Precision Pays

Speaking at the bi-annual precision agriculture InfoAg conference in Springfield, Ill., recently, Utah State Geospatial Extension Specialist Phil Rasmussen talked about the latest tools he uses in the field.

Rasmussen has worked with NASA on remote sensing projects, and 10 years ago began a geospatial training program for County Extension agents called “On Target.” In his talk he highlighted the best GPS handheld units, software he uses, some new tools coming and how these technologies are continually evolving and converging. Some of the products he mentioned include:
Archer system by Juniper Systems
StarPal software system
Spot Tracker unit
Favorite website – gpscity.com

Listen to Rasmussen discuss this technology…PhilRasmussen1.mp3

Precision Pays coverage of the InfoAg 2009 Conference is sponsored by: .

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

With corn tassels popping rapidly across the Corn Belt, growers continue scouting and are beginning to think about harvest prep work as well as fall fertilization strategies. While attending this week’s InfoAg 2009 conference, PrecisionPays.com caught up with Ag Leader Technology’s Jeff Bentley to gain more insight into grower use of accurate fertilizer control.

In this interview, Bentley, who heads up sales for Ag Leader’s DirectCommand precision farming control systems, talks about several valuable and efficient fertilizer application strategies (broadcast, variable-rate and prescription) that growers and commercial applicators are controlling with their Insight and Edge systems:

· More straight and variable-rate anhydrous application

· More use of our injection system to add N-Serve to stabilize N over the winter

· More use to control granular application of P & K with an air cart in strip till operations

· More control of commercial-type spinner-spreader applicators—where users can control and apply up to 5 different products in one pass

· Greater input cost savings and environmental stewardship

Listen to Jeff’s interview…jeffbentley19.mp3

Precision Pays coverage of the InfoAg 2009 Conference is sponsored by: .

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Michael Vos explains the many features of their tough and smart handheld PC

Continuing coverage of InfoAg 2009 conference here at PrecisionPays.com also includes some news updates from our sponsor, Ag Leader Technologies. One of the products that jumps out at you in their booth is the bright orange rubberized SMS Mobile Field PC—which looks tough enough to play football with in the rain and mud.

Seriously though, it truly can withstand field abuse thanks to its water-proof, impact-resistant, easy-to-grip outer shell. But aside from its brawn, it’s the brains and software of the handheld PC that is attracting customers. We caught up with Michael Vos, software sales manager with Ag Leader, who gave us an update on this valuable tool.

Listen to Michael…michaelvos.mp3

The SMS Mobile has open architecture that is compatible with most desktop software solutions, but it integrates seamlessly with SMS software. It comes pre-loaded with Pocket Office applications and SMS Mobile software. For more details, visit the product page on the Ag Leader Website.

Precision Pays coverage of the InfoAg 2009 Conference is sponsored by: .

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Encouraging all farmers, not just the technology adopters, to use precision fertilizer Best Management Practices (BMPs) was the theme of an opening session talk by Clyde Graham, VP of Strategy and Alliances with the Canadian Fertilizer Institute.

Speaking at the bi-annual precision agriculture InfoAg conference in Springfield, Ill., today, Graham cited the importance of a global 4Rs BMP effort with their US counterpart, The Fertilizer Institute, and global science-based organization the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI).

As environmental issues mount and become more personal, the 4Rs—Right source, Right rate, Right time and Right place—can help farmers and the public understand how fertilizer can contribute to sustainability goals for agriculture.

Listen to Graham as he outlines the need to achieve social, economic and environmental goals, and make sure farmers measure their performance to demonstrate an ability to operate without undue regulation.

Listen to part of Clyde’s presentation: clydegrahambmp.mp3

Precision Pays coverage of the InfoAg 2009 Conference is sponsored by: .

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Register by July 1 for the best conference covering precision agriculture and you can save $100.

InfoAg Conference, held July 14-16 in Springfield, Ill., offers excellent educational seminars, a trade show of the best precision ag companies and a chance to network with top farmers from across the US and the globe.

You’ll find topics that will bring value to your farm operation–from nutrient management and variable rate technology to software, hardware, on-farm trials, farmer/dealer/consultant success stories and much more.

And if you arrive a day early, there are Monday tours of farm and equipment plots, large grain facility and Dickey-john headquarters.

Register online today.

It may still be holiday time but you can still plan ahead for educational events like the 2009 InfoAg.

Dear International Precision Agriculture Community:

Dr. Harold Reetz, Jr.
Chair of the InfoAg 2009
International Plant Nutrition Institute

For Program questions:
Harold Reetz
217) 762-2074
info@infoag.org

For Sponsor / Exhibit questions:
Harold Reetz
(217) 762-2074
exhibits@infoag.org

For Registration / General questions:
Quentin Rund
(217) 762-7955
registration@infoag.org