ISOBUS Task Controller for Planters

Melissa Sandfort

Insights Weekly Ag Leader Technology, Inc., a leading manufacturer of precision farming equipment and software, continues to expand the ISOBUS capabilities of the Ag Leader® Integra and Versa™ displays with the addition of Task Controller for planters. ISOBUS provides a universal standard for communication between tractors and implements allowing for plug and play compatibility within the operation’s fleet – regardless of equipment color.

New_ISOBUS_Task_Controller_for_Planters1-280x226ISOBUS Task Controller enhances the communication capabilities between the tractor and ISOBUS-compatible planter by enabling swath control, prescription rate control and as-applied mapping. These features use a GPS signal to determine the planter’s location in the field and automatically turn the rows off when entering already applied areas and end-rows. When exiting these areas, the rows will automatically turn on, resulting in substantial cost savings on seed as well as increased yield.

“With many of our customers operating with a mixed fleet, the ISOBUS Task Controller allows them to hook multiple colors of equipment together and have full control of planting operations through the Ag Leader Integra and Versa displays,” says Brett Buehler, Product Specialist. “We are continually adding new features and compatibility to our displays to provide our customers with the tools to achieve optimal planting results,” he adds.

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.

Ag Leader, Agribusiness

NAFB Reporting Award to Honor Stewart Doan

Kristyn Stidham

nafb13-rootSince the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences took exception to the use of the word “Oscar” for NAFB’s annual reporting awards that had been presented since the 1970s, a new name has been bestowed for the awards that will pay tribute to one of organization’s past presidents who passed away last year.

doanDuring the NAFB Foundation luncheon, chairman Ken Root announced that the Oscar in Agriculture award will be renamed in recognition of the late, great Stewart Doan. “We are calling it The Doan, in honor of Stewart who was a reporter’s reporter,” said Ken. Stewart covered agricultural policy news for more than 30 years from Arkansas to Washington DC. He was the voice of Agri-Pulse at the time of his unexpected passing.

After putting the award on hiatus for a year, Ken says starting next year there will be three “Doans” awarded – for radio, television, and one for internet media. “We believe that it’s very important for our members to be recognized by their peers for the highest quality of journalism,” he said.

In this interview, Ken also talks about the importance of the NAFB Foundation, the new George Logan Scholarship, and the new members of the foundation board. Interview with Ken Root, NAFB Foundation

2013 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Audio, Media, NAFB

New ASFMRA President

Chuck Zimmerman

ASFMRAThe new president of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers is Jim Rickert, AFM, ARA co-owner of Western Agricultural Services. I visited with him at the Agronomics Vision 2014 conference taking place in Reno, NV, to find out what his goals are for his year as president.

Rickert, AFM, ARA is the co-owner of Western Agricultural Services, with his wife Mary, since 1981. Their son James Rickert joined the family business in 2004. Jim is a member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and provides farm and ranch management services on over 50,000 acres in five counties in Northern California. Western Agricultural Services also offers appraisal and real estate brokerage services. Jim received his ARA designation in 1975 and his AFM designation in 1979.

You can listen to my interview with Jim here: Interview with Jim Rickert

You can find photos from the conference here: Agronomics Vision 2014 Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the ASFMRA Agronomics Conference is sponsored by Halderman Farm Management.

Ag Groups, Audio, Video

John Deere Opens MyJohnDeere Platform

Jamie Johansen

nafb13-jd-batdrofAt today’s NAFB Trade Talk, John Deere’s had a big announcement about their MyJohnDeere platform collaborating software developers and companies. Cindy spoke with Product Marketing Manager for John Deere Intelligent Solutions Group, Chris Batdorf, during the fast-paced event.

“Last summer we introduced a product called Wireless Data Transfer and that helped to do away with the USB stick and seamlessly transfer production data on and off the machine to MyJohnDeere platform. What this new announcement means is now we are working with the software companies out there. Then with their customers permission, tap in to this information and serve it up on their applications.”

Customers are able to view and manage this information from smart phones, tablets, and computers when and where they need it. Chris went on to share how this new technology will increase efficiency and make the job of the farmer easier overall.

“Their able to use applications that make sense to them, but we are doing a lot of things through the MyJohnDeere platform that customers are going to see in the coming year around showing the information actually on that platform. Making it a one-stop shop, helping them to not only see their John Deere equipment but other equipment as well.”

Earlier this year we had a preview of this announcement when Chuck attended John Deere API Integrator Conference. Here a link to that post.

For companies or developers interested in connecting their applications to MyJohnDeere platform visit Developer.deere.com. More information on MyJohnDeere, Wireless Data Transfer, and JDLink, check out MyJohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

Listen to Cindy’s complete interview with Chris here: Interview with Chris Batdorf

Checkout photos from NAFB Convention: 2013 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Farming, John Deere, NAFB, Technology

Farm Credit Sponsors NAFB Social Media Corps

Kristyn Stidham

10844765406_d86e3f9495_bFarm Credit sponsored the Trade Talk Social Media Corps for the first time ever and brought them to NAFB 2013. The team is made up of seven students from colleges all over the nation who are all majoring in agriculture communications. Farm Credit’s National Communications Director Margaret Fogarty took on the task of heading up the students and teaching them the ropes.

“We had the idea that we wanted to expand and amplify the conversation from the trade talk floor through channels in the social media space,” said Fogarty. “We wanted to expand the conversation and get some interest from folks in the industry who aren’t able to be here at the event.”

Following NAFB, there may be a future for the Social Media Corps.

“We are already talking to folks about bringing the Social Media Corp to other industry events throughout 2014,” Fogarty said.

The students posted throughout trade talk on various facets of social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. They posted interviews with companies they sought interest in, video clips, photos, and posts. Following trade talk students will continue with blog posts and follow up pictures from the event. They used various hashtags like #NAFB13 and #TradeTalkSocial.

Listen to my interview with Margaret here: Interview with Margaret Fogarty

Checkout photos from NAFB Convention: 2013 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, NAFB, Social Media

NAFB Foundation Goal is $10k

Kristyn Stidham

nafb13-brandsThe National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Foundation has a booth here at the 2013 Convention in Kansas City, which is being manned by Lois and Richard Brand, parents of NAFB Executive Director Tom Brand.

“People have an opportunity to donate to the foundation which provides scholarships for potential farm broadcasters,” said Lois. The scholarships help students interested in the profession to get the “farm word out” while also being able to network with professionals in the industry.

Lois says they have several perks for donating to the Foundation during the convention. Anybody that donates at least $100 gets entered in a drawing to win $500 toward the auction that will be held here at the convention. If they donate $250 they get a chance to win the classic farm print “Farm Broadcasting Through the Decades.”

The foundation is striving to achieve a goal of $10,000 in donations this year to continue encouraging the next generation of farm broadcasters. Even if you are not at convention and would like to donate, please find out how on the NAFB Foundation website.

Listen to Leah’s interview with Lois and Richard here: Lois and Richard Brand

2013 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Audio, Media, NAFB

Monsanto Innovation to Meet Global Demand

Chuck Zimmerman

Dr. Robert FraleyThis morning Dr. Robert Fraley, Monsanto Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, took the stage at Agronomics Vision 2014. His task was to address “Meeting Global Demand Through Innovation in Agriculture.” It is a task he enjoys since that’s what Monsanto has always done!

Dr. Fraley talked about the projects and technologies that Monsanto is working on to support the doubling of yields needed by the year 2030 to feed a growing population. He says the Monsanto has always been a seed company that combines breeding with with biotechnology and agronomics solutions as well as new technologies.

You can listen to Dr. Fraley’s speech here: Dr. Robert T. Fraley Speech

Agronomics Vision 2014 Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the ASFMRA Agronomics Conference is sponsored by Halderman Farm Management.

Ag Groups, Audio

A California Welcome to Agronomics Vision 2014

Chuck Zimmerman

Karen RossThe Agronomics Vision 2014 conference got kicked off this morning with opening remarks from Karen Ross, California Secretary of the Department of Food and Agriculture. Karen is very proud of the agricultural industry in California as you’ll hear from her remarks. I also interviewed her afterward and will be sharing that interview soon.

You can listen to Karen’s remarks here: Opening Remarks from Karen Ross

You can find photos from the conference here: Agronomics Vision 2014 Photo Album

AgWired coverage of the ASFMRA Agronomics Conference is sponsored by Halderman Farm Management.

Ag Groups, Audio

The Bridges of Nemaha County

Melissa Sandfort

20131101_153256I think I have an affinity for bridges. On enjoyable fall afternoons when the kids have had enough bike riding and weed-pulling, we take a walk to the old bridge up the country road that runs behind our house. We have to be careful though because the stroller wheels fall between the wooden slats – that’s how big the cracks are! My 5-year-old is always very careful as he leans over to toss rocks into the water; I keep a tight hold on my 15-month old because she has NO fear.

When I go for walks by myself, I often find myself gravitating toward another old bridge next to the pond where we used to fish as kids. The dog we had for about 18 years used to bark at this same bridge if you’d say, “Lucky, get ready!” Maybe it was the clickety-clack the wood made when the pickup drove over it?

And as I was driving to Kansas City a couple of weekends ago, I drove over the Missouri River bridge at Brownville. Granted, it’s not a bridge of Nemaha County (Nebraska), but I snapped this picture with my phone. It looks like a sketch – the lines are so beautiful.

I wonder what that means – my love of bridges. I know the expression “don’t burn bridges” because then you can never go back; I also know “building bridges” … it can stand for “get over it” or “find a connection between yourself and another person”.

Or maybe I’m just reading too much into it and these old bridges just bring up pleasant childhood memories. Either way, I’m off to go cast another stone (in the creek!) from one of my favorite bridges.

Until we walk again …

Uncategorized

NAFB Scholarship Recipients Awarded

Jamie Johansen

nafb-scholarshipOn the opening day of the 70th National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention the NAFB Foundation awarded this year’s scholarship recipients during a luncheon sponsored by the CME Group.

Gina Olsen is the first recipient of the George Logan Scholarship. She is attending the University of Missouri and seeking a degree in agriculture. Interview with Gina Olsen

Amie Burke is the recipient of the Glenn Kummerow Scholarship. She is attending Illinois is State University and will graduate in December and will soon join the communications team at GROWMARK. Interview with Amie Burke

Stacie Seger received the NAFB Foundation Scholarship and is a junior at The Ohio State University. There she is pursuing a BS in Agriculture Communications. Interview with Stacie Seger

Checkout photos from NAFB Convention: 2013 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Agribusiness, Audio, Education, Media, NAFB