Smartphone Farming

Chuck Zimmerman

Smartphones. You know they’ve become part of farm life when you see educational sessions about them at a farm show. You also know that there are a lot choices. This is one gadget I get asked about and lectured on all the time. Probably more than any other device. So I thought I’d offer my two cents and hopefully start a debate. I think an upcoming ZimmPoll may address this too.

I’m an iPhone fan who wishes he could be an AT&T fan. This brings up a really important point. The device is important but so is the carrier you choose. AT&T is trying and I’ve had good support from them but they are weak in rural America. Verizon has much better coverage in these areas but doesn’t offer an iPhone, yet. That will change next month.

So what smart phone is best for the farm? Now there’s a loaded question. What do you want it to do? What local carrier options do you have? If you’ve got good AT&T then I’d suggest the iPhone. If not, and Verizon is better then I’d look at an Android phone. I just can’t really recommend a Blackberry although they’re great if all you want to do is make calls, text and email. Maybe this will change but for now I haven’t seen one that I would buy. Notice that I’m talking AT&T and Verizon. There are other carriers but either they burned their bridge with me (Sprint) or I don’t have much experience with them (Alltel, T-Mobile). Perhaps they are better where you are.

So let’s get back to phones. In the past, when you got a new phone you could pretty much pitch the old one away. Now, I’ve seen even first gen iPhone sell for good money. This device created a new standard and the rest are playing catch up. You can’t beat the apps and there are more of them than for any other device. So what else is there to choose from?

Let’s look at Android phones. Motorola makes several like the Droid X, Droid Pro and Droid 2 Global. HTC makes the Incredible. It seems like more apps are being made for this platform and it’s gaining traction. I’m considering getting one to replace my Verizon Mi-Fi since you can use some of them to create a mobile hotspot for other computers and still have a phone. Besides, I think it’s time to start trying out another platform just to see what it’s like. I asked followers on Twitter what their favorite android phone is and it looks like Droid versions came up big with the slogan tweeted, “Field tested, Farmer approved!”

But what about those new ones just around the corner? The iPhone 5? The HTC Thunderbolt? The Droid Bionic? I usually figure that if I need a tool and know it’s going to help my business then why wait? Of course, I’m also very impatient. Besides, today you can sell your phone and get something back to apply to the purchase of a new one. However, your personal financial situation will dictate what you can do. There are those pesky contract terms to deal with.

And what about 4G you might be saying. What about it? It’s coming but even when it does you’ve got to live in a major urban area to take advantage of it. Verizon will only be offering in selected major markets but promises nationwide coverage by 2013. AT&T is talking later this year. 4G will be great. I’ll upgrade when it happens.

So, to summarize, based on my personal experience, research and talking to users of many devices I would say go for an iPhone or Droid if you’re looking for a new smartphone. Just make sure you’ve got good local coverage! Your thoughts?

Equipment, Technology

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Recycled advertising billboard vinyls are being repurposed as tarp material for farmers and ranchers that want to cover grass, alfalfa, make windscreens, or use as floor covering stuff in the barn.
  • World Ag Expo is going mobile. Available for both the iPhone and all phones with the Android Market (search for “World Ag Expo”), World Ag Expo’s Application gives its users access to everything the expo has to offer.
  • Trimble announced the release of its new DCM-300 modem.
  • T-L Irrigation Co., announces the Precision Point Control III, the newest advancement in T-L’s mid-level control from its family of pivot management systems.
    Zimfo Bytes

    Big US-Chinese Soybean Deal Signed

    Cindy Zimmerman

    usbAs the president of China was flying in for a quick visit to the Windy City on Thursday, representatives from China’s 10 largest soybean crushers were signing agreements to purchase 110 million bushels of U.S. soybeans during a ceremony held in Chicago. The purchase is worth $1.8 billion and more bushels are expected to be committed tomorrow. A similar purchase agreement ceremony in 2008 was largest reported single-day export sale of U.S. soybeans in history, but this buying event – which may be larger – was split into two days.

    “This is a huge event for soybean farmers, this isn’t something that happens everyday,” said Jim Call, United Soybean Board International Marketing chair and a soybean farmer from Minnesota. “We’ve had an office in China for over 25 years now. It just goes to show that our checkoff commitment for that long a period of time has really paid off.”

    Soybean users in China, which purchased 825 million bushels of U.S. soybeans during the most recent marketing year, are the largest international customers of U.S. soy. The country currently imports one out of every four rows of soybeans grown by U.S. soybean farmers. “Every other row of soybeans we raise in the United States is exported and as we increase yields, any additional bushels will have to be exported, too,” Jim said.

    Representatives from the Chinese companies said that they are pleased with the quality of U.S. soybeans, which they are purchasing in the form of both whole beans and soybean oil.

    USB held a teleconference following the signing, which was in a room with a lot of background noise but there are some usable sound bites in here from Jim Call and the interpreter for Deng Haotian, representative from Sinograin. Here is the edited version for your listening or downloading pleasure: USB China Teleconference

    Audio, International, Soybean, Trade, USB

    NCBA Sets Policy Priorities for Convention

    Cindy Zimmerman

    The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has set it’s 2011 policy priorities in preparation for the upcoming Cattle Industry Convention being held Feb. 2-5 in Denver.

    According to NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Colin Woodall, they identified five major priorities for the organization that will be discussed in great detail during the annual meeting – trade, transportation, environment, competition, and healthy herd – cattle and consumers. Woodall says the overall theme for 2011 is sustainability. “The days of allowing others to define sustainability for this industry are over,” Woodall. “We will discuss these five priorities at the upcoming convention and determine how we can develop policies that ultimately sustain the future of this industry for generations to come. Our five priorities are critical to sustainability, profitability and longevity of the beef industry.”

    There is still time to register for the meeting, if you have not done so yet. There are dozens of good reasons for anyone in the cattle industry to be there, from educational sessions to entertainment. The 18th annual Cattlemen’s College, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, offers 20 sessions that cover all aspects of cattle production and marketing. To address today’s challenging industry environment, the 2011 curriculum will focus on three primary tracks:

    * Technology Track – focus on Genomics and Reproductive Management
    * External Forces Track – focus on Consumer and Environmental Issues
    * Business Management Track – focus on Risk and Business Management

    Lots of serious business will be done, but Friday night is reserved for laughs at the Cowboy Comedy Club featuring Larry the Cable Guy, sponsored by Bayer Animal Health. There’s lots more – information and registration details can be found here. Hope to see you there!

    NCBA

    On The Go Crop Sensing Technology Next Big Thing In Precision

    Chuck Zimmerman

    AG CONNECT ExpoI 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

    Ag Leader, Audio, Precision Agriculture

    World Agriculture Investment Conference 2011 heads to Chicago

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Agricultural investors have a major conference to look forward to in just a few months in Chicago. Let me introduce you to FC Business Intelligence and the World Agriculture Investment Conference 2011.

    In spring this year, leading investment groups from across North America and Europe are coming to Chicago to discuss the opportunities and risks in agricultural markets. With the latest market insight and global case studies, anticipation is high.

    On May 9-10, a unique forum will bring together institutional and private investors with top Ag fund managers, to debate strategies for participating in agriculture and surrounding investments.

    Following months of research, this forum has been designed specifically to help investors to network and walk away with the practical information needed to make an appropriate choice based on varying risk tolerances and return objectives.

    Confirmed participants already include: CAIA, ViVa, AgriCapita, Inter-American Development Bank, IFC, Rafferty Capital Markets, Farmers Edge, Chess Ag Full Harvest Partners, Citi and many more.

    This is a unique chance to network with key investors, hedge funds and Ag managers, and to effortlessly catch-up on where allocations are being made and how best to develop the ideal Ag portfolio.

    Debate will focus on:

    • How to take advantage of private equity investment in the full agriculture supply chain
    • Proven techniques for sourcing top operators
    • Understand how agriculture fits within investor portfolios
    • Identify the best agriculture opportunities from across the Americas and beyond

    For more information please visit: http://www.aginvestconference.com/usa/

    With more and more demand for food and farmland, surging prices and growing interest from investors, there’s one thing for sure…

    Agricultural markets are exciting.

    For additional information, registration assistance or questions, please contact George Kiley, Investment Director – World Agriculture Investment Series by email on gkiley@aginvestconference.com, or call on +44(0)207 3757 54

    You can find the agenda here.

    Agribusiness, International

    Support for “Corn Sugar” Growing

    Cindy Zimmerman

    Support from corn grower organizations to use the term “corn sugar” instead of high fructose corn syrup is growing.

    The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recently sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration supporting use of the term ‘corn sugar,’ and other state organizations such as the Texas Corn Growers have also voiced their support.

    “We are calling upon the FDA to eliminate the confusion of the safety of high fructose corn syrup,” NCGA President Bart Schott said. “Permitting use of the term ‘corn sugar’ on labels will allow manufactures to more clearly describe high fructose corn syrup as a natural ingredient, nutritionally equivalent to sugar.”

    The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) filed a petition with the FDA in September requesting approval for food and beverage manufacturers to have the option of using the new term as an alternative ingredient on product labels.

    “Consumers need to know what is in their foods and where their foods come from and we want to be clear with them,” said CRA president Audrae Erickson. “The term ‘corn sugar’ succinctly and accurately describes what this natural ingredient is and where it comes from – corn.”

    No word on when FDA may respond to the petition.

    Corn, NCGA

    World Ag Expo Going Mobile Via Smartphone Apps

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Now there’s an app for the World Ag Expo. I have never had the opportunity to attend but might have to get there via mobile!

    For the first time in 44 years, World Ag Expo is going mobile. Available for both the iPhone and all phones with the Android Market, World Ag Expo’s Application gives its users access to everything the expo has to offer.

    “World Ag Expo 2011 is themed Tools for Agri-Business, and our new app is just that – a tool for success at the expo,” said Lee Coito, 2011 Chairman. “Our app adds another free option for our attendees, building on our success in providing tools to help attendees identify in advance the exhibitors and seminars they want to see.”

    By coupling with the Digital Show Grounds feature on worldagexpo.com, the app provides a mobile option for attendees to use to search products by category, explore the exhibitor directory, learn more about the seminars, view the Top-10 products and more. The MyShow Planner feature helps users organize and plan an agenda, making sure that they get the most out of their trip to World Ag Expo.

    In addition the app allows users to search for hotels and nearby restaurants, check the weather and more in the resources portion of the app.

    You can find it in the iTune App Store and Android Market.

    Apps

    Growmark Sponsors AgWired and Precision Pays

    Chuck Zimmerman

    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

    Audio, GROWMARK, Precision Agriculture

    Zimfo Bytes

    Melissa Sandfort

      Zimfo Bytes