I spent some time learning about ways the world can feed a burgeoning population. One emerging idea is through a “vertical farm,” an idea that has been promoted by Dr. Dickson Despommier, a former professor of microbiology and public health in environmental sciences at Columbia. He recently authored, “The Vertical Farm Feeding the World in the 21st Century,” which lays …
Marketing Wyffels Hybrids
The Wyffels Hybrids Corn Strategies greeting committee included communications manager, Jill Loehr (center). I asked her how she’s finding success marketing this independent seed company. She says, “I think one of the things we have to do is stand out. We can’t afford to let someone flip past our ad or not pay attention to our radio or some of …
Wyffels Announces 2012 Iowa Corn Strategies Location
Wyffels Hybrids showed their appreciation to the Cummmings family for making their farm available once again for the 2011 Corn Strategies in Iowa. Pictured is the Cummings family with Marty Cummings receiving a very nice award from Bill Wyffels, Jr., company president. Marty was asked how long the family has been planting Wyffels products and what he likes about the …
Tractor Parts Talk
Here’s a new blog to add to your feeds. It’s called, Tractor Parts Talk, from TISCO. The company provides “all-makes of aftermarket tractor and agricultural equipment parts and accessories in North America.” “Tractor Parts Talk is an informative hub where everyone in the agriculture community can connect,” said William Stuckert, president of TISCO. “Our goal is to translate our many …
Wyffels Corn Strategies Kicks Off In Iowa
Last week Cindy attended the Wyffels Hybrids 2011 Corn Strategies in Illinois. This week it’s my turn in Malcom, Iowa. I think she got a better sunset picture than I did. I got done with some interviews in time to notice that the sun was going down since we were in an air conditioned tent. There are some photos in …
Soil Sampling With An iPad
Precision Earth. Has a nice ring to it doesn’t it. Would you guess it’s an iPad app for soil sampling? Didn’t think so. At the 2011 InfoAg Conference I learned about it when I saw their booth in the trade show. Pictured are Chris Tucker (left), Precision Earth and Aaron Hutchinson, Cogent3D, Inc. holding an iPad showing Precision Earth in …
Lightsquared Threat To GPS
I spent a lot of my career in the broadcasting business and never saw the Federal Communications Commission take action like they have been on the proposal from a company called Lightsquared to utilize high-powered, close-proximity transmissions from a network of ground stations that would cause substantial interference with GPS signals.. It is unheard of for them to allow a …
FMC Field Tour A Two Way Value
To get a wrap-up perspective on the FMC Summer Plot Tour I spoke with Tom Becker. Tom is a Retail Market Manager for FMC. Tom wanted tour participants to leave viewing FMC as a partner in their business, especially since they’re branching out more and more in the herbicide business with new products like Anthem. As part of their outreach …
Improving Soil & Water Conservation
The Ag Resource Coordinator for the Livingston County, IL Soil & Water Conservation District is Terry Bachtold. He was one of the coordinators for the CTIC Indian Creek Watershed Project field day. He says this project is all about water quality and what farm management practices will help improve it. A good percentage of farms in the watershed have signed …
An Authority On FMC Authority
Sam Lockhart, FMC Technical Sales Manager (pictured on right), is one of the teachers on the company’s Summer Plot Tour taking place this week. I visited with Sam after the activities in York, NE. He works a northern territory that has had a lot of moisture, in fact too much. That presents some challenges. Farmers have struggled to get weed …