It’s the Ag Leader Technology VERSA display, which has all of the most popular year-round precision tools – including guidance, auto-steering control, SeedCommand planting control, DirectCommand application control, yield monitoring and mapping – in one small package.

“For growers who are just getting started in precision ag or for growers who need a second monitor, this is definitely a great option,” said Ag Leader’s Russ Morman at last week’s National Farm Machinery Show. It was the first time most farmers at the show had been able to see the monitor, because it is basically brand new. “We introduced it late last year and we actually just started shipping them in the last week or so.”

Russ says response to the new monitor has been very good. “I’ve had numerous guys come by and say “hey, I ordered one of these I just wanted to see what they looked like in person.”

Response to all things Ag Leader has actually been very good from farmers everywhere. “We’ve expanded our presence everywhere,” said Russ, noting that Ag Leader is celebrating its 20th anniversary in precision ag this year. “Canada, the south, east and west – and all over the world, for that matter. We’re actually opening offices overseas right now.”

Find out more about VERSA and Ag Leader in this interview with Russ: Russ Morman Interview

Thanks to Ag Leader Technology for helping us provide coverage of the 2012 NFMS and for their support of the agriculture industry!

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

The new products list includes:

• New Holland Narrow Row Tractors Pack More Power in Orchards and Vineyards
• New Holland T6 Series Mid‐Range Tractors Feature ECOBlue™ Engine Technology
• High‐Clearance Tractor
• New Holland ‘Lean & Mean’ TS6 Series Tractors
• MegaCutter™ Triple Disc Mower‐Conditioners Cut 29’ 6” of Hay in a Single Pass
• ProRotor™ Rakes Promote Higher Quality Forage
• Boomer™ Compact Tractors
• Telehandlers Offer High Lifting Performance in Compact Package
• Enhanced Clean Energy Website

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

2012 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

In addition to complete incorporation with HARDI’s signature i-Features, the HC 9500 controller provides growers with a powerful, full-featured precision farming tool for guidance, data logging, application report generation, automated steering and more. The HC 9500 also offers compatibility with the ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) Virtual Terminal Standard and the NORAC UC5 boom height control system support. The HC 9500 controller will be available on specific products from late 2011.

Listen to an interview with Ag Leader Product Manager John Howard about the new controller.

For more information, contact your local Ag Leader dealer.

It allows a customer to go to the field to do crop scouting, set boundaries and more, then bring it back to sync with desktop software. He says that rather than having to take a tractor to the field you can hop on your four wheeler or get in your pickup and go. The Mesa runs on new Windows Mobile OS so it also has the capability with wifi to browse the internet and check email. It also will have a built in camera!

You can listen to my interview with Pete here: Pete Youngblut Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Precision Pays coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:

Bruce says their displays are the high point of the latest products they’re showcasing at winter shows like NFMS. New Holland works closely with Trimble on precision products. Bruce says New Holland is now doing more company branding though, like on the new FM 750 Display. He says that farmers visiting the show can come by for a personal walk through.

You can listen to my interview with Bruce here: Bruce Ristau Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Precision Pays coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:

This morning I learned some of what’s new with Ag Leader Technology from Russ Morman. Russ gave me an overview of new products on display that includes their SMS Mobile Mesa Rugged Notepad hand held display, their new GPS 2500 system and advanced seed monitoring for the INTEGRA display. He says they’ve been receiving the most questions on advanced seed monitoring.

You can listen to my interview with Russ here: Russ Morman Interview

2011 National Farm Machinery Show Photo Album

Precision Pays coverage of the National Farm Machinery Show is sponsored by:

To that end, I spoke yesterday with Andy Boyle who is training coordinator at Ag Leader Technology. They are currently holding dealer trainings at “Ag Leader Academy” at their great facility in Ames, Iowa. “Our U.S. and International dealers truly enjoy this meeting, as it keeps them up-to-date on all of our hardware, so they are truly prepared to help educate and serve their customers,” he says.

During these trainings, dealers partake in 100-, 200- and 300-level classes on displays (INTEGRA, EDGE), on applications like DirectCommand and SeedCommand, on the auto steering capabilities of ParaDyme and OnTrac2 and much more.

“Much of our training is hands-on so dealers get the feel for how everything works, and how to troubleshoot issues that can arise,” Boyle says. “Our showroom has a fully-operational sprayer, spinner-spreader and planter so we can actually calibrate and troubleshoot equipment. And we have four tractors equipped with mechanical and hydraulic steering systems so dealers get drive time training as well.”

CUSTOMERS BENEFIT. Thanks to this intensive hands-on training, these dealers take this knowledge and conduct around 40 training sessions to benefit their customers and prospects during February, March and April in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Canada (see the link below for current list of sessions).

“The dealers focus their customer training on all the how-to information growers need, which is also a great refresher to prepare for the upcoming spring season. They walk through set-up of all equipment to prepare for spring field work, as well as review all operations while in the field,” he adds.

Cost to growers is $25 per session, which includes a meal. To register for a training session (see the link below) call 515-232-5363, ext. 6205.

Visit these links for more information:

Customer Training Sessions
http://www.agleader.com/customer-support/training-sessions/hardware-training/

Ag Leader dealer locator http://www.agleader.com/dealer-search/

DICKEY-john, based in Auburn, Illinois, serves the agriculture, off-road equipment, public works and analytical instrumentation industries worldwide. They will be adding Topcon’s revolutionary X30 machine control display as a next-generation console to their current product line-up. The X30 is a virtual terminal that offers complete compatibility, not only with DICKEY-john sensors, monitors and control systems, but also any ISO 11783 compliant product.

Ray O’Connor, Topcon president and CEO, said, “DICKEY-john is a globally recognized company with an exemplary reputation for its expertise in planting and application control. The company is well known for their reliable sensor technology and dedication to customer service; the X30 will be a strong addition to their industry recognized product line. We are excited to work closely with this first-class company on mutually rewarding programs and projects.”

DICKEY-john’s vice president of marketing, Art Tsubaki, stated, “Topcon’s strength in technology, such as ruggedized virtual terminals, GPS and steering technology, provides another product option for our customers. Our ISO tradition and expertise, in combination with the X30, provide a great platform for OEM and aftermarket opportunities.”

The X30 console has a large (12.1 inch) display with an icon-based user interface, dashboard and interaction keypad for ease of use.

Its prominent features include:

– Compatibility with DICKEY-john control ECU’s

– Autosteering using the Topcon AGI-3 receiver

– ISO virtual terminal compatible

– Manual guidance via lightbar system

– Coverage mapping, as-applied maps

– Import of XML prescription maps

– 24 languages available

Leica Geosystems just launched a full suite of new products for steering guidance, as well as new features to its mojo3D and mojoMINI displays.

Leica’s SteerDirect Solutions. With many new SteerDirect solutions available, Leica Geosystems now steers a broad range of tractors, combines and sprayers across all major brands.

The new SteerDirect Hydraulic option is a compact, integrated solution designed to work with the Leica mojoRTK auto-steer console. This unique hydraulic kit was designed with a number of cost-saving features, including a single bracket and a simplified design to streamline installation – saving time and money.

“When we decided to expand our steering platforms to include a hydraulic solution, we knew we wanted to develop a simple, easy-to-install solution that would be affordable for our customers,” says Rob Doncon, product manager at Leica Geosystems.

New Leica mojo3D. The new Leica mojo3D guidance display has been upgraded with a number of new features, including the new Ultimate Curve guidance option, Boundary Recording, and the ability to upgrade to GLONASS satellites.

The new and improved Leica mojo3D is a smarter precision guidance system designed to help farmers large and small create a customized solution to fit their individual needs.

New Leica mojoMINI. The Leica mojoMINI also has a number of new features, making this entry-level display a must-have for any farm operation. The Leica mojoMINI is a great solution for anyone looking for an affordable way to start saving money in the field by enhancing driver accuracy and reducing overlap. Plus, with new features like Boundary Recording, Coverage Mapping and Continue Field, the Leica mojoMINI is even more useful.

“Adding these new features to the mojo3D and mojoMINI takes these displays to the next level in ag guidance,” says Peter Bailey, product manager at Leica Geosystems. “We’ve worked hard over the past year to deliver some significant new features that make the products easier to use in a wide range of applications.”

To learn more about the available SteerDirect options and all of the Leica Geosystems agriculture products, drive straight to your local dealer or visit us online at www.AgGuidance.com

Advanced Seed Monitoring provides planter performance monitoring of seed meter singulation, skips/doubles and spacing quality, along with population and spacing information for all rows when corn planting.

The INTEGRA display features a full-screen planter performance view that includes display items and bar graphs for population, singulation, skips/doubles and spacing quality. All of these features are available while the display is simultaneously performing guidance, mapping and autosteer functions.

“Growers looking to eliminate yield robbing planter problems such as poor seed spacing and singulation will find this system extremely valuable and easy to use. The INTEGRA display’s 12.1” screen provides the industry’s largest view of the performance of all rows. Problematic rows stand out with one glance at the screen,” says Roger Zielke, SeedCommand Product Manager. “A virtual seed trench view shows the placement of each seed of a problematic row to help determine if the problem is in the seed meter or seed tube.”

In addition, Advanced Seed Monitoring automatically determines and displays the rows operating at the highest and lowest levels for singulation and population. All of this functionality is joined with Ag Leader’s popular SeedCommand row shutoff and planter-drive modules on one screen. Existing INTEGRA and SeedCommand Seed Tube Monitor module owners can take advantage of Advanced Seed Monitoring with the February 2011 INTEGRA firmware update.

While it’s a big relief that the crop is in, make sure your prep work of winding down harvest equipment before winter is completed. Regarding precision farming equipment, I spoke recently with Nathan Tebbe, technical support supervisor with Ag Leader Technology, who provided some tips and reminders.

• Create a data backup before removing your display from the combine/tractor for winter. Put it on a card and then transfer it to your computer hard drive. Make sure the individual log files are on the hard drive. And it’s always wise to pull the data into your SMS software now to work the data while it is still fresh in your mind. “It’s a lot easier to transfer and analyze data now before you forget, compared to doing it in January or February,” Tebbe says.
• Bring your display unit inside for winter to store them. Although these can stay in your equipment, they are too valuable to leave outside.
• Tackle all those little fixes on your equipment that you didn’t have time for in the heat of harvest while you still remember them.
• Clean all equipment to prevent mice damage. Sweep or blow out all the dirt and debris in the nooks and crannies of your combine. “You’d be amazed how often we troubleshoot grower problems, and the culprit turns out to be chewed wires that happen during the winter.”
• Also in combines, remove the mass-flow sensor in the clean-grain elevator because mice like to attack it. And it’s wise to be sure and clean the elevator mount unit, as any type of moist grain or crop residue can easily coat the sensors.
• When removing any equipment, put a cover, rag or plastic bag over the cable ends to keep them clean and dry.
• For GPS equipment, Tebbe advises to remove and store it. That way nothing will happen to it.
• And don’t forget to clean out all hoses, especially on anhydrous bars that applied N-Serve. Winterize all pumps and sprayer boom valves. Blow out all the lines, oil the planter chains, and just give all equipment the once over before stowing it in the far reaches of the shed.

Winter training. Tebbe reminds all Ag Leader customers of upcoming winter training coming to a dealer near you. “Check with your local dealer for days and times, as well as check our Customer Support page on our website (link below) as we’ll be posting dates soon.”

Visit these links for more information.

Tech Support Tips for Organizing Your Data Collection http://www.agleader.com/2010/11/19/tech-support-tips-for-organizing-your-data-collection/

Ag Leader dealer locator
http://www.agleader.com/dealer-search/

Ag Leader Customer Support page
http://support.agleader.com/

SOFTWARE:
SMS Advanced http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-advanced/
SMS Basic http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-basic/

In brief, ISO 11783 is an international standard of ‘electronic language’ that is specific to farm equipment. If a piece of equipment is deemed ‘ISO 11783 compatible’ then it can share electronic signals seamlessly with other equipment that is compatible. All compatible equipment/implements will have the same ISO 11783 wiring harnesses and connectors. And a display unit that can control an ISO 11783 sprayer, planter, baler, combine or other implement is called a ‘virtual terminal’.

In a recent Ag Leader Precision Point blog post, the company describes how its INTEGRA is compatible with the ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) Virtual Terminal Standard:

“We’re excited to give growers the option to control additional implements with one tool by offering Virtual Terminal capability on the INTEGRA display,” says John Howard, Product Manager. “Virtual Terminal functionality enables the compliant implement’s user interface to be viewed and controlled on the INTEGRA display. The INTEGRA display has been specifically designed so users can easily toggle between the Virtual Terminal run screen and the advanced mapping, guidance, and control functionality supported on the INTEGRA run screen.”
Virtual Terminal capability allows the ISOBUS compliant implement’s functions to be controlled on the INTEGRA display. Additional capabilities include interface to ISO compliant blockage or seed tube monitoring systems, as well as operation of ISO compliant sprayers and spreaders.

“This is the first step by Ag Leader in providing support for the ISOBUS standard,” says Howard. “Advanced features, including prescription file variable rate application and AutoSwath control, will be supported by future development efforts.”

The bottom line—lower costs within the supply chain and with growers, improved diagnostics and improved functionality. You’ll only need to have one controller in a cab (if all your equipment is ISO compatible), as it will easily plug and unplug into your tractor, sprayer, combine—no matter what brand equipment you are running. Granted, equipment companies who desire to keep their own proprietary electronic communications won’t work in an ISOBUS system, so growers must plan accordingly.

Visit these links for more information.

INTEGRA http://www.agleader.com/products/integra/

1. The GPS 2500 all-in-one antenna and GNSS receiver.
The new GPS 2500 features a dual frequency receiver and the capability to receive WAAS/EGNOS, OmniSTAR XP/HP/VBS and GLONASS satellite signals. The receiver also supports e-Dif for areas where other differential signals aren’t available.

“Providing the option for OmniSTAR differential correction makes the GPS 2500 an affordable receiver option that can still provide a high level of accuracy in the field,” says GPS and Guidance Product Manager, Matt Leinen. “The GPS 2500 is also GLONASS capable, giving the receiver more satellites to communicate with and ultimately helping increase run-time in the field.”

The GPS 2500 offers a complement to the built-in guidance capabilities of Ag Leader’s EDGE™ and INTEGRA™ displays and is ideal for the accuracy necessary for precision farming features such as
AutoSwath™. Additional features of the GPS 2500 include fast start-up and reacquisition times and magnetic mounting.

2. February 2011 addition of OnTrac2(TM) assisted steering support to the INTEGRA(TM) display. Support of the OnTrac2 steering system is a valuable complement to the full featured, year-round precision farming display.

“Many growers are moving their INTEGRA display between vehicles, but they may not have a need for a hydraulic steering system on all of these machines,” says GPS and Guidance Product Manager, Matt
Leinen. “Now, growers will have the option of adding OnTrac2 assisted steering to these vehicles with a simple installation process. The split-gear design of OnTrac2 doesn’t require removal of the steering wheel, but instead simply latches on and off.”

OnTrac2 eliminates skips and overlaps, lowers fuel consumption and reduces operator fatigue. The high-torque, positive gear drive of the OnTrac2 delivers the turning power needed for the most demanding of agricultural vehicles and eliminates slippage that is typical of friction motor steering systems.

Adding support for OnTrac2 to the INTEGRA display will provide growers an economical option for adding assisted steering to tractors, combines, application rigs and more – and the system can be easily transferred between implements with its “Lock-N’-Roll” installation.

3. Latest functionality added to the INTEGRA(TM) display – compatibility with the ISO 11783 (ISOBUS) Virtual Terminal Standard, available February 2011. This functionality enables support of many ISOBUS compliant implements on the INTEGRA display.

“We’re excited to give growers the option to control additional implements with one tool by offering Virtual Terminal capability on the INTEGRA display,” says John Howard, Product Manager. “Virtual Terminal functionality enables the compliant implement’s user interface to be viewed and controlled on the INTEGRA display. The INTEGRA display has been specifically designed so users can easily toggle between the Virtual Terminal run screen and the advanced mapping, guidance, and control functionality supported on the INTEGRA run screen.”

4. A new mobile display compatible with SMS Mobile – the Mesa Rugged Notepad. The waterproof, impact-resistant notepad is built specifically for field use and offers a brilliant, sunlight readable screen.

“This device offers users more than just a PDA; the Mesa is a digital notepad made specifically for field work,” says Director of Software Solutions, Corey Weddle. “The Mesa provides the most flexibility for running SMS Mobile; the large 5.7” screen offers easy operation but doesn’t compromise its portability. In addition, the Windows Mobile 6.5.3 operating system provides a streamlined, more responsive interface that is very finger friendly.”

Additional features of the Mesa include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless technology, as well as a built-in camera and GPS, making it ideal for the in-field operations of SMS Mobile. The Mesa notepad also offers two batteries, allowing for run-time of up to 16 hours. The Mesa will be available for purchase with SMS Mobile from Ag Leader beginning in mid-late November.

For variable-rate seeding and planter control, check out the new OmniRow planter control, which works in sync with the company’s new Envizio Pro II field computer and optional Slingshot RTK/Online service.

Population control by row. Variable-rate seeding, automatic on-off planter control and real-time seed monitoring can be managed by individual rows or section. Everything you need for higher yields and eliminating costly skips, doubles and overplants.

In the zone. With OmniRow’s real-time seed monitoring and singulation ability, helping you maintain optimum tractor speed for maximum yields and efficiency is a snap. You’ll also know immediately when something’s amiss, so you can keep little things from becoming costly mistakes.

Better records. Better decisions. Documentation and mapping capability allows you to compare seed hybrid/variety selection and pest management and fertilization practices to get the very most out of your fields. With Raven’s new SmartYield yield monitoring system you don’t have to take our word for it. Come harvest time. You’ll know.

Improve your existing system. If you have a planter control system, OmniRow can make it better by using existing factory installed or after-market components. Three levels of readiness to meet your equipment needs. Available today for most popular models—and expanding.

Check out more key features and benefits.

I spoke the other day with Jeff Bentley, Ag Leader Technology’s sales manager for GPS Guidance and Steering, to get his take on the usefulness of non-human steering in the fall.

He told me there are three major areas that auto steer technology can benefit a farmer in the fall—combining, field tillage and fall fertilization. And you don’t necessarily need the higher cost RTK differential correction signal.

OnTrac

“In the combine, either our OnTrac2 assisted steering system or our advanced ParaDyme automated steering will benefit anyone with a platform head to keep it completely full of soybeans or wheat during harvest,” Bentley says. “We have some customers who also use RTK to guide a corn head down rows that were planted using RTK auto steer.”

ParaDyme

When it comes to fall tillage, many growers have done some on-farm testing with automated steering. “The results growers tend to see when comparing manual steering to auto steering usually range from three percent up to 10 percent greater efficiency. And you can use a wide range of signals, from the free WAAS signal to OmniSTAR to RTK.”

The third fall application that benefits from auto steer is fertilization. “Growers use it when applying anhydrous, when using a spinner-spreader and especially when applying fertilizer as part of a strip-till operation, using RTK so they can come back and plant exactly over the top next spring,” Bentley says.

To control these systems, Bentley says the OnTrac2 uses the EDGE display. For the ParaDyme, you can use either the EDGE or the INTEGRA display. “And with either display you can add DirectCommand for section control and rate control for anhydrous bars and strip-till air carts.”

Bentley says if you haven’t invested in steering technology yet, its year-around uses will deliver greater efficiency, fuel savings, input savings, time savings and especially less operator fatigue.

Visit these links for more information.

ParaDyme and OnTrac2 http://www.agleader.com/products/steering/

INTEGRA http://www.agleader.com/products/integra/

EDGE http://www.agleader.com/products/edge/

I checked in with Ag Leader’s Chad Huedepohl yesterday, and he reminded me of the many benefits of controlling these product applications with their DirectCommand system linked with either the INTEGRA or EDGE displays.

“Whether growers are applying granular fertilizer with a spinner spreader, liquid fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia, or a combination on a strip-till toolbar, DirectCommand can control variable-rate application for each product,” he says.

Huedepohl, sales manager for DirectCommand, says growers are cutting application costs by 5 to 15 percent due to reduced overlap with AutoSwath control. “It can control up to ten sections on a boom, or even control spinner spreaders. Growers can also inject N-Serve into anhydrous or Instinct nitrogen stabilizer into a manure application,” he adds.

Use the INTEGRA display to control, adjust and record up to 5 different products in one application, or the EDGE display to handle two products. Both displays offer easy-to-use controls with on-screen guidance showing actual map coverage, and it’ll monitor up to three outside-the-cab pressure gauges.

With the INTEGRA display, all application details are captured on a Smart Report to easily generate PDF files that can be used as government certified application maps. And all data is easily transferred into SMS software for analysis and future year input needs and budgets.

Visit these links for more information.

DirectCommand http://www.agleader.com/products/directcommand/

INTEGRA http://www.agleader.com/products/integra/

EDGE http://www.agleader.com/products/edge/

When the built-in, dual-frequency receiver is upgraded to GLONASS, it provides the option to nearly double the number of available satellites from which to receive satellite signals.

For precision planting operations, the CFX-750 display is compatible with Trimble’s Field-IQ crop input control system and Tru Count clutches and can perform section control on up to 48 sections. Add rate control with the Field-IQ system to save costs and increase yields while also keeping records of what was applied. Additionally, operators can increase visibility from the cab by using the two live video feeds on the CFX-750 display to view the implement being pulled behind the vehicle.

“The Trimble CFX-750 display features the industry-leading Trimble Maxwell 6 chip that tracks up to 44 satellites simultaneously including GLONASS,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president and general manager for Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “This is a great high-performance, entry-level platform that can be upgraded to the Field-IQ section and rate control system as the farmer’s needs grow.”

The CFX-750 display is affordably priced starting at US$2,995 MSRP and is expected to be available in September 2010. Contact a local Trimble dealer at www.trimble.com/locator for more information.

I talked today with Nick Ohrtman, Technical Support Supervisor for Ag Leader Technology, and he mentioned some of common tech support topics they hear this time of year. And some of these issues can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting.

First, check your firmware. Hopefully you’ve got the latest firmware versions installed in all your components—from your display to the connected modules and the GPS unit. It’s important because different versions contain unique features, which help technicians troubleshoot. “Almost every tech support call we get we end up having to check the firmware,” he says.

Is the light green? Most modules and GPS units have an LED light showing its current status. Green means power is on and it is communicating with attached modules. If yellow, the power is working but it’s not talking with other devices. And a red light means the module is in program mode. “Take note of the color by module, which will help the technician troubleshoot your issues.”

Disappearing maps. Another common call during harvest deals with coverage maps that do not show up on the display. Different scenarios can cause this to happen. “The most common is when the operator loads a field on the run screen while at home with the combine head lowered to the ground,” Ohrtman says. “The monitor then logs that point as harvested and it is actually miles away. As the operator drives to the field the onscreen map will zoom out to keep the point that was logged at home. It also keeps the combine’s current position on the map screen. By the time the operator arrives at the field the map is zoomed out so far the field is no longer visible on the display. The short-term fix is to press the ‘clear bounds’ button that re-centers the map over your current position. The long-term solution is to create field boundaries for all of your fields.”

Moisture sensor haywire. If the moisture sensor on the combine clean grain elevator is not giving you readings or is providing the same exact reading, check the proximity sensor in the elevator mount unit. If not adjusted right you won’t get a full clean grain sample to monitor because the cleanout auger isn’t running properly. Simply remove the electrical cover, find the small screw that adjusts the sensor, turn it clockwise until the cleanout auger runs continuously, then turn it back counterclockwise three full turns.

Chewed or loose cables. One other common malady is forgetting to visually check all the cables leading from the display all the way back. Rodent damage is more common that you think.

Visit these links for more information.

Troubleshooting Tips – http://www.agleader.com/2010/04/23/troubleshooting-tips/

Q & A from Hardware Training – http://www.agleader.com/2010/07/22/more-q-a-from-hardware-training/

I caught up with Cody Dicken during the Farm Progress Show to take a look at the new 8R Tractor and learn more about its new features, especially the amplified Command Center.

“First and foremost, customers will notice new styles and new lights on the front grill. But quickly when they step into it, they’ll notice that the power levels have increased by about a 10-15 percent power increase depending on the model,” explained Dicken.

The 8360R and the 8360RT get up to almost 300 btu horsepower and Dicken continued, “From what we can see, these are the most powerful row crop tractors anywhere in the industry.”

One advantage of the new 8R Tractors is that farmers can easily integrate new GPS technologies into their operations.

“Last year when we came out with the 2010 8R we introduced the Command Center on the seat. This year, we’ve taken the Command Center to the next level,” said Dicken. “We now have an option to enable the tractor with a touch steer display and the GreenStar applications are now available.”

With the Command Center, growers can also operate AutoTrack and SwatchControl Pro, which makes it easier for growers to be able to use the technology.

Another cool feature of the tractor is that a grower can customize it to meet his needs from horsepower – to precision power. And this tractor will benefit small to medium operations just as effectively as it will large to extra large operations. Not ready for all the bells and whistles yet? Don’t worry. You can add precision technologies as your operation grows.

To learn more, visit your local John Deere dealer. They can give you personal demonstrations on how all their new precision technologies can make your farm operation more profitable.

You can also learn more by listening to my interview with Cody Dicken. Cody Dicken Discusses the Command Center

Check out our Farm Progress Photo Album.

ParaDyme is a fully functional, fully integrated hydraulic steering system. It includes a cellular modem for correction by cell, wireless, as well as wifi that’s integrated for future uses and it can be installed into any hydraulic valve vehicle. Bentley explained that it is also scalable from WAAS to OmniStar all the way up to RTK. “So it’s fully scalable to several correction sources,” said Bentley.

A major advantage of using steering technologies is efficiency. “Efficiency is going to be your biggest advantage,” said Bentley. ParaDyme offers accuracy and ease of use and Bentley said when you come back to spray or come back to harvest, the straight rows are going to be a big advantage.

ParaDyme can be used with multiple brands of equipment going back 20 years. It can also be integrated with other Ag Leader products into two displays, Integra, which was launched this fall, and Edge, which was launched earlier this year. In addition, growers can use DirectCommand and SeedCommand as well as the Yield Monitor with ParaDyme.

Farmers have commented that some of their favorite product features include the display as well as the integrated modem. We have a lot of growers, especially those doing RTK connection through a cell modem like you have in Iowa through the DOE network, who really appreciate the integrated modem said Bentley. “The modem is already in ParaDyme. They don’t have to get their own cell plan – they just buy their cell plan through us and away they go.”

Bentley concluded that it’s been a great year and they’re looking forward to seeing how ParaDyme performs on the combine as well as in tillage applications.

You can listen to my interview with Jeff Bentley here. Jeff Bentley Talks ParaDyme

Farm Progress Photo Album

Precision Pays coverage of the Farm Progress Show is sponsored by: .

Precision agriculture demonstrations return to the Farm Progress Show and will share space with the standard field demonstrations. Strip till is gaining popularity across the Midwest. These demonstrations will be located east of the exhibit site in field demonstration number. For further information, check with the information booths or the video monitors throughout the grounds when you arrive. Demonstrations will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Some precision companies will share space with the strip-till equipment makers. Other stand-alone precision and strip-till companies will also be demonstrating equipment and will be available to talk with you.

“There are no formal presentations there,” explains Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress national shows manager. “Visit with the companies you want to talk with at your convenience.”

Precision and strip-till technology demonstration area is designed to be educational. The one-on-one time you spend learning about the technology will be very helpful as you make decisions about implementing it into your operation.

Plan to attend
The 2010 Farm Progress Show takes place east of Boone, Iowa, Aug.31 to Sept. 2. The exhibit field is open to visitors 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. The public is welcome. For a full schedule of events and more detailed information, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com.

The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at David Miller Farm, 10750 Millersport Road, Millersport, Ohio. Registration is $10, payable by noon the day of the event.

Precision farming topics include:

• “Yield monitor benefits–Using Yield Map Data to go VRT; Using Remote Sensing for Enhancing Profit Potential.”
• “GPS Options and Accuracy, Autosteer Benefits and Limitations, and Automatic Section Control.”
• “Use of RTK, CORS, Nitrogen Sensors, Grid Sampling, Infrared Sensing, and More.”

Other topics being covered throughout the day include corn and soybean disease and plant health reports, assessing fertility programs, identifying nutrient issues, anaerobic digestion economic opportunities, and watershed management.

Certified crop advisor credits will be available.

The field day is sponsored by OSU Extension offices of Fairfield, Licking, Perry, and Pickaway counties. Additional sponsors include Farm Credit Services, Laurelville Grain, ADM Grain, Southwest Ohio Corn Growers, New Era Liquids, Agro-Chem East, Coschocton Grain, Wilmington Case IH Super Store, and Ohio Soybean Council.

For more information, check out this link.

We spoke this week with Nick Ohrtman, technical support supervisor at Ag Leader Technology, who provided a good pre-harvest checklist that works fairly universally no matter what Ag Leader display you operate. And these same philosophies will work with other monitors; just get the specific details from your operator’s manual.

1. If you haven’t already, create a backup of your spring and summer information.
2. Make sure your display firmware, manual and all connected modules are up-to-date. Find them on the Ag Leader website under Customer Support.
3. If you have purchased a new combine or new heads, create new configurations for any setup that is different from last fall. Remove all old configurations.

Inspect the Combine and Components
1. Check to make sure all cables are properly attached and in good condition.
2. Remove flow sensor and inspect for damage.
3. Check the elevator deflector and impact plate for wear. Verify you have the proper clearance at the top of the clean grain elevator. Clearance should be between 3/8- and 5/8-inch.

Sensor Calibrations—Before going to the field
For step-by-step instructions on how to do these calibrations, consult the Grain Harvest section of the display manual.

1. Calibrate stop height. This will set the height when the display stops recording harvested area as the header is raised at the end of the pass. Stop height calibration is required for each grain type.
2. Run a distance calibration. This will calibrate the ground speed sensor connected to the display. Note: If you are using GPS speed as the primary speed sensor, you will still need to calibrate the backup sensor. Measure off 200-400 feet, drive that distance and record any difference in length.
3. Calibrate temperature. This will set the temperature offset to help provide a correct moisture reading.
4. Run a vibration calibration. The vibration calibration is used to compensate for the amount of force that is being measured by the flow sensor with no grain flow.

Sensor Calibrations—In the field
1. Calibrate moisture. This will set the moisture offset to help provide accurate moisture and yield readings. Moisture calibration is required for each grain type. Take 4-8 samples from a wagon/truck load, then plug in the average reading.
2. Calibrate grain weight. This is critical, and you need to run four to six smaller loads (in the 3,000 to 6,000 lb. range) at varying field speeds, so enlist your nearest weigh wagon owner. If done correctly, this will provide accurate yield readings across all flow ranges. Calibration is required each year and for each grain type. If your average harvest speed is 4.5 mph, then make sure you run loads at 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 and a maximum speed. And with Ag Leader displays, you can do this at any time during harvest, because once calibrated it will back calibrate any harvest data already completed.

Have a safe harvest season.

Visit these links for more information.

Product Manuals – http://www.agleader.com/customer-support/product-manuals/

June Insights Newsletter – http://www.agleader.com/media-center/insights-newsletter/

The new five and one half minute video highlights ParaDyme as the world’s first totally integrated precision farming system, with the capability of being installed on any “color” or brand of farm equipment from tractors, combines, sprayers and spreaders to swathers.

AutoFarm ParaDyme is the single system solution to all facets of precision farming: planter control, application control, yield monitoring, data logging and management, plus hands-free GPS steering via WAAS, EGNOS, OmniSTAR HP/XP, and RTK. It is also GLONASS ready. The ParaDyme System offers a choice of three displays: AutoFarm INTEGRA, AutoFarm EDGE and AutoFarm Viper Pro. It is also compatible with the AutoFarm OnTrac2 GPS Assisted Steering System running with ParaDyme/INTEGRA or ParaDyme/EDGE.

With its unique factory-integrated wireless, ParaDyme offers a Remote Real-Time Service connection to the dealer in addition to optional RTK ReadyConnect that provides RTK correction without a base station. A newly enabled WiFi function is another expansion of an already feature-packed solution to virtually everything precision ag.

Like flat screen TVs, precision ag monitors keep getting better with more features. Thanks to software improvements, you can even watch yields as they shift among hybrid locations in the field. Ag Leader recently upgraded their SMS desktop software so it can import planting data from various planter monitor brands to export as reference files to the INTEGRA display.

“The SMS software’s ability to translate data from almost any brand of planter monitor and export it into our INTEGRA display is a great tool, as it allows the varieties to show up as different colors during harvest on the display, as well as to be used for variety tracking,” says Corey Weddle, director of software solutions for Ag Leader.

Before, if two monitors were used to plant and only one of those monitors is used for harvest, you couldn’t combine the planting data from both monitors into one. “SMS Basic and SMS Advanced Version 10.0 software can handle that task,” he says. “And it’s a simple, straight forward process to export the data.”

Read more about it here: http://precisionpays.com/2010/07/watch-hybrid-and-variety-harvest-results-in-real-time/

Visit these links for more information.

SMS Software http://www.agleader.com/products/software/

INTEGRA http://www.agleader.com/products/integra/

Yield Monitoring http://www.agleader.com/products/yield-monitor/

“For a long time growers have used our yield monitor to compare varieties at harvest. However, the field had to be harvested with the same display that planted the field to see the variety map in real time,” says New Business Development Manager, Roger Zielke. “I’m happy to say this added feature gives our customers a solution, regardless of their planting display. SMS-compatible data can be read into the software to create a reference file. That file is then loaded on to the INTEGRA display to show the variety map at harvest.”

Using SMS software to generate variety maps helps farming operations with multiple precision ag displays or mixed fleets of precision ag equipment in the operation.

“We take great pride in the number of precision ag products SMS can read and manage data from. Now we can integrate variety map data from multiple collection devices and make those maps available on the INTEGRA display to use in harvest operations,” says Corey Weddle, Director of Software Solutions. “Users with the following precision ag equipment brands can take advantage of this feature: Ag Leader, AGCO ISO-based displays, Case IH, DICKEY-john, Flexicoil, John Deere, KINZE, Mid-Tech, New Holland, Raven, RDS, Trimble and any ISO11783 display using the XML file format. That’s an extensive list; we’re excited to facilitate this data exchange among multiple brands in order to help growers get the most benefit from their precision ag equipment.”

This new feature is available in the recent INTEGRA firmware release, Version 1.5; SMS Basic or SMS Advanced Version 10.0 (released in May) is required to export hybrid/variety reference maps to the INTEGRA display. The update is available for existing INTEGRA owners to download at www.agleader.com, under “Customer Support”.

Called SmartPath, this new ‘drive and guide’ pattern is designed for fields beyond the straight and flat, and it doesn’t require the traditional set-up using beginning and end points.

“If you have farmed contoured fields, you know there is no sequential pattern that is followed; it’s much more random. With SmartPath, once you drive the first pass, all subsequent passes are GPS-guided to follow the previous path,” says Matt Leinen, product manager with Ag Leader. “This pattern will make planter row shutoff or sprayer boom shutoff technology very effective, especially when dealing with the convergence of many point rows.”

While this type of pattern isn’t unique in the industry, Leinen says their technology is designed to follow the best path. “The challenge with this type of pattern is the convergence of numerous paths which come together that are unevenly spaced. We designed the SmartPath to select the right path.”

This pattern is available with any of Ag Leader’s manual guidance, assisted steering or automated steering products, including the INTEGRA and EDGE displays, as well as the OnTrac2 and ParaDyme steering systems.

SmartPath is joining a family of guidance patterns available with Ag Leader’s guidance and steering, including Straight AB, A+, Identical Curve, Adaptive Curve and Pivot. It is available in the following firmware releases: Version 1.5 of the INTEGRA display and Version 3.5 of the EDGE display. Updates can be downloaded from www.agleader.com, under ‘Customer Support’. http://www.agleader.com/customer-support/

Visit these links for more information.
SmartPath http://www.agleader.com/media-center/
Steering products http://www.agleader.com/products/steering/

The new John Deere SeedStar XP monitoring system allows producers to monitor and adjust a wide variety of planting operations on-the-go for optimal seed placement and increased productivity.

“Everything that customers said they wanted in a fully integrated monitoring system for planting operations went into the SeedStar XP system,” says Chris Savener, project manager, planters, for John Deere Seeding.

“This includes an easy-to-read, at-a-glance screen with seed skip information and data on row-unit ride dynamics, which are critical to monitoring and maintaining overall planter performance at the row-unit level. Ultimately, the SeedStar XP monitoring system helps ensure that every seed is planted to the correct depth and spacing within the seed furrow across the entire field. Tests show that the system helps producers save planting time and seed while maximizing yields.”

The GreenStar 2 compatible SeedStar XP system features a user-friendly, full-color planting monitor, or it can be integrated with a producer’s existing GreenStar 2 display to eliminate clutter in the cab. The system is supported by a series of row-unit sensor nodes and downforce sensors configured to the specific model of planter. In addition to the features of the original SeedStar 2 monitoring system, the SeedStar XP system includes these enhancements:

• Seed singulation and seed spacing monitoring
• Row-unit downforce monitoring and adjustment
• Row-unit ride quality monitoring
• Overall row-unit and planter performance monitoring
• Split-screen applications for planting and guidance (AutoTrac)

The SeedStar XP system is available on select model year 2011 John Deere planters, including the 1770NT, 1770NT CCS™, 1790 and DB Series planters, and is fully integrated and compatible with other Ag Management System products used for planting, such as Swath Control Pro for planters, GreenStar AutoTrac assisted steering and Apex farm management software.
For more information on the John Deere SeedStar XP monitoring system, see your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com.

Owners of granular spinner-spreader fertilizer rigs and anyone with a sprayer will benefit thanks to new dual product control. “Fertilizer applicators can now variable-rate apply both P and K, or apply a fertilizer blend along with micronutrients at the same time,” says John Howard, DirectCommand Product Manager with Ag Leader Technology. “The EDGE has the ability to precisely control the speed of the spinners to deliver spread pattern accuracy.”

For sprayers, dual control means you can control both a liquid carrier and a direct-injection pump. “With our DirectCommand system’s AutoSwath control, and the interface to the Raven Sidekick chemical injection pump, growers and retailers gain complete control of both products,” he says.

Howard says that fertilizer retailers who seek an economical monitor with just the right functionality for their needs will be pleased with this new addition to the EDGE display—especially with the auto steering guidance control features added last December. “We continually strive to provide practical and economical solutions, while helping users upgrade as seamlessly as possible.”

Current EGDE display owners can download this firmware upgrade to their monitor. http://www.agleader.com/customer-support/downloads/

For more information, visit
http://www.agleader.com/2010/04/28/ag-leader-adds-dual-product-application-control-to-edge™-display/

EDGE Monitor:
http://www.agleader.com/products/edge/

Difference between EDGE and INTEGRA monitors:
http://www.agleader.com/products/displays/

Chemical Injection
Dual product control in the EDGE display will support sprayer control of a liquid carrier and a single injection pump. Like other Ag Leader products, the EDGE display’s DirectCommand system now interfaces to the Raven Sidekick chemical injection pump for complete control over chemical injection applications. The EDGE display and CAN module will replace the Sidekick Console, directly connecting to the injection pump. Automated prime and calibration routines as well as advanced sensor diagnostics are part of the new functionality. This addition can be used for herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide as well as nitrogen stabilizer injection application.

Granular Fertilizer Application
Dual product control also means two channels of granular product control in the EDGE display. Operators have the ability to apply two products simultaneously at varying rates, either manually or using a prescription. The most common applications of this feature will be in spinner spreader and strip-till operations.

“We continually strive to provide practical solutions to enhance user-experience and productivity,” says John Howard, Product Manager for Ag Leader. “The addition of dual product application control combined with existing EDGE display functionality provides an economical solution with the tools to achieve this.”

Additional functionality of the EDGE display includes SeedCommand, DirectCommand, yield monitoring, guidance and steering capabilities. In addition, the EDGE display is plug compatible with Ag Leader’s INTEGRA and InSight displays; this gives users who wish to upgrade in the future a seamless transition.