Precision Pays

TeeJet now offer two new solutions for ISOBUS sprayer control for owners of factory-installed virtual terminals, or for operators who require a complete system including a virtual terminal.

The TeeJet ISOBUS Sprayer System uses a John Deere, CASE IH or AGCO virtual terminal.  The kit includes the IC18 ISOBUS Sprayer Electronic Control Unit (ECU), BoomPilot automatic boom section control module, a switch box and all cable and connection to operate on Deere, CASE IH or AGCO virtual terminals. The IC18 Sprayer ECU has an intuitive interface with advanced features such as multiple rate selection, section status and task control for prescription applications.  The IC18 and BoomPilot can automatically control up to 9 sprayer sections.

TeeJet Technologies also offers a sprayer control solution that includes the components noted above plus the new Matrix 570VT interface. Matrix 570VT features a bright 5.7” touch screen suitable for daylight and nighttime viewing and can be used with other ISOBUS-compatible ECUs in addition to the IC18.

“We’re fully committed to the ISOBUS standard and want to help as many growers as possible experience the benefits of it,” said Jim Shone, Business Unit Manager at TeeJet Technologies. “Most growers don’t yet own a virtual terminal and will find our Matrix 570VT ISOBUS Sprayer System an affordable way to take full advantage of the ISOBUS platform. For the operators that do have a virtual terminal, our ISOBUS components are an economical way to leverage their current investment,” Shone continued.

TeeJet Technologies was among the first to sell ISOBUS compatible products in North America. ISOBUS job computers and controls have been in the field the last two growing seasons, and product line expansion is underway.

In 2001, farm machinery manufacturers agreed to implement a common standard for communication interfaces on tractors, implements and farm management systems. The standard is called ISO 11783 and is commonly referred to as ISOBUS.

The common standard enables products from different manufacturers to communicate and eliminates the need for separate terminals, displays and controls. Once ISOBUS is fully implemented, tractors will have a single virtual terminal in the cab.

A virtual terminal is the device that allows the operator to provide input information. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU), also known as a job computer, installed on the implement is where processing and control occurs.

Certified ISOBUS virtual terminals and ECUs will communicate and function on the same communication BUS, regardless of the manufacturer.

ISOBUS benefits:

• Operators can leverage their investment on factory installed terminals instead of having several controller consoles.
• Implements with certified ISOBUS ECUs give operators the flexibility to choose the best products for their applications without concerns about compatibility.
• Standardized plugs, cables and software simplify installation and connectivity and result in true “plug and play” technology.  Operators can operate multiple implements with any tractor in their fleet.
• Data from the ECU can be easily exported and analyzed on the farm computer.

Listen to an interview with TeeJet technology specialist Jon Reinecker conducted at the National Farm Machinery Show by Agwired reporter John Davis:

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The New Holland Boomer 8N made its debut at the National Farm Machinery Show last year – but it was just as popular with young and old alike at this year’s show.

The Boomer 8N is a updated remake of the classic Ford 8N tractor, part of New Holland’s heritage. I talked about the Boomer’s first year with New Holland’s John Hundley. “The history of this project was basically a fusion between the old styling of the Ford 8N with new technology of today,” John said. Many of this first year’s sales have been to collectors or people who have fond memories of the legendary Ford 8N growing up on a farm in the 40s and 50s. “We have some people who are buying this tractor and parking it because they don’t want to use it, but this is a workhorse and we do have people buying it and running it in the field everyday.”

John says lots of people have stories to tell about the old classic tractor – and some have great stories about their new Boomer 8N. You can find out more on one of the Boomer 8N websites – myboomer.com features real people and real stories about Boomer tractors, and www.8N.com has information about the history and design of the tractor.

Listen to my interview with John about the Boomer 8N here:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Machine-vision cultivation is a commercial reality for vegetable growers, but is it improving integrated weed management in these crops? University of California-Davis research results, that appeared recently in Weed Technology, showed machines gained the upper hand over hand-weeding and cultivation of broccoli and lettuce during times of rainy weather.

Hand-harvested crops such as broccoli and lettuce are easily threatened by weeds. Uncontrolled weeds can result in lower yields, reduced quality, and decreased harvest efficiency.

The job of cultivating between delicate rows of vegetable plants can be done more precisely and faster with machine guidance. A computer processes 25 digital photos of a crop row to determine the centerline.Previous studies have shown higher rates of error in human-guided cultivation.

The current study timed how long it takes a laborer to hand-pick weeds versus machine cultivation. It also tested whether smaller amounts of herbicide or none at all could be applied to the crop with the use of machine cultivation. Reducing the use of herbicides would have economic and environmental benefits.

The many variables at play produced mixed results. Herbicides proved the most effective method against weeds. But with the heaviest use of herbicide tested, the lettuce yield was not improved—the herbicide also affected the crop’s growth. In rainy weather, when both hand weeding and machine weeding are difficult, herbicides again provided the best weed deterrent. In dryer seasons, machine cultivation was more effective than hand weeding.

In California and Arizona, lettuce and broccoli are grown year-round, and cultivation is an important part of the process. More accurate and timely cultivation may be the greatest benefit that machine-guided cultivation has to offer.

Weed Technology journal is a publication of the Weed Science Society of America. To learn more about the society, please visit: http://www.wssa.net/

You’ve read, perhaps talked to neighbors, or maybe you’ve learned first hand that many tools of precision agriculture pay for themselves—maybe in one year, maybe three. But perhaps you’re thinking you can’t swing that $5,000 or $15,000 payment right now in order to start saving input costs with this technology.

To that end, some companies are making it simple and easy to lease equipment. Yesterday I spoke with Troy Jaros with Lease Consultants, Des Moines, Ia., to learn why some growers are leasing precision technology. “Basically, some growers value this type of payment option over time because it fits with how they recoup benefits from the equipment over time. And they can make a larger investment in multiple technologies that can multiply their input cost savings.”

Jaros, who handles all leasing for Ag Leader Technology, says the leasing option has truly helped operations move forward more quickly with technology adoption. “For example, one grower was going to add precision technology to two pieces of equipment because that’s what his cash budget allowed. But once the dealer offered the leasing option in annual payments over time, he decided he could afford to equip his sprayer and anhydrous rig, too. It allowed the customer to do his entire project in one year,” he says.

Jaros says they get very positive feedback from Ag Leader customers who cite simplicity and ease of approval as key selling points. “We have a simple two-page lease form, we offer quick approval, we don’t force our own insurance on customers, we give a 6% prepayment discount instead of early prepayment penalty, customers can choose their buyout amount, and we will finance 100% without down payment.”

For growers thinking about leasing, Jaros offers these benefits to consider:
• Leasing improves your cash flow. “New equipment either saves money on current expenses or increases income. Either way a lease allows the equipment to earn its keep as payments are made.”
• It preserves your bank or primary lender credit line. “As bankers have tightened their credit door, some growers opt to save their bank for, say, land purchases and taxes—not equipment.”
• Payment plans may overcome budgetary restrictions. “Particularly in large farming corporations, a manager may have authority to obligate for operating expenses, but they may be unable to approve capital expenditures”.
• Keep equipment up to date. “Upgrade to most current equipment as needs change or technology improves.”
• It simplifies accounting. You don’t have depreciation schedules.
• “We provide 100% financing. No need to put 10% down, and the customer determines when payments start.”

If you want to explore this option for your operation, you can start by contacting your local Ag Leader dealer.

AutoFarm’s new ParaDyme precision farming system comes complete with an integrated cellular modem for RTK accuracy with no base station when using the company’s unique, optional RTK ReadyConnect service.

RTK ReadyConnect allows ParaDyme users to access their state DOT CORS Network and receive RTK GPS accuracy without the expense of a base station, or without subscribing to an RTK tower network.

“AutoFarm’s RTK ReadyConnect service features totally factory integrated hardware which eliminates the hassle and expense of adding wireless. There’s no integration guesswork. No compatibility issues between devices. No boxes to add, cables to run, or antennas to mount. The service can be activated in minutes and when activated, it automatically finds the best signal available,” says AutoFarm Marketing Director, Deane Malott.

Because the system is factory integrated, and works with over 50 wireless partners across North America, it offers excellent flexibility. The customer can activate RTK only when needed and for the duration of time needed. AutoFarm has also just announced RTK ReadyConnect bundles that give the grower choices of 1-month, 4-month or 10-month activation. Because it is using multiple CDMA carriers, the ParaDyme system automatically and continuously picks the best available network as the vehicle operates in the field. In many areas, farms are covered by multiple carriers which means the ParaDyme system is less likely to lose signal.

Malott adds, “With optional RTK ReadyConnect, ParaDyme provides affordable access to subscription RTK networks that allow the grower to pick the duration that best matches his field operations, without having to get locked into a multi-year wireless contract.”

The ParaDyme system is the industry’s first single system solution to everything precision ag: 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.  With factory integrated wireless, ParaDyme also offers a Remote Real-Time Service connection to the dealer in addition to the optional RTK ReadyConnect service.

For more information on the AutoFarm ParaDyme and RTK ReadyConnect, visit www.gpsfarm.com.

Topcon Precision Agriculture introduces a new advanced autosteering system and new electric steering kits for tractors.

System 250 autosteering application combines multi-constellation and combination receiver/controller features of the AGI-3 with the all-in-one control features of Topcon’s X20 console.

A wide range of off-road vehicles are supported for this autosteering system, utilizing either direct interface through CANbus or ISObus, or the high-performance AES-25 Electric Steering. The system is designed specifically for parallel autosteering operations.

The X20 console provides farming operators with technological tools to combat the increasing cost of fuel, chemicals and fertilizers and the need to ensure improved  environmental control. It is a completely integrated controller with modular extensions designed to control every aspect of agricultural system management including, spraying, seeding, spreading, fertilizing, autosection control, variable rate control and the all new CropSpec crop canopy sensor.

Topcon Precision Agriculture also released six new AES-25 electric steering kits. The new kits “maximize electric steering performance in a variety of farm vehicles,” according to Rod Haarberg, North American sales manager.

The new kits are available for standard row crop tractors, articulating tractors, track tractors, sprayers, combines and windrowers.

Available kits include: CIH, Fendt, John Deere, New Holland, Buhler, RoGator, Gleaner, and MacDon

Orders are now being accepted for the new system.

The fight for space in the tractor/sprayer/combine cab continues, especially as more and more precision farming capabilities are added to an operation.

Clutter has happened for a variety of reasons. From anxious early adopter growers buying numerous early controllers, to anxious dealers selling the latest equipment without regard to grower needs, to growers not thinking about longer term needs.

Paul Bruns, who runs a precision agriculture company called Precision Consulting Services in Canby, Minn., says cab clutter consolidation is a huge topic of conversation right now. “I’ve got a lot of customers looking into moving their planter monitor display, lightbar, variable-rate controller and more—consolidating them into one screen. This can be done, but you need to do your research to learn what monitors can and cannot do, or find a trusted, reliable dealer/consultant who knows a lot of equipment,” he says.

“With the new age of monitors, you’ll be hard pressed to find a display for less than $5000. So it pays to really think what types of applications you may want to do in the future. For example, I was recently installing a boom shutoff system for a grower, and he happened to say ‘I’d really like to consider putting clutches on the planter’ so I stopped and told him we may want to go in a different direction, especially if you may want to vary the rates down the road,” he says.

Bruns, An Ag Leader and Trimble dealer who has grown his business because he does help growers to think and plan ahead, saves money in the long run for his clients. “As in this case, it was better to spend $1,000 or $2,000 more today, than have to spend an additional $5000 down the road.” He says there’s not enough consultative selling going on among retailers to learn a grower’s long-term plans, or to help them with those decisions. “Some just sell what the grower wants today.”

Knowing the agronomic side (he also writes fertilizer prescriptions), along with his ability to service most equipment on the precision ag market—as well as sell seed for Pioneer—gives Bruns a broad perspective. “The challenge is finding the best fit for every grower, as well as advising them on what’s going to deliver ROI,” he says.

“One of the reasons I have sold many Insight monitors is because they work with all colors of equipment, and they can handle all the functions a grower needs. Ag Leader has kind of been the ISOBUS before there was ISOBUS. And now with their Integra monitor—those types of touch screen monitors offer more flexibility for future features and benefits that can be added—so you don’t have to keep changing displays,” he adds. (Click on ‘Display Comparison Chart’ under SeedCommand )

Bruns thinks we’re starting to turn the corner on getting closer to a day when the ISOBUS theory becomes a much greater reality of compliance between systems. “Deere talks about reverse compatibility with their 2600 monitor to be able to drive a red tractor that is auto pilot ready. Same thing with Trimble or Case, so they can plug in and run a John Deere AutoTrac, for example,” he says. “We’re going to start seeing more and more of this, which will also help get rid of cab clutter, and add simplicity for the grower.”

For more information:
North American ISOBUS Implementation Task Force

Ag Leader Technology was demonstrating how the OptRx™ Crop Sensor System works at the National Farm Machinery Show this week in Louisville.

The OptRx crop sensor system measures and records data about a crop in real-time using the reflectance of light shined on the growing crop. “The biggest use for this is for variable rate nitrogen application on the go,” Ag Leader’s Roger Zielke told me, which helps farmers put exactly the right amount of fertilizer in the right spot.

That helps growers get a good return on their investment. “We ran this in quite a few fields in 2008 and 2009 and we compared to their flat rate that they would have done and we saw a big yield increase from what the sensor prescribed compared to the farmer and that has ranged from $20 all the way up to $100 – the average is about $20-30 per acre,” Roger said. “This could turn out to be one of the higher return on investment products that we’ve ever had since nitrogen has such a huge effect on yield in corn and other grass-type crops.”

You can watch a video showing how the OptRx™ Crop Sensor System works here and listen or download just the audio portion below.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What is NUE from John Deere at the 2010 National Farm Machinery Show is Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency – a precision improvement for nutrient application.

I talked to Dave Wendt with John Deere, who was demonstrating the new addition to the 2510 high speed nutrient applicators. “This machine is a 23 row model, set up on 30 inch spacing to not only side dress, but to run in fall or spring pre-plant.”

The machine folds up into a nice 18 foot package for on-road transport, but the really cool thing that Dave was demonstrating was how it hooks up to the PitStop Pro tendering system to help customers quickly and efficiently change anhydrous ammonia tanks without leaving the cab of the tractor.

“Today, to hook and unhook anhydrous tanks manually might take 10-12 minutes,” Dave said. “With the PitStop System, we’re looking at about a minute and a half to two minutes.” The system is controlled through the same GS2 display in the cab that runs the AutoTrac or rate controller.

Listen to or download my interview with Dave in the player below and watch a demo video here:

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As I talk to many growers about their adoption of precision farming equipment and tools, I always like to find out what technology they could eliminate from their operation—if they were forced to give up something.

Well, as you can probably guess, almost everyone who has auto steer would never go back to steering again. Who can blame them. However, the other day I spoke with central Ohio grower Gary Piper, who told me, “I’d give up auto steer in favor of my planter row control.”

This Centerburg producer, who farms 5,400 acres with his two brothers, just finished his third season using Ag Leader SeedCommand on their Insight monitor that controls Tru Count clutches on their 16-row planter. Piper admits to being skeptical when he first installed the units—about the reliability of the clutches and how soon he might recover his investment. But he figured with smaller, odd-shaped fields, ‘like one 24-acre field with eight corners,’ that it would pay off eventually and help control costs.

“The first year running them, I was very impressed. I saw first hand the results since I do all the corn planting. It wasn’t just the seed savings, but it really improved harvestability not having to deal with doubled-up rows that combine like a weed patch,” Piper says.

One-year payoff. It wasn’t until last year that he kept track of exactly how much seed he saved. “After planting 2,500 acres, we saved 38 bags, or about $7,600 worth of triple-stack hybrids—enough to easily pay for it in one year. And with SmartStax hybrids running $300-$350 this coming year, you can save even more.

Another benefit he liked had to do with comfort, under weather-stressed times. “Last spring we had challenging weather, which forced us to spend three long nights running the planter. As an operator I could not have physically done that and still kept the precision I demand—which the SeedCommand gave me.”

Yield loss. The other savings not often considered is yield loss from double-planted rows. “I never realized how dramatic that can be until I helped a neighbor combine last fall, who had double planted point rows—and I watched the yield monitor drop to about one-third the normal yield.”

After hearing that, one begins to understand why Gary won’t part with his planter row control system. Just plain common sense.

If you’re interested in a precision agriculture decision-making spreadsheet tool developed by Kansas State, look under ‘Decision-Making Tools’ called KSU-GPSguidance at this link:
http://www.agmanager.info/farmmgt/machinery/default.asp