Proposal Could Cost Farm GPS Users

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Cindy

A company that wants to create a new, integrated wireless broadband/satellite network is facing opposition from agricultural global positioning system (GPS) providers and users.

As we reported on Precision Pays, Virginia-based company LightSquared
has proposed to set up 40,000 wireless broad-band stations across the nation on a frequency that is right next to the one used by GPS. Opposition to the plan became organized in the form of the Coalition to Save Our GPS, which consists of a wide variety of industries and companies, including agricultural interests and technology providers such as New Holland, Deere, GROWMARK, Leica Geosystems and Trimble Navigation.

This week, the company announced a solution to the GPS interference issue by moving to a lower block of frequencies that is “largely free of interference issues with the exception of a limited number of high precision GPS receivers that are specifically designed to rely on LightSquared’s spectrum.”

Agricultural interests are concerned about that exception. A study released by the Coalition to Save Our GPS estimates that LightSquared’s plan could result in “direct economic costs of up to $96 billion to U.S. commercial GPS users and manufacturers.” Jim Kirkland, vice president and general counsel of Trimble, says the analysis “also highlights how LightSquared’s recently announced ‘solution’ to the interference problem, which LightSquared admits will not reduce interference for high precision GPS uses, is no solution at all. High precision GPS uses represent nearly $10 billion in historical investment by GPS users over the last five years and $30 billion in annual economic benefits.”

“The use of GPS technology is vital to thousands of people who make their living with agricultural and construction equipment. It is simply not acceptable to allow this new network to interfere with these important industries when all indications are that there is no practical solution to mitigate this interference,” said Ken Golden, director of global public relations at John Deere. “In agriculture, the loss of a stable GPS system could have an impact of anywhere from $14 to $30 billion each year. That could significantly erode the strong competitive global position of U.S. farmers in the world agricultural economy.”

Meanwhile, the 2012 agriculture appropriations bill recently passed by the House includes language specifically to register concerns about the LightSquared network and directs the USDA “to ensure the FCC is aware of these concerns.”

Adding Sulfur? Watch Your Mixer

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Chuck

You can make sure your mix is right when you get the Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App. And if you need a device to get it then get your entry in for the Mix Tank App iPod Giveaway. Here’s some advice about adding sulfur from the folks at Precision Laboratories:

Recent plant tissue testing has shown an increased need for sulfur in Midwest corn fields. Sulfur functions as a structural component of proteins and amino acids, a catalyst for chlorophyll production and as a nodulation enhancer in legume crops. With recent research showing a positive crop response to sulfur applications, retailers and growers are interested in adding sulfur to their corn fertility programs this season. But they may be heading for trouble.

One of the easiest ways to add sulfur in corn is to include ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) with urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) as a carrier for pre-emerge herbicide applications. But ATS can challenge the emulsifier systems used in most pre emergent crop protection products and cause incompatibility problems in your sprayer. These problems can reduce weed control, plug screens and nozzles as well as make clean-out more difficult and time-consuming.

Researchers from Precision Laboratories, the leading supplier of custom adjuvants and specialty chemistries, have screened numerous pre-emergent herbicide combinations with ATS, UAN and various compatibility agents. They found that while several compatibility agents worked well in UAN, most did not work well once ATS was added. Convert ™ compatibility agent was specifically developed for eastern corn belt customers to use in UAN and ATS tank mixes. On the market for more than 10 years, Convert has one of the highest rates of emulsification and will improve stability and eliminate compatibility problems associated with tank mixing UAN and ATS solutions. Continue reading →

MyWay RTK Introduces Andy Hill as GM

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Melissa

MyWay RTK LLC – a precision farming technologies company that specializes in open-technology RTK (Real Time Kinematic) – introduced industry veteran, Andy Hill, as the new General Manager. Hill comes from Premier Technologies, Inc., bringing with him 20 years industry experience in precision farming and agriculture.

With its territory already blanketing the entire state of Illinois and quickly expanding in states like Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, MyWay RTK executives sought a proven industry expert to oversee the company’s continued growth.

As General Manager, Hill’s primary role will be facilitating the expansion of the MyWay RTK territory and working with industry representatives to implement the latest MyWay RTK offerings.

Get More From Burndown as Planting Begins

Posted on April 12, 2011 by Cindy

Planting season has officially started with the first USDA crop progress report of the year released this week. Three percent of the nation’s corn crop planted – the same as both last year and the five year average. Cotton is running on schedule with seven percent planted and sorghum is 20 percent.

As the planters start moving through the fields, Precision Laboratories is reminding growers to get the most out of their fields by getting the most out of their weed control by following two simple steps:

1. Reduce costly tank-mix incompatibility issues by following the proper mixing sequence

Tank mix compatibility issues can cost you time and money – lost spraying time from plugged sprayer nozzles, lost product and the risk of cross contamination problems later. Precision Laboratories recently released a simple and unique way to identify the correct mixing sequence for your crop protection products. The new Mix Tank app for iPhone and iPod touch, is the first of its kind, helping you determine the accurate mixing sequence for pesticides, adjuvants and foliar nutrition products. With over 700 crop protection products from over 15 manufacturers, the new Mix Tank app can process any combination of products and determine the correct solution. Download the Mix Tank app at http://bit.ly/MixTank. And if you don’t have an iPhone, you can enter to win a free iPod Touch loaded with the app and other tank mixing resources. To register for the Precision Laboratories/ZimmComm iPod Touch giveaway, click here. Continue reading →

AGRITECHNICA Will Feature Smart Farming

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Cindy

2011 commodity classic Agricultural 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

Precision Laboratories Helping Farmers Mix It Up

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Chuck

ZimmCast 296 It’s Spring folks and that means it’s about time for farmers to get in the field! And just in time to help them out, Precision Laboratories has a mobile application that will be very helpful. It’s the Mix Tank App which was just recently announced. In this week’s program we’re going to learn more about it and the company.

I spoke with James Reiss, Vice President of the agricultural chemistries business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist. The company is headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois and provides “specialized chemistries applied to plants, seed, soil and water to maximize resource and biological performance potential while stewarding the environment.” It was founded in 1962 and entered the ag industry in 1976.

There are several things about their new mobile application that really help set it apart and I think ultimately will make it successful. To start with, the Mix Tank app provides a service that you can’t find on the web right now and it’s one that is not only needed now but will become increasingly important as time goes on. This unique, needed service, is a really good characteristic of a good app. It seems to be rock solid in performance, at least from my short time using it on an iPod Touch. And finally, it allows you to save custom tank mixes and share them out via email, Twitter and Facebook. As you’ll hear Jim and Dan say, this app has been really well received by not only farmers but retailers and consultants who want to use it as a way to communicate their recommendations to customers!

Learn more about Precision Laboratories in this week’s ZimmCast: ZimmCast 296 - Precision Laboratories

This week’s program ends with some music from Music Alley. It’s called “Spring Break” by masceo.

Thanks to our ZimmCast sponsor, Growmark, locally owned, globally strong, for their support.

The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired. Subscribe so you can listen when and where you want. Just go to our Subscribe page

Precision Laboratories Mix Tank App

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Chuck

Need help mixing crop protection products? There’s an app for that from Precision Laboratories.

Want to know how to really get the attention of a new media reporter? Send your app pre-loaded on an iPod Touch! That’s just what Precision Laboratories did (thank you!).

And while you’re at it have an already prepared YouTube video with great music and a USB stick pre-loaded with your media kit. Then just to make it all come together have your staff strategically placed on a plane with the new media reporter. Just kidding. However, that’s what did happen when Cindy and I were traveling to Tampa for Commodity Classic. I just happened to overhear James Reiss, VP, Ag Chemistries Business and Daniel Ori, Marketing Specialist for Precision Laboratories talking about it behind me on the plane. So I introduced myself. They were going elsewhere but it was a nice coincidence.

By the way, there are a series of videos on water quality and compatibility in their YouTube Channel.

The new Mix Tank app is designed to support retailers, crop specialists, researchers and growers in providing accurate and efficient tank mix sequences that will enhance profitability and ease.

As mixing issues and interactions continue to cause more problems, the Mix Tank app will help reduce product and money lost from plugged sprayer equipment and cross contamination errors. The free Mix Tank app offers the first of its kind assistance in determining the accurate mixing sequence for herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, adjuvants and foliar nutrition products. With over 700 crop protection products from over 15 manufacturers, the new Mix Tank app can process mixtures to determine the correct mixing order.

“Evolving crop protection strategies lead to more tank mixing and the potential for more tank mixing errors. An improper mix can cause lost time and money, and even lower efficacy or failure of your crop protection products. By using the Mix Tank app, users can get the most out of every tank mix,” said Jim Reiss, vice president of Agricultural Chemistries at Precision Laboratories. “We’re excited to bring this new technology to the industry and offer another tool for growers, custom applicators and our retail partners.” Continue reading →

John Deere Introduces FarmSight

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Cindy

2011 commodity classic john deere John Deere introduced a new “integrated suite of solutions” at the 2011 Commodity Classic, called John Deere FarmSight.

The comprehensive program is designed to meet farm and business needs for today and the future, according to FarmSight director Jerry Roell. “The John Deere FarmSight global suite of solutions uses integrated, wireless technology that links the equipment, owners, dealers, and agricultural consultants to provide even more productivity to your farm or business,” he said during a press conference Friday in Tampa.

The program provides technology solutions in three areas – Machine Optimization, Logistics Optimization, and Ag Decision Support.

Hear more about John Deere FarmSight from Jerry here: John Deere FarmSight

Here is a video of the introduction at Classic:

RTK Now Available For Raven Cruizer

Posted on February 28, 2011 by Chuck

Raven Slingshot Our AgWired iPhone App (soon to be Android too), Raven Industries, was on location at the National Farm Machinery Show. I visited with Paul Welbig to find out what’s new.

It looks like what’s new is an addition to their Cruizer product. This year farmers will have RTK available with the system. With this capability you can do high accuracy steering. He says the price point makes it very attractive. It also ties into their Slingshot system. It adds more precision to an already simple system.

You can listen to my interview with Paul here: Paul Welbig Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Making Precision Ag Pay

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Chuck

Precision ag was the topic of several educational seminars at the Western Farm Show. The presenter was Lucas Haag, Kansas State University Research and Education. The seminar going on in the photo focused on improving profitability. That’s something that any farmer would like to know. I think Lucas continued the discussion with some of the attendees long after it was over.

I spoke with Lucas about the message he had on profitability. He makes a distinction between technologies that have a quick payback and those that have a more long term payback. He says hardware like auto steer and auto swatch are ones that provide a quick payback. But in the longer term the data collection becomes more important. He encourages recording field yield data for example because that type of information helps make farm based decisions that can save money.

Lucas did get in a good plug for K-State and says that they offer opportunities for both students and adults who would like to learn more about using precision ag.

You can listen to my interview with Lucas here: Lucas Haag Interview

2011 Western Farm Show Photo Album

Precision Ag At Oklahoma State University

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Chuck

My first interview at the Western Farm Show is fellow exhibitor Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. I spoke with Steve Doede, Division Chair and Carlos Augusto, Faculty, Precision Ag Technology.

Here at the show they’re enticing students to attend their programs in precision ag and technician training. They’re offering in-state college tuition rates even for out of state students! That’s a big savings. This is being done in conjunction with the Southwestern Association Technician Program. If you’d like to take part then give them a call or stop by their booth here at the show for a tuition waiver note!

Carlos gave me a broad overview of their precision ag program starting with the Kubota utility vehicle in their booth that has been equipped with a sprayer and Trimble and Norac equipment. He says they have developed a curriculum that prepares students of all ages to move into the field prepared to work with any precision equipment. They’ve developed close relationships with all manufacturers and host them in each year to help guide them in terms of class offering.

You can listen to my interview with Steve and Carlos here: OSU Institute of Technology Interview

2011 Western Farm Show Photo Album

How Broadband & Precision Ag Are Increasing Farmers’ Profits

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Joanna

I recently attended the Iowa Power Farming Show and one of the technologies that I featured in a post on our sister blog Precision Pays, was Ag Leader’s new SMS Mobile Technologies. As I result, I was asked to write a guest post for Broadband for America. They asked if I could write a blog about how broadband technology has really changed the way agriculture does business. Precision Agriculture has not only made agriculture a bit easier, but its also made it a bit more profitable. Now, with the internet, precision ag can take it one more step.

With their permission, I am reprinting the article here.

For my mother, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, it was hard to imagine how far technology would advance agriculture in such a short time. For instance, the introduction of broadband would be a welcome surprise for many. It’s hard to fathom living without internet access; however, in the past, those in rural America did not have as much access as those living in urban areas. Fortunately, this is changing. According to Pew Internet, adults living in rural America have witnessed high-speed usage grow from 38% in 2008 to 46% in 2009. Many of these adults are farmers.

With the introduction of broadband also came the introduction of many precision agriculture technologies. For example, Ag Leader’s new SMS Mobile Technology helps farmers gain important information. The technology is designed to run on their handheld Mesa Rugged Notepad and provides a platform for farmers to gather information such as soil tests, scouting records and documentation of test trials. With the help of a wireless broadband network, farmers can instantaneously transfer the data to his SMS desktop software. The data can be combined with previous data and take his crop management to another level – a level that is designed to improve his profitability.

While this technology is still somewhat in its infancy, access to wireless communications has offered possibilities not before thought possible. Precision agriculture is taking full advantage of this technology. Each year, data integration and programs are more effective and easier to use as adoption among growers increases.

According to Tim Murphy, in a 2002 article, “Broadband Connection Highs and Lows Across Rural America“, the census found that half the farms in the country were connected to the internet in some way whether it be via broadband or dial-up. By 2007, the percentage of farms connected rose to 56.5 percent. As precision ag comes of age, I expect to see greater growth in the adoption in broadband in rural America. Why? Because broadband and precision ag, together, are helping to change the face of agriculture in a positive and profitable way.

New Holland Precision

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Chuck

There was a lot of precision ag on display at this year’s National Farm Machinery Show. Bruce Ristau, Precision Farming Sales Mgr., New Holland, took time to tell me what the company is doing in this sector.

Bruce says their displays are the high point of the latest products they’re showcasing at winter shows like NFMS. New Holland works closely with Trimble on precision products. Bruce says New Holland is now doing more company branding though, like on the new FM 750 Display. He says that farmers visiting the show can come by for a personal walk through.

You can listen to my interview with Bruce here: Bruce Ristau Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

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

Advanced Seed Monitoring From Ag Leader Technology

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Chuck

Ag Leader Technology It has been a busy day at the National Farm Machinery Show. I’ve been doing interviews all day and adding to the photo collection. So, lots of stories will be forthcoming in the next few days.

This morning I learned some of what’s new with Ag Leader Technology from Russ Morman. Russ gave me an overview of new products on display that includes their SMS Mobile Mesa Rugged Notepad hand held display, their new GPS 2500 system and advanced seed monitoring for the INTEGRA display. He says they’ve been receiving the most questions on advanced seed monitoring.

You can listen to my interview with Russ here: Russ Morman Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

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

Ag Leader Launches New SMS Mobile Package

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Joanna

It was a big day in Des Moines yesterday – a major snow storm blew in and thousands of farmers blew in with weather for the 56th Annual Iowa Power Farming Show. In tandem with the show, Ames, IA based Ag Leader Technology launched some new precision ag products and their team spent a very busy day demonstrating them for hundreds of growers who stopped by their booth. One new product is the updated Mesa Rugged Notepad with the SMS Mobile software package.

The Mesa Rugged Notepad is a handheld device that is larger than a PDA but smaller than a laptop and the perfect size for growers to take out to the field. And it’s durable – it can be rained on or dropped and it will stand up to the wear and tear. It also has a glare-proof screen so even on the sunniest of days, you’ll have no problem reading the screen.

The SMS Mobile software includes several key types of in-field information that can be collected and analyzed including Soil Sampling Mode, Crop Scouting Mode, Coverage Mode, Boundary Mode, and General Logging Mode.

I caught up with Michael Vos, Software Sales Manager for Ag Leader to learn more about the SMS Mobile technology that was launched and how it will improve a grower’s operations. Vos gave me a step-by-step tutorial on how one element, the Soil Sampling Mode, worked. You can watch here in this detailed video. Now don’t worry. Even if you’re new to GPS systems and the software, the Ag Leader team will get you set up, trained and started in no time.

SMS Mobile is available right now through the purchase of a Mesa Rugged Notepad kit or you can purchase the SMS mobile and install it on your own device. To learn more, contact Ag Leader or visit their website.

You can check out Ag Leader during the Iowa Power Farming Show in our flickr photo album.

Raven Industries Sponsors AgWired iPhone App

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Chuck

Raven Industries

ZimmComm is happy to announce Raven Industries as our newest sponsor. Raven is taking a big leap into the support of cutting edge information distribution by becoming our first AgWired iPhone App sponsor! Don’t have the AgWired App on your iPhone yet? Then what are you waiting for? If you’ve already got the AgWired App then make sure you get our latest update when you sync with iTunes next! And for you Android fans, we’re working on that right now and will be announcing availability in the Android Market soon.

Ryan Molitor Raven Industries At the recent AG CONNECT Expo I spoke with Ryan Molitor, Raven Applied Technologies Marketing Supervisor (pictured left). This is the precision ag division of the company. Here’s what Ryan says about their sponsorship.

“As a cutting edge technology provider, we’re very excited to be a part of the AgWired app. News and information is more and more readily available, and we are happy to be part of the leading edge of delivering it.”

I asked him what’s new. He says they recently introduced eight new products. One that he highlights is their Envizio Pro II field computer. It controls all functions of the tractor through one console.

Ryan says all their field computers are internet ready and points to their Slingshot field hub product. This is a product that would get my attention in today’s connected world. Benefits include:

* Wireless RTK correction signals via cellular networks for universal access to sub-inch accuracy
* ZERO line-of-site RTK signal limitations provide uninterrupted operation and convenience
* Real-time communications and data sharing with any computer anywhere ensures better data, better decisions and more productivity in the field
* Seamless data transfer from the field to secure online accounts
* Remote capabilities for changing settings and profiles from distant locations
* Remote live support via high-speed Internet slashes downtime and operator error
* Compatible with both Raven and non-Raven precision ag equipment.

Listen to my interview with Ryan here: Interview With Ryan Molitor

On The Go Crop Sensing Technology Next Big Thing In Precision

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Chuck

I took a look at what’s new with Ag Leader Technology with Mike Olson at the AG CONNECT Expo. Here’s Mike talking through precision applications and options during the show.

Mike says they just announced the addition of advanced seed tube monitoring to their displays. This allows farmers to take their Integra display and monitor singles and doubles in their spacing along with other things. This helps make sure you’re getting the best performance from your planter. Mike says farmers are most interested in auto steering since many haven’t implemented it yet and also planter clutch control which allows section control.

Looking ahead Mike says that he wants farmers to take a look at their OptRx crop sensor technology which allows for on the go variable nitrogen application. He says data they’ve seen from fields using this technology is amazing.

Listen to my interview with Mike here: Interview With Mike Olson

2011 AG CONNECT Expo Photo Album

Growmark Sponsors AgWired and Precision Pays

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Chuck

We’d like to introduce you to the newest sponsor of AgWired – Growmark, a regional cooperative, marketing products and services from the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast and in Ontario, Canada.

Growmark picked the unique online community that ZimmComm New Media has built to enhance awareness about their brands. The community includes both the on-line publications and the social media channels associated with them. We’re thrilled to be able to provide Growmark with significant search engine brand optimization, as well as work with Growmark in developing its own social media channels.

In addition to Growmark’s sponsorship of AgWired, their FS Green Plan Solutions is also a sponsor of our Precision Pays. So over the coming months we’ll be learning all about the full range of products, services offered by this unique agribusiness.

Amy Bradford, Growmark corporate communications manager, says the sponsorship offers a unique opportunity. “ZimmComm is a well-respected company with publications and relationships that include key audiences we want to touch. And, as we enter the social media venue, we want to take advantage of the experience and knowledge ZimmComm has across media channels, and especially in new media, to increase awareness about the Growmark System.”

While visiting Growmark headquarters in Bloomington, IL this week I spoke with Brian Koenig, Member Services, about the company. He gave me a good overview of all the different things Growmark is doing. The first thing I learned is that Growmark has 219 members in 12 states and Ontario. He works with these member cooperatives on business processes as well as IT and technology needs. So I guess you could say that Growmark is a regional cooperative of local member cooperatives. That means that they are still ultimately owned by farmers. Growmark allows its members to focus more on their territory while taking care of business opportunities on a more national level. I asked who their competition is and it includes other regional cooperatives and entities within the industry. Brian says that right now some of the work they’re focused on includes some tax issues and the upcoming planting season.

You can listen to my interview with Brian and learn more about Growmark here: Brian Koenig Interview

Leica Geosystems Announces Lineup of New Precision Products

Posted on January 14, 2011 by Chuck

I found out what’s new with AgWired sponsor, Leica Geosystems, at AG CONNECT Expo from Harlan Little, North American Business Manager – Agriculture. He says they’ve just announced a full suite of new products that include expanding the line of SteerDirect steering solutions and adding a number of new features to the Leica mojo3D and Leica mojoMINI displays.

Listen to Harlan explain each of these and what they offer to farmers who want to take advantage of the efficiencies offered by the latest precision products here: Interview With Harlan Little

Leica’s SteerDirect Solutions

The new SteerDirect Hydraulic option is a compact, integrated solution designed to work with the Leica mojoRTK auto-steer console.

New Leica mojo3D

The new Leica mojo3D guidance display has been upgraded with a number of new features, including the new Ultimate Curve guidance option, Boundary Recording, and the ability to upgrade to GLONASS satellites.

New Leica mojoMINI

The Leica mojoMINI also has a number of new features, making this entry-level display a must-have for any farm operation. The Leica mojoMINI is a great solution for anyone looking for an affordable way to start saving money in the field by enhancing driver accuracy and reducing overlap. Plus, with new features like Boundary Recording, Coverage Mapping and Continue Field, the Leica mojoMINI is even more useful.