engine block is even thicker and heavier for reduced noise and vibration. The maximum engine speed has also been reduced from 2500 RPM to 2300 RPM to further reduce noise and prolong engine life. And, they are approved for use with B100 biodiesel fuel meeting ASTM 6751 standards.
If you’ve never attended the 
As I’ve mentioned before, this year Dan was able to set up a great media room with some of the fastest internet access I’ve found anywhere. Boy does that make our jobs easier. My coverage of the show was sponsored by 
You know it would take a big bank account to write a check for a new John Deere combine and not too many farmers can do that. So to help them out they’ve got 
This was today’s sunset on the way home from the National Farm Machinery Show. 
The media world sure is changing these days. Here’s Greg Lamp doing 
I tried to shoot a video clip of these tractors last night but my little point and shoot just couldn’t handle the noise I guess since it kept shutting off when they got close. But Leah Guffey, WFMB, save the day with her camera and provided me with a clip I can use.
I couldn’t resist taking this picture here in the media room which is a lot busier today. Here’s a couple of 
Leah Guffey, WFMB, would like to hop on this Harley and drive it home. We were in the FMC farmer reception yesterday. The Harley is part of a contest the company is running. Our good friends Sally Behringer and Paul Redhage were on hand and so was Tyler Tuttle, FMC Retail Marketing Manager who I spoke with about their announcement for Authority Assist.
All I can say is that the testosterone level was high in the arena for the 
The media here at the National Farm Machinery Show are thrilled to have an official media room. It’s got the fastest internet access I’ve used in a long time. I sure wish they could all be like this.
By ethanol insurance I mean that 
The National Farm Machinery Show is off to a bright white start here in Louisville. They said it was over but they were wrong. I’ve spoken with some exhibitors inside who have apparently been here a while and they didn’t even know it was snowing hard outside.
The wireless access here in the media room is working great and we’re place in an ideal location in the South Hall.
Yuck. The drive to Louisville this afternoon got bad once I got into southern Indiana. I think I drove through everything - freezing drizzle, freezing rain, rain, snow, sleet, etc. Off and on, off and on. I passed or was passed by a number of farm trucks so I know I’m not the only one who traveled I-64 today. (Yes I was listening to my iPod).
It’s interesting what a flash will do from your camera when it’s snowing. 
The 
Gigi says that a growing challenge within the company is how they coordinate and integrate the various divisions and the websites devoted to each. She sees herself as a bridge between IT and marketing to make sure that the websites in her area deliver the information promised in a fresh, updated and easy to use format. It sounds like we may even see a little Syngenta blogging before long. A few of her main sites include 
On my way out of the National Farm Machinery Show I paid a visit on my friend and former farm broadcaster, Price Allen. Price works for 
One of the biggest rigs in the John Deere booth at the National Farm Machinery Show this year is a 
I almost wish I could do an interview and post from every booth at a show like the National Farm Machinery Show. They all have a story to tell and you can find something interesting about all the products on display here. However, there’s only so much time. One interview I had set up before going was with Dwayne Leslie from Canada. We’ve communicated via email but never met. Dwayne is a farmer and an internet entrepreneur who is doing well with websites like 
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