Precision Pays » Insights Weekly

Ensuring Consistent Seed Spacing

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

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

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

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

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

Become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Where to Find Ag Leader in February

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

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

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

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

See you at the show!

Coverage of the Iowa Power Farming Show sponsored by AgLeader

Fine-Tuning Precision Agriculture

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

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

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

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

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

Prescription Agriculture

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeding an Ever-Expanding World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ag Leader Hosts Winter Dealer Event

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

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

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

Listen to Costello explain

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

Listen to Costello explain

Winter Storage Tips From Ag Leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OptRX Helps Farmers Choose Nitrogen Rates

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

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

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

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

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

Protecting Your Seed Investment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Differential Correction Sources – Which One is Right For Me?

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

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

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

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

Listen to Pifkin explain

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

Listen to Pifkin explain

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

Where to Find Ag Leader This Winter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you at the show!

Changes to Ag Leader Support Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to Tebbe explain

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

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

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

Is the Ag Leader VERSA™ display right for me?

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

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

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

Listen to Costello explain

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

Listen to Costello explain

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

Listen to Costello explain

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

Listen to Costello explain

Ag Leader Announces VERSA™ Display

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

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

Click here to watch the tutorial video.

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

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

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

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

Ag Leader Releases SMS Version 11.5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LightSquared Wireless Broadband – A Detriment to Rural America?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Listen to Greene explain.

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

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

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

Listen to Greene explain.

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

Growing Technology One Step at a Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walk Before You Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using SMS Basic Software for Harvest Mapping and Analysis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preparing for Harvest 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Side-by-side Comparison of Precision Ag Tools

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Precision Ag Training is Key

Melissa — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:02:28 +0000

Ag Leader Technology is continuously helping growers leap over the hurdles when it comes to apprehension about adopting precision ag technology. We’ve covered the cost of the new equipment and tools and whether or not it’s user-friendly, so today, we’re talking with MAPS Manager Terry Panbecker with NEW Cooperative in Fort Dodge, Iowa, about:

Obstacle #3: Training & Troubleshooting
We admit it – it’s hard to keep up with rapidly changing technology. And, you may believe it’s a big draw on your pocketbook to bring hired hands or aging farm owners up to speed on the equipment. But, given the payoff at the end of the season, training is essential to using precision ag technologies to their fullest extent.

Panbecker tells us what his team does to help growers prior to the busy planting and harvest seasons.

And when it comes to troubleshooting, even this harvest season when you’re in the cab in the middle of the field, Ag Leader can troubleshoot your equipment: there are software and hardware support specialists on hand to help guide you through the process. Panbecker tells us more.

NEW Cooperative has a Blue Delta Dealer designation, which means their staff achieves the highest level of training Ag Leader offers. That’s what prepares the Blue Delta dealers to pass the training along at local training sessions and provide troubleshooting to growers in the cab during planting and harvest when it’s imperative to keep them moving along at full-speed. Panbecker says this is an advantage to growers and gives them peace-of-mind knowing that these trained experts are just a phone call away.

So, talk with a trusted Ag Leader dealer and consider all the possible benefits. Tune in again next week when we discuss side-by-side comparisons of precision ag technologies.

Giving User-Friendly New Meaning

Melissa — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:13:36 +0000

Ag Leader recognizes that there are many obstacles farmers face when it comes to choosing precision ag equipment. Last week, we talked with a dealer in Oregon about the cost involved with adopting the new technology, and this week:

Obstacle #2: Is Precision Ag User-Friendly?

Do you feel like there’s a steep learning curve in using precision agriculture or that precision ag equipment and software are not “user-friendly”? Or, is it overwhelming to think of how to manipulate the data for your own use?

We caught up with Matt Helmke, precision ag specialist at Miller Sales, an Ag Leader Blue Delta Dealer in Clatonia, Neb. Matt tells us how he addresses this concern with customers on a daily basis.

Matt says Miller Sales is a company made up of farmers themselves. They’re available on their cell phones, day or night, to answer customer’s questions or troubleshoot. Having that in-field operating experience helps ease the farmers’ nervousness about new precision ag tools.

Matt also says their goal as a Blue Delta Dealer is to take growers to the next level in precision agriculture.

And, Matt says it’s just like riding a bike. Not in those specific words, but he encourages farmers to use the equipment on a regular basis to stay in good practice. Get the bugs worked out, get the jitters out, and get on to higher productivity, increased yields and less operator wear.

How Much is Too Much?

Melissa — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 12:09:18 +0000

Last week, we discussed some of the obstacles farmers face when it comes to adopting precision agriculture on their farm. When farmers are asked what’s stopping them from buying precision ag equipment, their first reaction is cost: the investment cost of the equipment, the time involved for them to learn how to use the equipment, and the time it will take to see their return on investment.

So we wanted to explore that obstacle further in today’s post by talking with an Ag Leader dealer, someone who hears those concerns on a daily basis and knows the insides and outs of modern farming technologies and what’s right for growers.

Bob Scott, Ag Leader dealer with Basin Fertilizer in Oregon, says precision ag equipment can really boost an operator’s skill level.

And when it comes to overcoming the obstacle of time involved when learning how to use the equipment, Scott says he provides training for his customers at no cost for the first year, and he’s always available to help a grower use the new equipment. And, Ag Leader Tech Support is available at 515.232.5363 to provide support, troubleshooting and guidance.

Scott says the bulk of his sales are in the third quarter of the year and then again in the first quarter prior to planting. That’s when the majority of growers decide to jump into the precision ag arena. He explains how he communicates to growers who may be considering precision ag options.

Again, talk to your Ag Leader dealer today about what’s right for you. They offer the complete package of precision farming tools, allowing you to get started with technology based on your comfort level and your needs.

What’s Stopping You From Adopting Precision Ag?

Melissa — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:55:04 +0000

There seem to be many “what ifs” and “can I justify it” and “is it right for me” questions when it comes to farmers’ willingness to adopt the use of precision ag technologies. These are natural questions, and good ones at that, for every grower to contemplate before jumping in.

Ag Leader Technology has been in the precision ag field for nearly 20 years and would like to address a few of these common adoption hurdles.

Obstacle #1: COST
The cost obstacle is multi-faceted as growers contemplate the investment cost of the equipment, the time involved for them to learn how to use the equipment, and the time it will take to see their return on investment.

Time is of the essence, especially during busy planting and harvest seasons. Talk to your Ag Leader dealer today about what’s right for you. They offer the complete package of precision farming tools, allowing you to get started with technology based on your comfort level and your needs.

They also have a leasing program that might be right for you.

Obstacle #2: User-Friendly?
Do you feel like there’s a steep learning curve in using precision agriculture or that precision ag equipment and software are not “user-friendly”? Or, is it overwhelming to think of how to manipulate the data for your own use?

Whether the data is from planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvest or guidance, SMS software from Ag Leader can house all of the data and organize it for easy access. And, Ag Leader has online and over-the-phone customer support, tutorials and training to help you learn how to use all the data once it’s collected. The examples of how data has shown value by increasing yields are virtually endless.

Resuming in February 2012, Ag Leader will be offering a series of courses and training for farmers of all size, scale and scope. Watch for training dates to be announced.

Obstacle #4: A Comparison
Sometimes it helps to have a side-by-side comparison of precision ag equipment. Talk to your Ag Leader dealer to take a look at what’s available and what the benefits are as well as costs associated with each. And remember that Ag Leader equipment is color-blind, meaning it works with most brands of equipment you might have.

So, it seems there are many obstacles to adopting precision ag methods, but here’s the bottom line: do your research, talk with a trusted Ag Leader dealer and consider all the benefits. So what’s stopping you?

Bringing Us Up to Date

Melissa — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:48:13 +0000

Let’s bring you up to speed as we recently left off learning about the history of Ag Leader Technology when the company had just gone mobile in 2006.

The very next year, Ag Leader partners with NORAC, Inc. to provide the InSight™ display interface to the NORAC UC5™ Spray Height Controller. Then, partners with KINZE Manufacturing, Inc. to develop new planting technology that improves the precision and control of row crop planters. Lightbars go color; Planter monitoring functionality is added to Ag Leader’s SeedCommand system; a precision ag lab is added within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University; and, DirectCommand system now offers direct control for granular and liquid products.

In 2008, the company introduces the EZ-Guide 250, breaks ground on a building expansion at its current facility in Ames, Iowa; becomes the exclusive distributor for Holland Scientific’s second-generation active light reflectance sensor products; establishes the Ag Leader Technology Precision Agriculture Scholarship within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University; and, reveals a new entry-level, year-round precision farming display for those just getting started with precision technology — the EDGE™ display.

Realizing that partnerships are integral to business strength and sustainability, in 2009 Ag Leader forms an alliance with AutoFarm to bring together the highly popular and successful precision ag products of Ag Leader with the latest embedded and integrated steering solutions from AutoFarm.

Also in 2009, Ag Leader introduces an advanced automated steering system by unveiling ParaDyme®; the company releases OptRx, a crop sensor used for mapping and data collection as well as real-time variable rate application of agrochemicals, specifically nitrogen; Ag Leader reveals OnTrac2™ and the L160 CAN bus Lightbar.

Just last year, the Blue Delta Dealer network was launched, introducing a group of elite precision farming dealers; SureVac™ electric row shutoffs are added to the Ag Leader lineup of planter section shutoff devices; a new “drive and guide” guidance pattern – SmartPath™ – was introduced; the GPS 2500 all-in-one antenna and GNSS Receiver was released; and, Advanced Seed Monitoring functionality was added to Ag Leader’s SeedCommand™ system.

With many other product launches and technology advancements along the way, this brings our history lesson to current day where Ag Leader employs over 200 people, with staff located across the continental US, Canada and Europe. Ag Leader Technology is a leader and driving force behind precision agriculture innovation, offering the simplest and most complete package of precision farming technologies.

What the Flood has Left Behind

Melissa — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 12:36:18 +0000

No one ever claimed there was a rhyme or reason to Mother Nature’s fury. From extreme heat and drought to the threat of tropical storms and flooding, most of the U.S. has been burdened with some type of weather issue since early spring. When it comes to flooding in the Midwest, by the middle of August water releases from Garrison Dam will be cut back and Army Corp Engineers estimate that by this fall, residents will be able to move back into their homes along the flooded Missouri Valley.

The river should be back in its banks by October but that leaves a question in the minds of many farmers: what about the farm ground?

Greg Austin, precision ag specialist for NMC Technologies in Omaha, Neb., an Ag Leader Blue Delta Dealer, gives us a “from the field” perspective on the potential impact the flooding could have on fields along the Missouri.

Austin says farmers’ use of precision ag tool such as yield maps will play a bigger role as the water recedes, the damage is surveyed and farmers decide how to move forward.

The waiting and watching continues this fall and well into the 2012 planting season.

For farmers with questions about precision ag technologies, become a fan of Ag Leader on Facebook today, and get the latest precision ag videos on the YouTube channel. For more information about Ag Leader products and services, or to visit the blog site, go to www.agleader.com.

Ag Leader – From Basements to Mobile Devices

Melissa — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:22:08 +0000

As noted in a previous blog post, Ag Leader Technology beginnings took shape in the basement of Al Myers in 1986. Since then, the company has grown to provide a complete line of precision farming technologies, from planting to harvest and from field to office.

We last left of in 1995 when Ag Leader had sold over 1,500 yield monitors. The next year, the first Ag Leader customer training sessions were held and GPS first became available with the introduction of the GPS 2000 receiver. By the following year (1997), over 4,000 Ag Leader yield monitors had been sold and the company employed more than 55 experts.

In 1998, Ag Leader revolutionized precision farming again by giving producers the power of on-the-go application control with the PF3000™. Experiencing good “growing pains,” the company moved to a new facility in Ames, Iowa, and in 1999, introduced the Lightbar.

The next six years brought about user-friendly mapping and management software solutions, the introduction of the EZ Guide® guidance system, the InSight™ display, the DirectCommand™ system, the AutoSwath™ feature, EZ-Boom, and SeedCommand.

By 2006, Ag Leader had come a long way from Al Myers’ basement and entered the market with precision ag that fits in your pocket with SMS Mobile which works on any handheld PDA device running Windows Mobile 5.x – 6.5. All said, Ag Leader was taking leaps and bounds within the precision ag market by helping farmers use site-specific information to make profitable decisions.

Be sure to tune in this summer for “the rest of the story”.

Your Pre-Harvest Checklist

Melissa — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 13:30:35 +0000

Seems like just yesterday we discussed the benefits of pre-season planting preparation, and now we find ourselves staring a pre-harvest checklist straight in the eye. But keep in mind that servicing your precision ag equipment prior to harvest is equally as important as in the spring.

Ag Leader Technology is helping to give growers a few tips on where to start:
• Create a backup of your spring information
• Vehicle Inspection
• Sensor Calibrations
• Software Updates

Click here for the complete checklist.

Luke James, Ag Leader Software Sales Specialist, says taking the appropriate steps to check your equipment before harvest will save you time and money in the long-run:

James tells us why following this checklist is so important: Luke James Comments

If you have any questions, contact the Ag Leader support department at 515-232-5363. There are software and hardware support specialists on hand to help guide you toward a successful 2011 harvest season.

The Value of Data

Melissa — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:06:53 +0000

Why do you use precision ag technologies on your farm? Not surprisingly, your answer might be different than your neighbor’s or the grower two towns away. But no matter why you use it, know that precision ag equipment not only helps you gather information, but software can then help you organize, visualize, analyze and archive that data. But why is this important? Because data can help you find efficiencies when it comes to future crop management decisions.

Saving costs (with technologies such as Autoswath from Ag Leader) and accurate placement of products (with technologies such as ParaDyme, OnTrac2, and INTEGRA) are practices that allow you to see immediate benefits. However, have you ever wanted this technology to help you make decisions even when the machinery is not in operation? Have you ever wanted to do more than save costs? Using software to make specific management changes on your operation is the beginning.

Luke James, Ag Leader Software Sales Specialist, says the data you collect tells a story of each field.

The examples of how data has shown value by increasing yields are virtually endless. Many examples are very specific to a location, as not everyone has the same soil, weather, crops, fields or management practices. What we do have in common is all of our farming operations have a weak link. However, your data (or your report card) is the best source of identifying the weak links in your operation.

James also says how finding field trends can help you save money.

As farming changes, regulations and records become more important. James explains how data collection software can help growers report specific field information.

So, as you head in to harvest this year and begin to gather yield data, refer back to planting data, and evaluate if you made the right choice. Your “report card” can help you decide what’s right for next year’s fields.