Precision Pays » Ag Leader

Bigger and Better Iowa Power Farming Show

Cindy — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:06:22 +0000

In this Precision Pays Podcast we are going to visit the Iowa Power Farming Show, held January 31 through February 2 in Des Moines.

The 57th annual show, which is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association, was the biggest ever and the event can now claim to be the second largest indoor farm show in the United States.

While the big equipment displays take up much of the floor space, technology is really front and center and Ag Leader Technology is one of the sponsors of the show. Iowa farm broadcast legend Ken Root took in some of the Ag Leader technology on display and shared those interviews with us – one with Chad Vick on the OptRx sensor and one with Mark Anderson talking about Integra with advanced seed monitoring.

Listen to or download the Precision Pays Podcast: Precision Pays Podcast from Iowa Power Farming

More photos of Ag Leader Technology at the Iowa Power Farming Show.

You can subscribe to the Precision Pays Podcast here.

Ensuring Consistent Seed Spacing

Melissa — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:37 +0000

You’ve heard the saying “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.” If you’re a grower during planting season, that means it’s smart to plant several different varieties/hybrids so you can reduce your risk of poor performance by a single seed type. That’s called genetic diversity. But have you ever thought about how switching between one seed type and another might impact your planting operation “in the trenches”?

In many cases, when you switch to a different hybrid or variety, you’re also switching seed size. That may mean you need to adjust your seed meters so you don’t get skips and doubles.

SeedCommand’s Advanced Seed Monitoring feature helps you determine if you need to make adjustments to your meters. Its virtual seed trench lets you see the placement of each seed in a row so you can easily determine if a problem exists in the seed meter or seed tube. And, while monitoring population is great, if your planter monitor doesn’t allow you to see skips and doubles by row unit, you could have the right seed population – but the wrong seed spacing – which can also reduce yield.

Because today’s high-tech seed isn’t cheap, it’s just smart to increase your yield potential by ensuring seed spacing is consistent across your field, row-by-row even after you’ve switched to a different seed type.

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.

SDSU Precision Conference February 22

Cindy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:29:40 +0000

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension’s 13th annual Precision Ag Conference is set for Feb. 22 in Aberdeen S.D.

The one-day event is designed to provide producers with the latest in precision ag research, technology, equipment and information through presentations and a trade show.

The program will include presentations on Making ‘Cents’ out of Yield Data, Mapping and Interpreting Yield Maps, Precision Ag – Machinery Innovations for the Future, Ag Information Systems of the Future, The Miracle of Modern Agriculture. Concurrent sessions will feature industry updates from a number of companies including Ag Leader Technologies, Raven Applied Technologies, and John Deere/RDO Equipment.

The conference opens at 7:30 a.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Inn with registration and coffee and presentations will begin at 9:00.

Pre-registration cost for the event is $20 before Feb.15. The cost at the door is $25 per person. For more information contact Mark Rosenberg at the SDSU Aberdeen Regional Extension Center – mark.rosenberg@sdstate.edu.

Iowa Power Farming Show Just Keeps Growing

Chuck — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:28:05 +0000

The Iowa Power Farming Show manager is Andy Goodman and he’s been happy with the weather. He’s also happy with the attendance and the 600 exhibitors! Technology is taking an ever bigger role in the industry and in the show.

The show is owned and operated by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Distributors Association. Andy says the show has a long history and just keeps growing.

Listen to Ken Root’s interview with Andy here: Interview with Andy Goodman

Coverage of the Iowa Power Farming Show sponsored by AgLeader

Ag Leader At Iowa Power Farming Show

Chuck — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:06:30 +0000

The 57th Iowa Power Farming Show kicked off today and we want to thank Iowa farm broadcast legend Ken Root for helping us out. Ken was on hand to take photos and conduct some interviews for us starting with David King, Ag Leader Technology.

David says that Ag Leader Technology has been sponsoring the show for seven years. It has been a great venue for them to see client and the weather has really cooperated this year. It will be interesting to see what the total attendance is by show end. He says Ag Leader guidance products have been very well received and farmers are looking for equipment that pays back to the bottom line.

Listen to Ken’s interview with David here: Interview with David King

Coverage of the Iowa Power Farming Show sponsored by AgLeader

Where to Find Ag Leader in February

Melissa — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:23:46 +0000

Are you interested in getting the latest information about precision ag equipment? If so, here are a few stops you might want to schedule this winter in order to talk with Ag Leader experts:

• Iowa Power Farming Show – Des Moines, IA; Jan. 31-Feb. 2
• Cotton & Rice Conference –Tunica, MS; Jan. 31-Feb. 1
• Southern Farm Show – Raleigh, NC; Feb. 1-3
• Spokane Ag Expo – Spokane, WA; Feb. 7-9
• World Ag Expo – Tulare, CA; Feb. 14-16
• National Farm Machinery Show – Louisville, KY; Feb. 15-18
• Precision Ag 2.0 – Calgary AB; Feb. 22-23
• New York Farm Show – Syracuse, NY; Feb. 23-25
• Western Farm Show – Kansas City, KS; Feb. 24-26
• Hawkeye Farm Show – Cedar Falls, IA; Feb. 28-March 1
• Triumph of Ag Expo – Omaha, NE; Feb. 29-March 1

If you’re on the road next month and have time to visit one of these locations, be sure to find Ag Leader’s staff of experts who will be on hand to talk about the latest in precision technology equipment, enhancements, future products, and much more.

See you at the show!

Coverage of the Iowa Power Farming Show sponsored by AgLeader

Fine-Tuning Precision Agriculture

Melissa — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:57:57 +0000

Last week, we heard from Todd Reed, farmer from Waverly, Neb., who works as a precision ag consultant for his family’s dryland corn and soybean farm. He spends his days writing variable rate planting prescriptions and fertilizer prescriptions using Ag Leader’s SMS Software.

Today’s high-tech seed isn’t cheap. If you’re not controlling where and how much of each type of seed you plant, you’re probably sacrificing yield potential and bottom line performance. Ag Leader’s Integra display features Advanced Seed Monitoring to help growers lower seed cost during planting season and improve yield potential at harvest time. Todd says they run 16-row planters and with seed shut-off, saw a big increase in seed savings. Listen to Reed explain

Todd says they’re trying to be more efficient in everything they do on the farm and nitrogen application is key. Part of his passion is analyzing the data in order to fine-tune each hybrid they plant based on yields and nitrogen application rates from the previous fall. Listen to Reed explain

Continue to check back to the blog prior to planting season for more great tips and information on Advanced Seed Monitoring through the Integra display.

Prescription Agriculture

Melissa — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:01:09 +0000

Todd Reed grew up on his family’s turkey farm near Waverly, Neb. He started working part-time during the school year in 1998 and began full-time on the farm with his two second cousins and their fathers in 2005. He studied Mechanized Systems Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in the same field with an emphasis on precision agriculture and variable rate systems.

He currently does precision ag consulting for his family’s dryland corn and soybean rotation farm, writing variable rate planting prescriptions and fertilizer prescriptions to yield analysis, using Ag Leader’s SMS Software. Though he doesn’t own or rent any land of his own, he plays a vital role in the farm’s management decisions regarding data analysis and field-level research in terms of breaking down yield by hybrid by soil type, by field, by population, by nitrogen rate – to evaluate the decisions the farm makes.

He explains how they entered the world of precision ag. Listen to Reed explain

Todd says precision agriculture is vital to their operation and explains what kind of return they saw on their investment the first year. Listen to Reed explain

He says the technology allows them to reduce overlap, reduce driver fatigue, reduce injury to the crops and save on chemical application. Tune in again next week as we hear more from Todd about the benefits to precision agriculture products from Ag Leader.

Feeding an Ever-Expanding World

Melissa — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:22:54 +0000

According to research by the Center for Food Integrity, in 1950, the U.S. population was 154 million, there were 5.6 million farms and one farmer produced enough to feed 30 people. In 2010, the U.S. population was 308 million, there were only 2 million farms and one farmer produced enough to feed 155 people.

Global population increases by 75.4 million annually. In 40 years, the world will need 100 percent more food than we produce today. So how do we feed all 9.3 billion people in the world by 2050? According to Hartwig de Haen/UN FAO, 80 percent of future production growth must come from increased yields or the responsible use of innovation and technology.

“…The world has the technology to feed, on a sustainable basis, 10 billion people. The pertinent question today is whether farmers and ranchers will be permitted to use this technology.”
— Norman Borlaug, 2000

In order to keep up with this growing world, advancements have been made to give farmers and ranchers the technology they need to be sustainable, make a living AND feed the world. Ag Leader Technology is helping farmers use precision farming equipment to boost crop yields, reduce waste and have better seed and production applications, all-the-while leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

Some are suggesting we turn back the clock … that we produce food using farming methods from the “good old days.” But is this the ethical choice? If the U.S. today relied on the farmers of 1950 to produce their food, 151 million people would go hungry. That is the combined populations of the nine largest states in the U.S. (California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Georgia).

By the time tomorrow rolls around, global population will have increased the size of another Philadelphia – 206,500 people. Are we really willing to NOT utilize the technology we have in order to feed the world?

Ag Leader Hosts Winter Dealer Event

Melissa — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 12:48:13 +0000

This December, Ag Leader hosted a dealer event for their Blue Delta Dealers and mid-level dealers. The session aimed at prepping the dealer network for a successful 2012 season and armed them with the knowledge on how to grow and improve on their precision ag businesses.

Lori Costello, Ag Leader marketing communications manager, says this gives Ag Leader dealers an opportunity to network and learn from each other. Listen more about why this dealer network is so important to Ag Leader.

Listen to Costello explain

Costello says Ag Leader strives to do everything they can to help dealer businesses grow because dealers really are the face of the company. When growers have questions about precision ag, they go to their local dealer, not to the corporate office. Listen to more about how Ag Leader is helping dealers position themselves as experts in the business.

Listen to Costello explain

Winter Storage Tips From Ag Leader

Melissa — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:02:55 +0000

It’s that time of year again; you are likely getting equipment stored away for the winter season. By taking a few moments to properly store your Ag Leader equipment, you can help ensure continued trouble-free performance of your displays and operating systems as well as GPS and steering equipment:

• It is true GPS equipment like receivers are designed to be weather resistant, but if your equipment will be stored for an extended period of time it is recommended you remove the hardware from your machinery and take it out of the elements.

• When the receivers and other equipment are removed, it is also advised to dock the cabling so it is not exposed to the elements.

• Ag Leader also recommends removing the display as well as the combine grain flow sensor from the combine. This will better protect your touch screen from damage and it will prevent mice from snacking on the potting material on the flow sensor.

Extreme temperatures take a toll on almost everything that surrounds us, and that includes the high-tech electronic equipment found in our tractors, sprayers, spreaders, trucks and combines. Extreme cold will cause parts to shrink and become brittle, as well as allow condensation to form on parts that are not sealed. It’s always a good idea if you’re not using your Ag Leader display to remove it from the vehicle, put it back in its packaging and store in a climate-controlled environment.

• If there is dust or dirt on the screen, first blow it off using non-direct air to remove the dust that could scratch the screen. Then you can use Windex or an electronic cleaner/wipe with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

• Take extra care when cleaning the equipment to also clean connections and cabling by applying dielectric grease to terminals and contacts. If any of the cables show signs of corrosion, take corrective action now by either providing additional protection from the elements or replacing the cable. While cleaning, also inspect the cables for damage at any pinch points or corners and near moving parts.

• If you’ve already put your combine away for the year, you will want to make sure the Elevator Mount Unit (EMU) on your clean grain elevator is cleaned out. Pull the two retaining pins at the bottom of the EMU to remove the auger. Thoroughly clean all the grain out of the chamber and make sure there is nothing stuck in front of the proximity switch.

• Lastly, the load cell for the flow sensor is surrounded by a protective potting material that can be easily damaged by small rodents. To prevent this, pull the flow sensor off the top of the elevator and store it in the house, shop or a sealable container.
By taking these precautions now, you can help ensure that your equipment will perform properly the next time you use it, and you will also be protecting the investments you have made in your precision agriculture technology.

OptRX Helps Farmers Choose Nitrogen Rates

Melissa — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:08:58 +0000

Choosing how much nitrogen (N) to put on corn fields isn’t something farmers take lightly. Many factors go into the decision, including past experiences, the timing of application, yield goals, and results from soil tests.

That’s where crop sensor products such as OptRX from Ag Leader can help. When the OptRx sensors detect healthy plants, the system will call for less N to be applied. When the OptRx sensors see plants that need some help, the system will recommend more N. According to more than 50 on-farm demonstration projects conducted in Missouri from 2004 to 2008, crop sensors can select N rates for corn that outperform those chosen by farmers. Data from the study shows that sensor-selected rates increased yield by almost 2 bushels per acre, on average, while reducing by 25% the amount of excess N that was applied to fields but not removed in grain. (Read the full abstract study here.)

As concerns about N pollution continue to increase, products such as OptRX offer a way to more efficiently apply fertilizer without hurting yield or profits.

Ag Leader helps answer your questions about variable rate N application here.

Ag Leader Announces Planter Down Force Monitor and Control

Melissa — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:49:55 +0000

Ag Leader Technology is excited to announce the INTEGRA™ display will soon feature planter down force monitor and control capability, allowing the display to monitor and adjust down force based on field and soil conditions. Planting seed at the optimum row unit down force is an important factor in good crop germination, and ultimately, yield. The system will be available for the 2013 spring planting season, with field test systems in operation during the spring 2012 planting season.

The heart of the system is a hydraulic down force actuator, engineered by Dawn Equipment. The actuator is the fastest on the market, allowing the INTEGRA display to make quick row unit down force adjustments. Ag Leader will be selling and supporting a branded version of the actuator.

“Soil conditions encountered by the planter change fast,” says Ag Leader Product Manager Roger Zielke. “Other down force pressure systems that rely on air compressors and air bags can’t respond like this hydraulic system. The planter can be a long way past a different soil condition before air bags fully respond. The hydraulic system reacts as soon as the planter enters a different soil condition, providing consistent seed depth without seed trench compaction. Plus, hydraulic systems hold up better in dusty, rigorous field conditions compared to air-compressor systems.”

Protecting Your Seed Investment

Melissa — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:10:28 +0000

Think about all the insurance options you have: home, auto, life. You’re protecting your investment, your family and your way of life. How many people have insurance? Millions. Now, how many people use precision ag equipment and are you one of them? The choice should be clear when it comes to purchasing precision ag to protect your seed investment just as you do with insurance for other things in life. Think of precision ag as an insurance policy for the future of your farm operation.

Here are three reasons why Ag Leader Technology feels it’s important to invest in precision ag equipment:

1. The first reason that precision ag is important is to protect your annual investment, whether you farm 500 acres or 5,000. We all know we can’t control Mother Nature and in years of extreme drought or flood or any other “natural” disaster, crop insurance companies are going to need data…data collected by precision ag equipment, such as the Ag Leader INTEGRA or VERSA display, to verify acres planted. Combined with the SMS™ software, providing the necessary information to satisfy government reporting needs is easy. Find out more here.

Without precision ag, you have to rely on your paper trail of seed receipts to show what you’d invested in that field. In this case, precision ag can save you time, headache and money.

2. The second reason is it protects your farm from over-spending on crop inputs. Application of fertilizer and pesticides shouldn’t be a guessing game. There are many precision ag products on the market – DirectCommand™ and OptRX™ crop sensors are two examples — that help you apply exactly the right amount in exactly the right place, saving you on input costs and helping you be a better steward of the land. After all, farmers are the world’s best environmentalists, right?

3. When considering precision ag equipment, it comes down to dollars and cents. And as farmers are faced with feeding the world, and an ever-increasing population, they must do more with less. That doesn’t mean you need to be bigger, that just means you need to be more efficient.

So contact your Ag Leader dealer for more information and start protecting your investment today!

Differential Correction Sources – Which One is Right For Me?

Melissa — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:31:42 +0000

Many times when growers who are new to precision agriculture start to think of how to apply the technologies available on their farms, they struggle with choosing the correct level of precision for their intended use of technology. There are many service options available and depending on what you plan to do with it, this choice will make or break the success you will have with your new purchase.

The three dominant GPS differential correction sources available are WAAS, OmniSTAR and RTK. The differences between the three can be substantial.

Matt Pifkin, Ag Leader machine guidance support supervisor, briefly explains all three correction sources.

Listen to Pifkin explain

We also asked Matt how a grower knows what’s right for their operation.

Listen to Pifkin explain

Click here to learn more about Ag Leader GPS receiver products to satisfy your GPS needs at all levels of precision utilization.

Where to Find Ag Leader This Winter

Melissa — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:31:40 +0000

Are you interested in getting the latest information about precision ag equipment? If so, here are a few stops you might want to schedule this winter in order to talk with Ag Leader experts:

• Amarillo Farm & Ranch Show – Amarillo, Texas
The 27th Annual Amarillo Farm and Ranch Show will take place Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 at the Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas. The event encompasses every aspect of farming and ranching, and is a one-stop show for attendees to interact with manufacturers, obtain necessary CEU credits and network with other producers in the region.

• Greater Peoria Farm Show – Peoria, Illinois
The 30th Annual Greater Peoria Farm Show will be open Nov. 29, 30, & Dec. 1, 2011 at the Peoria Civic Center.

• Farm Forum Event – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
The Farm Forum Event takes place Nov. 29 – Dec. 1. The goal is to send every participant home armed with new ideas and knowledge that will help them make wise decisions, achieve greater profitability, and reach their lifestyle goals too.

• Ag Retailers Association – Boca Raton, Florida
The Ag Retailers Association Annual Meeting takes place Nov. 29 – Dec. 1. The 2011 ARA Conference & Expo, Growing a Sustainable Business, examines the major pillars of sustainability— social, economic and environmental—from three unique perspectives including your customers, consumers and the Government.

• Nebraska Power Farming Show – Lincoln, Nebraska
The Nebraska Power Farming Show happens Dec. 6-8. The show is the largest indoor farm show west of the Missouri River and fourth largest in the country.

If you’re on the road this winter and have time to visit one of these locations, be sure to find Ag Leader’s staff of experts who will be on hand to talk about the latest in precision technology equipment, enhancements, future products, and much more.

See you at the show!

Changes to Ag Leader Support Schedule

Melissa — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:41:56 +0000

Late November and December are particularly busy months for Ag Leader’s Technical Support department, as they are currently making preparations for Dealer Training 2012. Here’s a head’s up so you can plan ahead.

The Customer Support hours have been adjusted back to a normal operating schedule: Monday-Friday, 7am to 6pm CDT. During this time, Technical Support will be available to help with any late harvest and fall fertilizer application questions, as well as any pre-spring planting questions.

The weekend schedule is also about to change; Saturday, November 19th will be the last Saturday that they are open for the year. Technical Support will not be open November 24th and 25th, so be sure to get your questions answered before Thanksgiving!

Nathan Tebbe, Ag Leader Technical Support Supervisor, says tech support conducts training in an ongoing effort to better serve their customers.

Listen to Tebbe explain

As part of preparation for the 2012 growing season, the Hardware and GPS Technical Support teams will also be completing several hours of internal staff training. Tebbe says internal staff training days help ensure technicians have the resources and information they need to efficiently assist Ag Leader dealers and customers with technical questions. Listen to Tebbe explain During these training sessions, Technical Support for hardware and GPS products will not be available, so plan ahead to get your questions answered.

And with colder temperatures here and the crops out of the field, fall application will soon be in full swing. Here are some safety tips for fall application. When transitioning from harvest to fall application, there are also a few things to remember to keep your data in order and prevent downtime in the field. Read more here.

Again, you can reach Ag Leader Customer Support at 515-232-5363 or support@agleader.com.

AgLeader Supports Farm Broadcasters

Cindy — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:28:27 +0000

Some companies have been sponsors and Trade Talk exhibitors at the annual National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention for years – even decades! – but this year was the first for AgLeader Technology, one of the nation’s leading precision farming technology innovators.

AgLeader’s Katie Monroe (center) says they were thrilled to join the companies and organizations who support the NAFB. “It’s a great opportunity to talk about our new products and how precision farming can help growers,” Katie said, noting that one of their main topics was AgLeader’s new Versa display which includes all of the most popular year-round precision tools in one small package.

AgLeader Technology also joined with Alltech to sponsor the NAFB Foundation Auction reception on Thursday night.

Listen to by interview with Katie here: Katie Monroe with AgLeader

2011 NAFB Convention Photo Album

Coverage of the NAMA Trends in Agriculture & NAFB Convention is sponsored by BASF

Is the Ag Leader VERSA™ display right for me?

Melissa — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:08:37 +0000

Ag Leader Technology, Inc. recently introduced the new VERSA™ display which features a large full-color 8.4-inch touchscreen and multiple language options. The new VERSA is a precision farming tool for farmers and growers who want year-round operation control, as well as integrated guidance and steering. Monitoring and application control is also included in the VERSA package.

We caught up with Lori Costello, Ag Leader marketing communications manager, at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting meeting in Kansas City. She tells us more about what type of grower can benefit the most from using the VERSA display.

Listen to Costello explain

Costello says the VERSA is a good fit for growers with 500 acres or less.

Listen to Costello explain

Webster defines versatile as having many uses or applications and Costello says that’s the right description for the VERSA display. It fits every color, every vehicle and growers from those just entering the precision ag field to those who are more well-versed in the technology.

Listen to Costello explain

Taking a look at the relevancy and importance of precision ag as it relates to an ever-growing population here in the United States, Costello tells us that precision technology isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Listen to Costello explain

Ag Leader Announces VERSA™ Display

Melissa — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:53:18 +0000

Ag Leader Technology, Inc., is excited to introduce the latest innovation in precision farming – the new VERSA™ display. It features a large full-color 8.4-inch touchscreen and multiple language options. The new VERSA is a versatile precision farming tool for farmers and growers who want year-round operation control, as well as integrated guidance and steering. Monitoring and application control is also included in the VERSA package.

Click here to watch the tutorial video.

“The VERSA display was designed to be flexible enough to meet the unique needs of different operations,” says Matt Leinen, Product Manager. “The VERSA display’s ability to perform guidance and automated steering control makes it a smart investment for those looking for the versatility of a full-featured precision/guidance system. It’s also a great investment for experienced precision farming operators who need displays for additional vehicles or just want an easy-to-use input cost-saving solution.”

The key features of the VERSA display include compatibility with ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) Virtual Terminal Standard, built-in manual guidance, full-screen mapping, planter and application control, yield monitoring, real-time data logging and automated steering.

“As part of the full-screen mapping package, the VERSA display provides multiple map views allowing the operator to determine the level of detail needed to monitor applications. Implement-specific tabs can be minimized to view more mapping information, if desired,” Matt Leinen added.

The display also features four video camera inputs, providing operators a better view of equipment operation and safety. And like many other Ag Leader products, the VERSA display can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle.

Ag Leader Releases SMS Version 11.5

Melissa — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:53:19 +0000

Ag Leader Technology recently released Version 11.5 of the SMS Desktop Software, which offers many new features and benefits to help improve the operation and interface of the software. Whether it is data from planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvest or guidance, SMS houses and organizes the data for easy access. Ag Leader has also released Mobile SMS Version 5.5.

Luke James, Ag Leader Software Sales Specialist, highlights the benefits and features of the new software.
Listen to James explain

Highlights of SMS Basic and Advanced Version 11.5 include:
• The ability to download soil type information directly into SMS
• The capability to add project functionality into SMS Basic
• Functionality to allow for multiple data locations

James gives growers a bird’s eye view of some of the benefits to the Mobile software.
Listen to more from James

Mobile Version 5.5 new features include:
• The ability to view a split screen for certain operations
• The ability to transfer settings between SMS mobile projects

Bottom line to growers – what do these upgrades mean? James explains. Listen to James here

James lets growers know how to go about receiving this updated software. Listen to James explain

Click here for an instructional video about SMS Version 11.5 and Mobile Version 5.5.

LightSquared Wireless Broadband – A Detriment to Rural America?

Melissa — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:39:33 +0000

Rick Greene, Precision Agronomy Manager for MFA Incorporated in Columbia, Mo., an Ag Leader Blue Delta Dealer, recently spoke at a Congressional Hearing in Washington, D.C. about preserving the integrity of GPS systems.

In his testimony, Greene said, “I began my precision agriculture journey in 1995 when my father purchased one of the first yield monitoring systems with GPS. While at Iowa State University, as accuracy improved, I came to love what precision agriculture can do for farming by preserving the environment, minimizing inputs, and maximizing yield to give our farmers a greater return on their investment.”

Over the years, GPS and technology have evolved exponentially. Efficiency and increased productivity is the key to farmers’ survival in this global market.

Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer with Purdue University did a study in 2004 on a 1,800-acre model farm and found that a farmer will decrease his hours of operation by 17% if they use high accuracy GPS. This decrease includes fuel, maintenance, labor hours, and inputs like seed, pesticides and fertilizer.

The precision agriculture industry has over 400,000 high accuracy receivers valued ~ $13,000 with a replacement cycle of 10 to 15 years and adds approximately $19.9 billion per year of value to the grower.

For MFA alone, more than 700,000 grower acres are in GPS nutrient management, 9.5 million acres covered with high-accuracy RTK correction, and the company has sold almost $20 million dollars of GPS equipment to farmers that will be directly affected by the implementation of LightSquared Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC).

GPS technology enables growers to produce more food for a growing population both domestically and internationally. If LightSquared takes away the ability to use GPS systems, growers will be forced back to the days of when analog TV was as good as it gets and you took your corn to town in a horse-drawn wagon. And, the cost of food will go up dramatically. Are consumers willing to pay that price just for high-speed broadband that isn’t much better than what they currently have?

Greene tells us more about the numbers should farmers lose the ability to run high-accuracy GPS systems. And this is only with MFA’s customer base.

Listen to Greene explain.

According to Greene, LightSquared must not be allowed to broadcast their signal in the upper or lower bands of GPS until a feasible and economical resolution is found.

Greene says, “It is the accuracy of GPS that makes the technology important to agriculture, and farmers should not be expected to accept or live with a disruption in their service as a result of LightSquared’s actions. Ideally, a solution will be found that allows GPS and wireless broadband to co-exist, but LightSquared and GPS providers will have to work together. We believe that farmers, ranchers and GPS companies should not have to bear any additional financial burden in resolving this issue.”

What can growers do to stop LightSquared from proceeding? Greene says it here, short and simple.

Listen to Greene explain.

Watch Greene’s full Congressional testimony here. And for more information, visit the Coalition to Save Our GPS website.

Growing Technology One Step at a Time

Melissa — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:12:41 +0000

Twenty years ago, Al Myers, founder of Ag Leader Technology, began manufacturing the Yield Monitor 2000, a revolutionary on-the-go yield monitoring system. Little did he know that today, the yield monitor would be the centerpiece of the precision farming practice and the Yield Monitor 2000 would become the benchmark to which all other manufacturers attempt to match.

In its first year Myers sold 10 yield monitors to farmers within 80 miles of Ames, Iowa, and in eastern Illinois near his father’s farm. Today, Ag Leader provides yield monitoring for nearly all combines made in the last 20 years, all across the United States and overseas.

So what does this technology means to you? More accurate yield data, on-the-go yield comparisons, and the ability to use the data to make better seed selections the next year. And those are just the highlights.

Yield monitoring today is done through the INTEGRA display. The display also features built-in manual guidance, full-screen mapping, planter and application control, yield monitoring, real-time data logging and automated steering. It’s a complete year-round solution. Click here for a list of tutorials on INTEGRA functionality and capabilities.

Seamless Transitions
In the true sense of “plug-and-play” fashion, the INTEGRA display can be moved from vehicle to vehicle to save you both time and money. So at the end of the day, what began in Al Myers’ basement has now become the cornerstone to any precision ag application. Be sure to contact your Ag Leader dealer for more information.

Talking Precision at Farm Progress Show

Chuck — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:55:47 +0000

Here’s my last Farm Progress Show interview for this year. I walked in to Jeremy Wilson, Crop IMS, in the new Ag Leader Technology building. Like me, he says the new building is a real showcase of all that Ag Leader has to offer. After wandering around Farm Progress Show he also agrees that there’s a lot more precision on display than ever before.

I asked Jeremy what farmers have been saying to him. He says, “The biggest comment is . . . what’s this crop going to be? How much am I going to make?” He calls that shorthand for “How much do I have to invest in new equipment, new precision ag equipment?” Planter controls are also getting the most attention in terms of the questions and comments he’s been hearing.

You can listen in to my conversation with Jeremy here: Interview with Jeremy Wilson

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Precision Pays Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John Deere FS GreenPlan Solutions AgLeader

Walk Before You Run

Melissa — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:59:35 +0000

Uses for precision ag vary from west to east coast, state to state and even from field to field. And farmers can oftentimes learn from growers in other regions, take pieces and parts from those experiences and implement it on their own operation to see what fits best.

Today, we’re talking with Mike Houghtaling, owner/president of PC Ag Solutions in Saginaw, Mich., about his experience with a sugarbeet grower.

Q: Tell me about how growers in your area are creating zones for sugar beets based on the current crop’s vigor. Why is this beneficial to growers and how are they utilizing new technology to do this?

A: Sugarbeets are a very high value crop and are very sensitive to nitrogen: too much causes a reduction in quality and price; not enough can result in lower yields. As such, there have been many years of research to determine the optimum nitrogen rate. While most of that research has been beneficial to point us to an average optimum rate, nothing much has been done on a site-specific basis. We look at fields here that have several soil types. Our goal was to improve upon the current baselines we have for nitrogen recommendations here in Michigan. We are trying to keep it fairly simple at this time…walk before we run.

We have been collecting Vegetative Index (VI ) data at the day of harvest with our defoliator tractor. This data has proven there are large spatial variations in the leaf canopy of the beets, and that we can loosely correlate them to yield. We also collect yield maps at harvest on the digger. Generally the lower the VI the lower the yield. Very high VI does not necessarily correlate to high yield however, but does generally indicate poor quality. Since sugarbeets are generally grown on a 4-year rotation, and we are collecting the data at harvest, our project is long-term. We want to collect that data now, in the hopes that we can make better decisions about where we apply nitrogen and how much we apply in the future. Our other goal is to correlate corn VI (collected at sidedress) to sugarbeet VI (collected at harvest).

Q: You have experience using Ag Leader’s OptRx™ crop sensors for corn and wheat nitrogen application. What kind of results have you seen here?

A: We ran OptRx sensors on corn and wheat for two seasons, and collected VI in sugarbeets and soybeans. We are pretty excited about the data we are collecting, enabling better management decisions.

It wasn’t a homerun, but was worthwhile since we already have the sensors for corn. We also let several other producers run the sensors in wheat, and they all seemed happy with the performance. One comment was that it “made more sense this year”. Lodged wheat is a continual problem here. We generally have very high yields of SWW (100-120) and growers need to put a lot of nitrogen on to reach those goals. OptRx will help sort out those areas for the grower.

Q: What other different and new ways have growers been utilizing precision ag? What led them to try new practices – were the “old” ways not working? Have crop conditions changed? What facilitated the need to try new methods?

A: Growers are always trying new things and the problem comes when the old way is not competitive any longer. Growers are sometimes being forced – economically – to use the technology. They can’t afford not to.

Q: Generally speaking, why do you recommend precision ag products to growers? What are the benefits and return on investment?

A: Our top three recommendations in the order of fastest payback are Ag Leader’s SureStop™planter clutches, ParaDyme™ automated steering and OptRx crop sensors.

Growing With Ag Leader Technology

Chuck — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:11:31 +0000

During this year’s Farm Progress Show I visited with Wisconsin grain farmer Charlie Hammer (left). He likes to keep up with new technology and keeps in touch with Ag Leader Technology since he’s using their equipment.

He’s been running precision farming applications for a while starting with yield monitors, moving into guided steering and now he’s adding Integra and ParaDyme to his harvester. Charlie mentioned how the automated steering system reduces some of the stress in the field. He also enjoys the information he collects which helps him make better decisions for the next season.

You can listen in to my conversation with Charlie here: Interview with Charlie Hammer

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Precision Pays Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John Deere FS GreenPlan Solutions AgLeader

Using SMS Basic Software for Harvest Mapping and Analysis

Melissa — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:44:32 +0000

Whether it is data from planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvest or guidance, SMS software from Ag Leader houses and organizes data for easy access. And this ability to gather and analyze data could come in handy this harvest season.

Jessica Ahrens, Ag Leader Software Support Specialist, tells growers what kind of data SMS will gather. Listen to Ahrens explain

So now you have the data – what are you going to do with it? Ahrens tells us about the possibilities

Some of the benefits to utilizing this software package include the ability to:
• Analyze harvest data by field area, application records, as planted maps, etc.
• Overlay hybrid/variety maps with harvest maps to determine yield performance
• Review yield performance year-to-year
• Overlay yield maps with other field operations to determine how field activities affected yield across the field

One primary benefit to SMS software is being able to make year-to-year comparisons that impact your bottom line. Ahrens tells us why this is important

Are you right in the middle of harvest or just starting out? It’s not too late to utilize SMS software for this year’s harvest season. Ahrens tells us more

Click here for a blog post about SMS pre-harvest preparations, which includes an instructional video.

Preparing for Harvest 2011

Melissa — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:02:16 +0000

It’s that time of year again and growers are beginning to pull combines out of the shed to begin preparing for harvest. Making sure your yield monitor is ready should be a step in this important process as yield data is essential to precision agriculture; the data can be used to create variable rate prescriptions, identify spots where tiling may be beneficial, or to make management decisions for the next growing season. Remember, you are not just harvesting your crops anymore – you are also harvesting data.

Mark Irvin, Ag Leader technical support representative, says that checking the physical components of the yield monitor is an important step in preparing for this year’s harvest season. Listen more here.

He also says preseason calibrations play an important role in pre-harvest readiness.

Irvin says completing these checklist items will save growers time and money. He also notes that the harvested data is a valuable resource for growers.

Get more about harvest hardware preparation procedures from Irvin here:
Part 1
Part 2

And remember, if you have any questions, visit AgLeader.com or reach out to Ag Leader’s technical support team at 515-232-5363. We wish you a safe and prosperous 2011 harvest!

Ag Leader Technology Developing New Territory

Chuck — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:45:19 +0000

At the Farm Progress Show I met Hans Stiekema (not pictured) who has just recently joined Ag Leader Technology. Hans is the Regional Manager – EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa). His job is to introduce and grow Ag Leader in this market by working with existing distributors and establishing new distributors in new areas. He’s also going to be working with OEM’s in the region.

When I spoke with Hans I asked him how important precision ag is to farmers in his region and what they are looking for. He says that in Europe it is needed since farms are very small compared to here in the United States. That makes precision even more important in order to get the most from the land they have. He provides some examples like Dutch tulip fields. But he also has parts of his territory very similar to the U.S. like in eastern Europe and Russia. You can listen in to my conversation with Hans here: Interview with Hans Stiekema

2011 Farm Progress Show Photo Album

Precision Pays Coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by John Deere FS GreenPlan Solutions AgLeader

Side-by-side Comparison of Precision Ag Tools

Melissa — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:20:02 +0000

To round out our series of addressing some of the common concerns and obstacles growers face when it comes to adopting precision ag technology, we come to a close with:

Obstacle #4: A Comparison
Sometimes it helps to have a side-by-side comparison of precision ag equipment. We know that you need to run the numbers, see what the benefits are, and get a feel for what the expected payback will be.

So today we’re talking with Todd Peterson, owner of Peterson Ag Service and Ag Leader dealer from Remington, Ind., about how he approaches the subject of comparing equipment when a new or existing customer comes to him. Peterson says Ag Leader equipment is color-blind, meaning it works with most brands of equipment you might have.

When it comes to making a decision, Peterson says more and more growers want to put numbers on paper so they can see the difference.

And what’s the most important take-away from all of this? Peterson says talking to your local dealer is a must.

As our series of posts about precision ag adoption obstacles comes to a close, we once again encourage you to visit with a trusted Ag Leader dealer about how this technology can help take you and your farming operation to the next level.