New Holland Has A Lot of New

Chuck Zimmerman

There is a lot new at New Holland and it’s on display at the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show. I visited with John Elliott, New Holland, Director, Marketing NAR, to get the aerial view of all the new products. When I saw John last at the Farm Progress Show New Holland was becoming much more customer segmented with three distinct segments, RCMU which is residential, commercial, municipal units, the dairy/livestock units and the cash crop segment. John says that on the show floor today there are product launches in all three areas.

The new products list includes:

Listen to my interview with John to learn more about all the new products being introduced by New Holland: Interview with John Elliott

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Agribusiness, Audio, Equipment, National Farm Machinery Show, New Holland, Tractor

FMC Captures Patent for Capture® LFR® Insecticide

Cindy Zimmerman

Just in time for the National Farm Machinery Show this week, FMC Corporation received a U.S. Patent for its Capture® LFR® insecticide formulation.

The patent is called “Insecticidal Compositions Suitable for Use in Preparation of Insecticidal Liquid Fertilizers” and refers to Capture LFR insecticide formulated to directly mix with liquid fertilizers and water, providing optimum compatibility. The “LFR” part stands for Liquid Fertilizer Ready.

I found out more about it during the NFMS from FMC Senior Technical Sales Manager Brent Neuberger. “We’ve designed a formulation that mixes very nicely with liquid fertilizers,” he told me. “So we’re feeding the roots and we’re also protecting the roots from many soil insects.”

Brent says Capture LFR is an ideal tank-mix partner for liquid pop-up fertilizers, as it stays mixed to provide even distribution through various spray systems. “So we’re able to control secondary pests – wireworms, grubs, seed corn maggots – and we’re also able to control corn root worm,” he said.

A video illustrating Capture LFR ready-mixing advantages over other liquid fertilizers is available online.

Listen to or download my interview with Brent here: Interview with Brent Neuberger

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Audio, Corn, Crop Protection, FMC, National Farm Machinery Show, NFMS

Puddle Jumping

Melissa Sandfort

Even though I work from home, I still elect to take our son to daycare for a number of reasons. First, so I can actually GET work done and not have to entertain all day; second, so he gets social interaction with other children his age; and third, so he appreciates coming home at night to mommy and daddy. This week however, the daycare he attends is closed.

Since it’s 40 degrees outside and it’s February, we decided to get some fresh air and go blow bubbles. Bubbles in February. That was immediately follow by going to get the mail, a wagon ride, cleaning the mud off the driveway and puddle jumping. Not for me, for our son.

He is all boy, too. These are his post-puddle-jumping boots – soaked through to his socks and half-way up his pant legs. A little chilly and wet, he didn’t have a care in the world as he wound up his arms and gave it his all, grinning and giggling the entire time.

This was hard for me to watch because even though I am the mom who loves to get dirty and garden and play in the mud myself, the mud stays outside. I stripped him down to his tighty whities in the garage before he came in.

Until we walk (or puddle jump) again …

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Playing AgRacer From Fastline

Chuck Zimmerman

Creating your own game app is a surefire way to reach a younger audience! That’s part of the idea behind Fastline’s AgRacer game app. This young guy was sure having fun playing in the Fastline booth at the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show.

However, as I hung around the booth for a while there were show goers of all ages playing the game on iPads. They all seemed to be enjoying the experience too. I have the game on my iPhone and Droid Razr and will play just as soon as I get a chance so I can report back on my experience. Meanwhile, here’s a video clip of the young guy in action, getting a little help in the process.

AgRacer can be download in the Itunes Store and the Android Market for $.99.

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Apps, National Farm Machinery Show

Musical Animals

Chuck Zimmerman

Kurt Floyd is attracting all kinds of attention with his wooden noise making creations here at the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show. Kurt said to me, “Welcome to the swamp” and if you watch the video clip below you’ll understand why.

At this show he’s got crickets, pigs and frogs and you can hear what they sound like in our interview. He carves them out of imported teakwood and they sound like what they look like if you stroke them with a wooden stick. He says he got started with them to “appease my grand kids and make my kids mad.” He started making them as a joke but it turned into a business!

Listen to my interview with Kurt to learn more about his creations: Interview with Kurt Floyd

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Audio, National Farm Machinery Show, Video

FMC Offers Soybean Practices & Weed Management Training

Cindy Zimmerman

FMC Corporation is helping to educate growers, retailers and crop consultants on soybean best production practices and weed management strategies through its CropPro University: Authority® Herbicide Training Module.

The set of three online training modules available through March 16, giving participants the chance to receive one continuing education unit (CEU) credit upon completion.

“CropPro University is actually an on-line training event that we’ve had for a couple of years now and we’ve expanded that to our soybean management practices for 2012,” said Matt Foster, product manager for FMC Agricultural Products. “To date, we have about 2500 retailers and growers have actually gone on-line to complete the first two modules.” Matt says they are spreading the word about the “cheapest CEU you can earn” this week at the National Farm Machinery Show.

The training provides an in-depth look at the value of weed management, including the benefits of preemergence herbicides and the Authority line of products. “There are four different brands and we’ve got one to fit any soil type or weed spectrum anywhere in the country,” he says. The place to find out more about the CropPro University and FMC Authority® on-line visit www.FMCAuthority.com.

Listen to or download my interview with Matt here: Interview with Matt Foster

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Audio, Crop Protection, FMC, National Farm Machinery Show, Soybean

Fastline’s AgRacer Off to the Races

Chuck Zimmerman

Fastline Publications unveiled AgRacer at the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show. This game app is available for the iPhone/touch/iPad and Android devices.

AgRacer takes the fun of racing and introduces farm equipment and lets you compete for prizes every month. Choose from 7 vehicles to race and earn points by winning and driving the biggest vehicles that help generate the most points to climb the leader board.

Racers can use 3 different camera angles to race and after you win check out your position on the leader board. Watch your score move up and down as you compete with family and friends locally and all over the world. The top racers will have a chance to win prizes valued over $1000 monthly. Tim Hess Fastline’s President states “AgRacer was developed to help expose more people to our great agricultural market and allow people of all ages have fun with farm equipment in a whole new way.”

I interviewed Tim Hess this morning. He says Fastline has been working on the game for almost a year as a way to expand their brand into a younger market. It allows the player to have a fun experience while also having a chance to win some prizes. The game is here live on the iPad in the Fastline booth. There are also some sponsorship opportunities available in the game. After talking with Tim, I had to add mobile games as a choice in our current ZimmPoll on the next “big thing” in ag communications and social media.

Listen to my interview with Tim to learn more about AgRacer: Interview with Tim Hess

AgRacer can be download in the Itunes Store and the Android Market for $.99. Upgrades and updates are planned to further expand the game after the initial launch. Join the Pit crew and stay up to date on new releases at agracer.com. AgRacer… The race is on.

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Audio, National Farm Machinery Show

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Outlook

Chuck Zimmerman

The 2012 National Farm Machinery Show is off to a fast start this year. I spoke with Corinne Fetter, Director of Expositions, to get a preview of this year’s show. Corinne is pictured being interviewed on AgriTalk this morning.

Corinne says they had a waiting list for the 47th annual show with some companies still trying to get in as of yesterday! This show is the biggest one held in the facility and brings in over $21.5 million to the local community. She says many people make the show part of their vacation. They can get some “work” out of the way during the day and relax and enjoy the tractor pull in the evening.

Interview with Corinne Fetter

We’re collecting photos from this year’s show here: 2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by Fastline AgRacer FMC New Holland
Audio, National Farm Machinery Show

Prospects Looking Good for Higher Farm Equipment Sales

Chuck Zimmerman

Just in time for the 2012 National Farm Machinery Show, our latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “How do you think farm equipment sales will do this year compared to last?” Things are looking bright for exhibitors here since 48% said Higher. However, 34% said Lower and 18% said Same. I think that’s a positive outlook. What do you think?

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, “What’s the next “big” thing in ag comm/social media?” I posed this question last week and got quite a few responses. Here’s your chance to weigh in on the subject. If you have a different choice please feel free to leave a comment.

ZimmPoll is sponsored by Rhea+Kaiser, a full-service advertising/public relations agency.

ZimmPoll

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Leica Geosystems has entered into a software license agreement with Deere & Company to provide guidance software for a range of new AutoTrac Ready tractor models directly via the ISOBUS.
  • AgGateway will facilitate a new project called Crop Protection Canada Connectivity to electronically link crop protection product manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
  • U.S. Wheat Associates recently celebrated 50 years of partnership with Filipino flour millers, bakers and noodle manufacturers at a reception and dinner in Manila, Philippines.
  • About 20,000 visitors are expected to attend Wisconsin Public Service’s Farm Show to learn the latest in farming technologies and equipment, see the latest advanced machinery and learn more about the wide range of agricultural services that are available.
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