Forecasting for Farming Success

Laura McNamara

There are two kinds of information that are important for Pessl Instruments: “ground truth” and expected forecasts. The Austria-based company claims that it offers a one-of-a-kind tool for farmers:

“What we do is we measure the ground truth,” Gottfried Pessl, President of Pessl Instruments said. “That means what’s going on actually on the field of the farmers but we now also bring in the weather forecast. The weather forecast comes from a Swiss company we have teamed up with and this Swiss company delivers us a five day weather forecast in real-time for that particular farm.”

Gottfried adds that the technology is based entirely on the internet giving farmers the option of accessing the “ground truth” and weather forecast information on any internet capable electronic device, such as a cell phone.

“We have a wireless system which brings the data in a centralized server and through that centralized server our clients can worldwide have real time access to the data,” Gottfried said.

The information collected from Pessl Instruments, Gottfried explained, is valuable for irrigation management for plant protection requirements. He says the collected data can help farmers “optimize the use of the chemicals, to prevent the diseases to prevent insect pest outbreaks and also to have a full traceability of their crop.” Plus, he says using weather forecast data together with real-time weather helps farmers schedule their farm operations associated with the weather, such as harvest sprays.

“Most of the activities on the farm are very much dependent on if the weather is good or the weather is bad,” Gottfried said.

The company now exports tools and technology to about 70 countries.

I interviewed Gottfried about his products and technology. You can listen to my interview with Gottfried here:
gottfried-pessl-preag-08.mp3

Agribusiness, Audio, Environment, Equipment, Farming, International, Technology, Weather

Farm Progress Here We Come

Chuck Zimmerman

Farm Progress ShowI hope you’ve got all your Farm Progress Show preparations made. I’m still getting my stuff together.

It looks like great weather this week according to the Weather Channel. Highs in the upper 70’s, lows in the upper 50’s to lower 60’s. That’s a big difference from last year.

I think Laura and I will get in around 3pm tomorrow afternoon if all goes well. We’ll work on setting up the AgWired command center and probably take some pictures before heading off to dinner in Ames. At least, that’s the plan now.

See you from there.

The nation’s largest outdoor farm show’s 106-acre expo facility will host more than 500 exhibitors showcasing the best and latest products for American and international producers to evaluate and purchase. This year’s show presents more exhibitors and new features compared to its recent Iowa shows including expanded precision and strip-till demonstrations and product introductions of combines, tractors, utility vehicles and crop trait technologies.

AgWired coverage of the 2008 Farm Progress Show
is sponsored by: BASF and New Holland

BASF, Farm Progress Show, New Holland

Make Waves and NAFB Registration

Chuck Zimmerman

Pam JahnkeIn case you need a little reminder and encouragement to get your plans made for the NAFB Convention, then Pam Jahnke, Fabulous Farm Babe, has it:

NAFB Members and Guests:

We are less than three months out from the agri-media event of the year…”Making Waves, Lifting Tides”…the 64th Annual Convention of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Our host site again will be the beautiful Westin Crown Center in Kansas City.

Be sure to block Wednesday to Friday, November 12-14, on your planner. Here is a look at our Preliminary Agenda.

Now is a great time to take care of all your registration needs at www.nafb.com. Or simply go to these links:

Convention Registration

Westin Hotel Registration

NAFB is not mailing the same information via Postal delivery, so it will be important to access the online forms. Should you need assistance, please contact Susan Tally in the NAFB Office at 816.431.4032 or susan@nafb.com.

Listen to Pam’s message here.
NAFBFFBMESSAGE.mp3

Or download the audio file. (mp3)

Audio, NAFB

Stabilizing Yields

Chuck Zimmerman

Monsanto Technology ShowcaseSouthwest Iowa is home to Larry Stolte (not pictured). He was one of the growers in attendance at the Monsanto Technology Showcase tour stop in Elkhart, IA. Larry has corn, beans and hogs.

I interviewed him part way through the program and he says that what he was seeing and hearing was “very interesting.” He’s learning more about corn and soybeans and what’s coming down the road. I asked him what he thought about the new Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans. He says, “It looks like it’s going to be pretty good for the farmer.” He knows there will be a limited supply for the 2009 season but hopes it’s available in his area so he can try it.

When it comes to corn, he liked seeing the stress mitigation properties of the new VT Triple technology. As he puts it, this, “helps stabilize yields.” He likes the idea of being able to get through periods of dry weather without losing yields.

Larry says this year has been one of the toughest in his lifetime due to all the rain in his area. He’s had more drowned out areas than he’s ever seen. In fact, he says that they’ve lost most of what they even re-planted so he’s looking forward to next season.

You can listen to my interview with Larry here: monsanto-tech-showcase-stolte.mp3

Monsanto Technology Showcase Photo Album

Audio, Farming

Attending Field Days “Critical”

Chuck Zimmerman

Dallas JohnstonIt’s always good to get a grower perspective when it comes to new technology. Dallas Johnston farms 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans in southwest Iowa. He’s taking notes during a field station stop. You can also see that he’s got his AgWired t-shirt with him too! That was my thank you for letting me interview him.

He attends field days like this Monsanto Technology Showcase because “it’s critical.” This is what helps him better understand what’s available to him. He says it allows him to see how plants will actually perform under real life conditions. This particular farm had high winds and he’s able to see how well these plants withstood that.

When it comes to new technology like Roundup Ready 2 Yield Soybeans, he says, “Anytime you can gain a few bushels here, a few bushels there, that’s what makes the difference in our bottom lines that keeps us out there for the next year.” He likes this opportunity to see that new technology on display.

Like a lot of Iowa farmers, this season has had its weather challenges. However, Dallas is optimistic. He says things look very good, especially when you consider the early season rains and late plantings. He knows the verdict is still out but says that right now, “things look very well.”

You can listen to my interview with Dallas here: monsanto-tech-showcase-johnston-interview.mp3

Monsanto Technology Showcase Photo Album

Audio, Farming

More Plant, More Yield

Chuck Zimmerman

Dan JohnsonThis seems like common sense on the surface but University research backs it up. To get more corn yield per acre, plant more plants per acre.

That’s what Dan Johnson, Kruger Seeds, says. He’s in charge of their corn lineup and technical training. At the Monsanto Technology Showcase Tour stop in Elkhart, IA he had a field station devoted to plant populations.

Dan says they talked about Monsanto’s goal of doubling corn yields in the Unites States by 2030. To do that he thinks there are three components to keep in mind. One is to improve the germ plasm to increase yield potential. The second is to develop trait technology that protects that potential and finally, to try some different things agronomically.

One of the things Dan is challenging growers to do is look at their plant populations. “There’s two ways you can improve your corn yield. One is making bigger ears. The easier way to do it is having more ears per acre.” Dan says the technology is allowing heavier plant populations. In fact, he says that University research shows that growers can plant about 10 percent more per acre. He recommends that growers test this on their farm.

You can listen to my interview with Dan here: monsanto-tech-showcase-johnson.mp3

Monsanto Technology Showcase Photo Album

Audio, Corn, Seed

Zimfo Bytes

Melissa Sandfort

    Zimfo Bytes

  • Cyndi Young-Puyear of Brownfield Ag News was named the 2008 Service to Agriculture Award recipient at the Illinois State Fair Agriculture Day Luncheon on August 12. The award is sponsored by Farm Credit Services of Illinois. In 1997, she joined Brownfield as Regional Farm Director and was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters. She was promoted by Brownfield to farm director and manager in 2001.
  • The Prairie State Technology Center recently opened in Champaign, Ill., is a state-of- the-art facility created with the purpose of educating agriculturalists on the value of information management and the foundational applications needed to glean that value. The Prairie State Technology Center is being spearheaded by Precision Ag Equipment Co.
  • Deere & Company will enhance its parts service capabilities in the U.S. and Canada by investing in capacity expansions at Deere’s primary parts distribution center in Milan, Ill., and three additional locations in the western U.S. and Canada. The Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Ill., will be expanded over 300,000 square feet to meet the capacity needs of the growing parts business. Three other locations will become regional distribution centers after having served as emergency parts depots.
    Zimfo Bytes

    Crop Report Diving

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Tricia Braid Terry Sky DiveSince I got this picture from Tricia Braid Terry, RFD Radio Network, I assume it’s okay to share with the agrimarketing world.

    There’s more than one way to get a view of how crop conditions are coming along. I’m not sure this is one that most ag journalists would pick. I mean, how much can you see at 120mph, falling about 6000 feet?

    I’m assuming her partner was doing color commentary. That is, if they were live, on-air. At least they were falling through air.

    Tricia has video, so I’m waiting for it to come out on YouTube.

    Media

    Tricia and Leah Prepare for Farm Progress Show

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Tricia Braid Terry and Leah GuffeyThese farm broadcast babes will be attending the Farm Progress Show once again this year. This is a picture from early in last year’s show. They’ve both got news to tell though and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to talk to them about it next week.

    Tricia Braid Terry (left), RFD Radio Network, will let you in on a very creative way to do a crop report. I don’t have any pictures of it yet but I’m hoping to get at least one. I’ll let her tell you about it. Let’s just say it was “thrilling.”

    Leah Guffey, WFMB AM/FM, has news too. Here’s an excerpt from her email.

    I wanted to take a minute and let you all know that as of September 19, 2008 I will no longer be reporting farm news for WFMB AM/FM. After the last 5 years I’ve decided to take a different route in life and work for the City of Springfield’s Convention and Visitors Bureau with Ag and Auto Show Sales so I’m not leaving the Ag world, but I am leaving radio after 16 years. It certainly wasn’t an easy choice but I’m thrilled to have this opportunity. I’ll be starting at SCVB on September 29. I’ll still be at the Farm Progress Show and I look forward to seeing many of you there.

    We know where to find you online Leah, so you can count on us staying in touch.

    AgWired coverage of the 2008 Farm Progress Show
    is sponsored by: BASF and New Holland

    BASF, Farm Progress Show, Media, New Holland

    How A Farmer Uses Media

    Chuck Zimmerman

    Hal SwaneyAt this year’s NAMA Boot Camp, attendees got to hear from a panel of producers. One of them was Hal Swaney, Platte City, MO. Hal has a very diversified family farm with corn, soybeans, cattle and burley tobacco.

    I asked him what his primary sources of information are for making buying decisions. He says that he’s very “local” minded. He buys all of his products locally and consistently from the same individuals and dealers. He says almost 100% is from personal contact. He’s a big supporter of the University Extension system and does admit to going out of state to the University of Kentucky for tobacco information.

    When it comes to media here’s what he says. “I don’t use the internet whatsoever.” He says he reads the local morning paper but not for ag information. He gets plenty of farm magazines but says he reads them on an “as needed” basis and he doesn’t read all of them. He rarely ever looks at direct mail pieces.

    When I asked him about his mobile phone he says that he gets an in-frequent market update.

    You can listen to my interview with Hal here: nama-boot-camp-08-swaney.mp3

    Check out the NAMA Boot Camp Photo Album.

    Farming, Media, NAMA