USFRA’s Communications Advisory Committee and Ketchum began their work together in March of 2011. Since that time they have worked together to create a movement that focuses on bringing the voice of farmers and ranchers to conversations centered on food and food production. Over the past fourteen months USFRA and Ketchum have implemented many successful events and tools to help farmers and ranchers have that conversation, and explain the importance of continually improving today’s agriculture. Today’s news remains filled with stories questioning the integrity of the entire food production chain, and USFRA, in response, has initiated recently the “Grow What You Know” Rapid Response System that allows farmers and ranchers to be alerted of topics in the media that lack a farmer and rancher voice. USFRA will also host two additional Food Dialogue events over the next six months to continue the conversation about how food is grown and raised.

The company fully expects to continue normal operations throughout this process. All LightSquared distribution partners and customers, including public safety, emergency response, government and military users of LightSquared’s satellite-based communications services can continue to rely on LightSquared to provide them with mission critical communications services.

LightSquared intends to work with all key constituents to conduct an orderly restructuring process to maximize its asset value and to exit Chapter 11 in the quickest and most efficient manner possible.

Read a previous reaction from agricultural and farm equipment organizations as they urged the Federal Communications Commission to withdraw the conditional waiver granted to LightSquared in 2011 and modify the company’s satellite license to prohibit the building of a ground-based network.

AgJunction Mobile is an in-field data collection system featuring GPS-enabled boundary mapping and soil sampling. To take advantage of the latest technologies, AgJunction and Cogent3D, maker of PrecisionEarth, have come together to release AgJunction Mobile for iOS. Available for both iPhone and iPad, AgJunction Mobile for iOS is based on the PrecisionEarth platform with the time saving enhancement of being able to directly sync with the AgJunction cloud system.

AgJunction users can download the app from the App Store and enter their AgJunction license key, user name and password. From there, the application will automatically manage the two-way transfer of data between AgJunction Mobile and the AgJunction cloud system, eliminating the need to move data files manually.

With the first release of AgJunction Mobile for iOS, users will be able to synchronize data based on their growers, farms, fields, field boundaries, and directed sample locations. Users can then add new farms and fields as well as map field boundaries and soil sample locations. Recorded field data is automatically synchronized with the AgJunction cloud system for use in the field, back at the office, or through an agriculture service provider.

AgJunction will continue to work with Cogent3D to bring more features and benefits to AgJunction Mobile for iOS in the future. This will include downloading recorded datasets (yield, planting, as-applied, aerial imagery, soil sampling and electrical conductivity, etc.) in the field as background layers for viewing and as a reference for field sampling. Other future updates will include integration with the AgJunction electronic work order system and the AgJunction asset tracking system.

Vaughn has over 20 years of senior executive experience in precision guidance and agri-business at companies including Topcon, NovAtel, Magellan and Trimble. He has served on the board of Directors for a number of high tech corporations and has extensive professional experience in that field, including serving in an executive capacity with Apple and Hewlett
Packard. Dave has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Electronics and a MBA Degree in Operations Research from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Farmers can now log onto the site to learn when corn rootworm larvae are hatching in their area, allowing for better timing to scout their fields for potential root damage. The corn rootworm hatch varies by geography, but typically occurs from early- to mid-June in the Corn Belt and often coincides with the first appearance of lightening bugs.

Greater awareness about the annual corn rootworm hatch and migration patterns of corn earworm and western bean cutworm moths can help farmers minimize their impact. This tool can help farmers make strategic decisions about better timing for pesticide applications. It can also help farmers in choosing the right traited corn hybrids to meet their specific needs, such as those containing Monsanto’s Genuity corn traits which protect against insect damage and protect yields.

Farmers in the Corn Belt can sign up to receive e-mail alerts from May through September to learn when these insects pose a risk in their areas.

Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for the healthy growth of young plants. JumpStart is based on a unique fungus, Penicillium bilaii, which increases phosphate solubilization for uptake into the plant through the root system. The market potential for seed-applied technologies that increase phosphate use efficiency is estimated at over $100 million.

UniPilot is used in conjunction with the TeeJet Matrix Pro guidance system which offers an intuitive touch screen interface, field mapping/job planning capability, and video monitoring. A full range of guidance modes is supported, including exclusive NextRow guidance for easy headland turns in row crops. GPS signal options for UniPilot include WAAS, which is standard on the Matrix Pro, along with OminSTAR or RTK solutions, which are provided via the optional TeeJet RX510 or RX610 GNSS receivers. UniPilot is compatible with over 350 vehicle platforms including tractors, sprayers, combines and swathers.

The AI3070 was designed specifically for fungicide application in cereal crops making it ideal for controlling fungal diseases. The prevalence of fusarium in wheat and other cereal crops makes this an ideal nozzle for small grain producers. The AI3070 is designed to maximize the efficacy of a grower’s fungicide application which contributes to higher yields and a higher quality grain sample.

The AI3070 is offered in six VisiFlo® color-coded sizes from -015 to -05 capacities. It is constructed of acetal (polymer) with a recommended operating range of 20-90 psi. The AI3070 tips are easily installed on Quick TeeJet® nozzle bodies. The tips are currently available at local TeeJet Authorized Distributors.

There is no fee to join the network and you will gain valuable, useful information for your operation. Be part of a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions.

Learn more here.

Or contact UNL Extension Educators: Keith Glewen at 402-624-8030 or kglewen1@unl.edu or Gary Zoubek at 402-362-5508 or gzoubek1@unl.edu. You can also contact the Nebraska Corn Growers Association at 888-267-6479, 402-438-6459 or info@necga.org. A terrific opportunity for Nebraska farmers to learn the art and science of conducting and interpreting on-farm research.

The touch screen of the Leica mojoMINI has undertaken several modifications. It offers now two lightbar modes: the traditional cross track only lightbar and the Leica smart lightbar. Furthermore farmers are able to choose the use of WAAS and EGNOS satellites or to deactivate them, if desired.

The added support for kml files gives users of the Leica mojoMINI the ability to export data of the most recent work for viewing in Google Earth or import into a Leica mojo3D.

Now just using the Leica mojo3D and the Leica twist allow steering of all Leica SteerDirect kits which are supported by the Leica mojoXact. To enable these extra steering options a Leica mojo3D SteerDirect kit is required. More updates to the Leica SteerDirect hydraulic solution proceed with two extra kits:
– Claas Lexion Hose Kit (Article Nr. 794531)
– Buhler 2xxx 4WD Hose Kit (Article Nr. 794540)

Like the Leica mojoMINI, the Leica mojo3D now offers the cross track only lightbar as well as the Leica smart lightbar. To further increase the compatibility of the guidance display, the support for kml and shape files has been introduced. This makes it easy to import and export field data and vehicle setups to another Leica mojo3D or different applications.

Review of applications will begin on 4/20/2012. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found or search is closed. For a detailed job description, additional preferred qualifications and how to apply, click here and search for requisition #120225.

Contact Rick Koelsch at 402-472-3935 or rkoelsch1@unl.edu with questions about this position.

AgCam cameras have been engineered to withstand the harshest environments with ease and reliability. Featuring a completely waterproof housing, these cameras can be used in a variety of situations, producing excellent results, day or night. AgCam features a 3 year warranty, auto darkening lens, crimp resistant cables and infrared night vision.

The MZB Precision Farming System delivers a patented, zone-based, precision farming system that delivers multi-layer field management for site-specific application of agricultural inputs. MZB offers two service options:
• The MZB Precision Farming System creates up to 12 individually sampled management zones per field. Farmers can variably manage mobile and immobile nutrients and seed populations.
• MZB Lite offers up to four individually sampled management zones per field with the same capabilities.

MZB provides a field data collection service as well as a software package to manage the collected data, based on a combination of Veris EC information, RTK elevation readings and satellite imagery. From the data, a farmer’s field is then sub-divided into “zones,” which is why the service is called Management Zone Based (MZB). The zones range from 10 to 15 acres in size and are individually soil sampled and managed according to the specific deficiencies or needs in that zone. MZB employees collect the data and an MZB Precision Farming Retailer manages the data with MZB Tools software. No other system offers the same valuable, easy-to-use combination of field detail, data management and real-time communication between growers, agronomists, applicators, dispatchers, field scouts and soil testers.

In 2012, BRANDT will work with other agricultural organizations to put an “all agriculture” car on the track, helping to spotlight the hard work and dedication that makes agriculture a leading global industry.

BRANDT President and CEO, Rick C. Brandt, is thrilled to have Precision Tank & Equipment as part of the #31 Ag Car for the 2012 season.

Vermeer brand netwrap is produced with heavy-duty HDPE for a stronger tape than standard netwrap, and both Vermeer Net and Rebel Net offer optimum net spread to cover square shouldered bales with little net stretch, improving bale appearance. Vermeer Net and Rebel Net offer convenient features to help producers improve efficiency. Handgrips on the Vermeer Net packaging provide for easier handling, and the smaller roll length and weight of the Rebel Net makes loading and unloading easier.

Vermeer Net is offered in a variety of lengths and is suitable for most round balers in today’s marketplace. Visit your local Vermeer dealer for more details.

Griffin joins CrescoAg from the University of Arkansas where he was a professor of row crops economics, extension specialist and team coordinator of the Working Group on Precision Agriculture. Terry specialized in utilizing spatial technologies to improve agricultural production systems and quality of farm life. He also served as farm management and spatial technologies specialist for the University of Illinois Extension.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy and master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Arkansas, and his Ph.D. in agricultural economics with emphases in farm management, production economics, and spatial economics from Purdue University. While at Purdue, he coordinated the Top Farmer Crop Workshop and organized the whole-farm linear programming service and introduced the service of yield monitor data analysis to participants.

Griffin is a certified crop advisor (CCA), member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, and a charter member of the International Society of Precision Agriculture. He received the 2010 PrecisionAg Awards of Excellence for Researcher/Educator from Meister Media, and was the 2002 National Winner of the NASA GIS and Remote Sensing Decision Support Seminar and the 2003 National Winner of the NASA Excellence Award in Remote Sensing and Precision Agriculture.

The 20/20 SeedSense/AirForce system was also voted the top no-till product in the Precision Tools category, and was among 11 finalists entered in the overall Product of the Year voting.

Manufacturers whose products were voted the best in 11 individual categories were recognized before about 750 no-tillers at a special luncheon awards ceremony during the 20th annual National No-Tillage Conference in St. Louis, Mo. They were also recognized in the Winter 2012 issue of No-Till Farmer’s Conservation Tillage Guide.

A call for nominations for the 2012 program, as well as voting, will be announced later this year.

Our Precision Pays reporters brought you a total of 380 stories, including over 80 with audio interviews or podcasts and 15 YouTube videos. The most popular YouTube video of the year was the John Deere Subcompact Utility Tractor Unveiling at the National Farm Machinery Show, which has been viewed almost 40,000 times.

Some of the most popular stories of the year on Precision Pays were:

John Deere introduces Farm Sight
Corn Choppers at Farm Progress Show
John Deere product launch
Drones tested for Ag Use
LightSquared Wireless Broadband Issues
JD Combine Can sculpture

Best wishes to all for a healthy, happy, prosperous and blessed new year!

4R Nutrient Stewardship is an innovative and science-based approach to fertilizer best management practices (BMPs) to help achieve agricultural sustainability. The 4Rs imply there are four aspects to every fertilizer application and it provides a simple framework to assess whether a given crop has access to the necessary nutrients. Asking “Was the crop given the right source at the right rate, the right time, and in the right place?” helps identify opportunities to improve fertilizer efficiency and prevent nutrient movement from each field. The four aspects of this system for fertilizer management are interconnected, and none of the four can be right when any one of them is wrong.

Over the past year, TFI has been working with the NRCS to provide input on their revision of this important standard. The nutrient management standard is an important tool in the NRCS conservation toolbox.

This slick 10×15 wall calendar includes dates for all the major ag-related events in 2012, along with photos each month from the 2011 events that we covered. There’s photos from the Iowa Power Farming Show, National Farm Machinery Show, Commodity Classic, Farm Progress Show and lots more.

We ordered a limited number of the calendars to give to some of our clients for Christmas, but then discovered that there are lots of other folks out there who would like to get a copy, so we are ordering more and offering them for sale.

For just $20 each plus $2 shipping/handling, you can get your very own 2012 Ag Events calendar here:

Order 2012 ZimmComm Ag Events Calendar.

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.”

“Rick brings international agricultural strategy and business development experience that will accelerate our growth in these rapidly expanding regions of the world,” said Mr. Ragot. “He and our emerging markets team will seek and develop new opportunities for distributing our industry-leading precision steering products, ParaDyme and OnTrac2 branded under AutoFarm as well as partner brands, into growing agricultural markets.”

Wesch has 20 years of experience in Agribusiness sales and marketing and has spent the last seven years in a variety of roles with John Deere and Company. He has a MS degree in Agronomy from Texas A&M and a MBA in Strategic Management and Marketing from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

The growth strategy includes expansion of Novariant’s precision steering product line for the
growing agricultural market as well as increasing distribution into emerging markets, such as
Eastern Europe and Asia. Novariant already features industry leading precision steering
products, ParaDyme and OnTrac2 branded under AutoFarm® as well as partner brands.

Click here for more information.

Customers will realize benefits as the systems have been optimally matched and tested to ensure a maximum range of dependable applications while delivering outstanding accuracy and precision.

The initial project of the partnership was the development of user-friendly content for an ISOBUS-operator terminal with a unique AMAZONE functionality. This console will be presented at Agritechnica 2011 in Hannover, Germany, as the new AMAPAD ISOBUS terminal.

At the heart of this new product and collaboration is the innovative AgApp (Agriculture Applications) concept developed by AMAZONE. This concept allows third-party software to be loaded onto an operator terminal, which means applications from independent developers can be fully integrated into the console interface. Now, the end user really only needs one control terminal – whether operating a machine or a sensor.

The agreement provides for cooperation between Topcon and SDF’s engineering department to develop state-of-the-art precision farming products. The products will be designed for SDF tractors and combine harvesters and marketed with the brand Agrosky™ via SDF’s distribution network. Agrosky is SDF’s brand of precision farming products.

The partnership will allow the entire range of SDF products to be equipped with precision farming devices, ranging from automatic steering, with precision from +/- 2 cm, to the most sophisticated machine control systems.

The new Agrosky SDF products for tractors and combines will be officially presented at Agritechnica 2011.

Prior roles included sales manager for Midwest Seed Genetics, NC Plus Hybrids and Wilson Seeds.

Vermeer Introduces a New Generation of Rebel Balers — Twelve years ago, Vermeer introduced the first ever hitch ‘n go baler designed to meet the needs and pocketbooks of producers with low horsepower tractors looking to roll their own high-quality round bales. Today marks the launch of the new Rebel Baler generation, this time with two models – the Rebel 5420 and 5520 Balers – and several significant new features incorporated from larger Vermeer models, but still maintaining the user-friendly functionality and meeting the lower horsepower requirements of the popular original.

Vermeer Adds High-Capacity Wheel Rake to VR Series — A new, high-capacity wheel rake capable of raking 28′ (8.5 m) wide passes – yet nimble enough to maneuver like rakes much smaller in size – is now available from Vermeer Corporation. The heavy-duty VR1428 is designed to give operators more capacity and the ability to handle more acres in less time, with fewer maintenance issues. It combines smart, streamlined design and functionality with simple, tool-free adjustments, while incorporating outstanding operator conveniences.

The System 350 Automatic Steering includes boundary and U-turn recognition features that allow operators to easily complete turns and lock onto the next swath. The System 350’s guidance dashboard provides on-screen indicators for area applied, speed, row number and satellite information while it builds a color coverage map that the operator can review to make adjustments that can help increase productivity of the work at hand. The System 350 also can be easily moved from one vehicle to the next.