It’s called “FieldView”, their latest addition to the 20/20 Seed Sense system for planter management.  Sean Arians, education coordinator with Precision Planting, says the application puts the iPad to good use in the cab of the tractor. “Rather than just playing games like Angry Birds on it, now you have the capability to have cellular data available in the tractor,” Sean says, noting that as we look towards sharing and managing data, this can provide the ability to transfer software updates and information from maps into the cap and up to a server where it can later be accessed by a computer in the home or office.

Find out more about “Field View” in this report: Sean Arians on FieldView

In this month’s Precision Pays Podcast, sponsored by Ag Leader Technology, Jason explains the future of finding problems in our fields. 

You can subscribe to the Precision Pays Podcast here. The Precision Pays Podcast is sponsored by Ag Leader Technology.

In this edition of the Precision Pays Podcast, sponsored by Ag Leader Technology, we hear from Kelby Kleinsasser, director of Ag Information for Raven Industries and chairman of the Precision Ag Council of AgGateway, an organization of ag technology companies working together to find solutions that will allow the sharing of data while keeping proprietary information protected. Kelby gave a presentation at the conference on Slingshot API platform, which is designed to bridge the information gap between activity in the field and existing software at the office.

Listen to Kelby’s update in this Precision Pays Podcast. Precision Pays Podcast

You can subscribe to the Precision Pays Podcast here.

FIT Studio, an addition to current Pioneer services – FIT Field Planner, FIT As-Planted Maps and FIT Mapping at Harvest – offers powerful new, map-based functionality, including historical and multiyear yield analysis tools, as well as more advanced features, such as variable rate seeding functionality.

Pioneer has worked with Mapshots, a software development company that specializes in crop management applications for agriculture, to develop the features of FIT Studio.

To learn more about Pioneer FIT services, visit www.pioneer.com and click on Programs and Services.

Today’s growers have access to an overwhelming amount of valuable data generated from precision agriculture technologies. However, turning that data into knowledge that can increase productivity and profitability is often a challenge. CrescoAg understands this challenge and provides tools that will make data from precision agriculture more practical, powerful and profitable than ever before.

The company’s products and services utilize data from tools such as field mapping, soil sampling, record keeping, automated crop monitoring and “whole farm” research plots. The data generated by these tools are mapped, stored and easily accessible. CrescoAg will accept data from all major hardware or equipment brands, translate it, store it and make it compatible with other systems. The aggregated data will allow for community analysis and benchmarking at the field and farm enterprise level.

CrescoAg products will primarily be available through retailers and crop consultants throughout the MidSouth and Southeastern U.S. for the 2012 growing season.

With the patent pending Cruise Control, available exclusively from Valley Irrigation, producers can program a center pivot irrigation machine equipped with a Pro2 control panel to automatically adjust its speed, based on completing a defined number of degrees in a specific amount of time. This feature will help producers more precisely manage chemigation and fertigation through their center pivot irrigation equipment.

Cruise Control will be standard on all Pro2 panels this spring. Existing Pro2 control panels can be upgraded with Cruise Control software. Interested producers should contact their Valley Irrigation dealer for more information or visit www.ValleyIrrigation.com.

For my mother, who grew up on a farm in Iowa, it was hard to imagine how far technology would advance agriculture in such a short time. For instance, the introduction of broadband would be a welcome surprise for many. It’s hard to fathom living without internet access; however, in the past, those in rural America did not have as much access as those living in urban areas. Fortunately, this is changing. According to Pew Internet, adults living in rural America have witnessed high-speed usage grow from 38% in 2008 to 46% in 2009. Many of these adults are farmers.

With the introduction of broadband also came the introduction of many precision agriculture technologies. For example, Ag Leader’s new SMS Mobile Technology helps farmers gain important information. The technology is designed to run on their handheld Mesa Rugged Notepad and provides a platform for farmers to gather information such as soil tests, scouting records and documentation of test trials. With the help of a wireless broadband network, farmers can instantaneously transfer the data to his SMS desktop software. The data can be combined with previous data and take his crop management to another level – a level that is designed to improve his profitability.

While this technology is still somewhat in its infancy, access to wireless communications has offered possibilities not before thought possible. Precision agriculture is taking full advantage of this technology. Each year, data integration and programs are more effective and easier to use as adoption among growers increases.

According to Tim Murphy, in a 2002 article, “Broadband Connection Highs and Lows Across Rural America“, the census found that half the farms in the country were connected to the internet in some way whether it be via broadband or dial-up. By 2007, the percentage of farms connected rose to 56.5 percent. As precision ag comes of age, I expect to see greater growth in the adoption in broadband in rural America. Why? Because broadband and precision ag, together, are helping to change the face of agriculture in a positive and profitable way.

I spoke with Will Cannon today, SeedCommand product specialist with Ag Leader Technology, to learn about how their new Advanced Seed Monitoring technology can benefit farmers.

“There are two principle components above and beyond traditional seed monitoring—singulation detail and spacing quality—delivered by our Advanced Seed Monitoring capability. While the whole industry is headed towards advanced monitoring, what sets us apart is that our screens are visually simple and appealing, allowing growers to see problems with one quick glance at the screen.”

The first screen, planter performance, shows a large bar graph representing all planter rows. “Farmers can quickly assess population, seed singulation and seed spacing quality,” Cannon says. The second screen, row performance, shows a virtual seed trench. “This is an awesome diagnostic tool for a row that is giving you trouble. You can slow or pause, and zoom in or out, to help pick up on a pattern to help pinpoint issues,” he adds.

Issues with singulation that occur on a row unit usually indicate problems with the seed meter. If seed spacing quality is the problem, that could be caused by driving too fast or improper drop due to seed tube issues, Cannon says. “This technology really helps isolate different issues on a planter so a farmer can quickly determine the problem and the location.”

Current INTEGRA customers with SeedCommand and the Seed Tube Monitor Module can get this valuable update with no unlocking fees. And check out the video link below to actually view the technology.

Visit these links for more information:

Video Interview about Advanced Seed Monitoring
http://precisionpays.com/2011/02/ag-leader-releases-advanced-seed-monitoring/

Advanced Seed Monitoring
http://www.agleader.com/media-center/

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

Steve Tupa of AGCO talks about an advanced version of AGCO’s recently introduced telemetry product called AgCommand. This product provides 25 different messages from fuel use to engine load which can be sent to home computer for observation. It was introduced at Ag Connect Expo, held recently in Atlanta, GA.

Telemetry systems like AgCommand allow navigation, prescription application, location and other data to be transferred easily to and from farm machinery. These systems will grow in importance as farmers seek ways to improve efficiencies on high-priced equipment.

The Mesa Rugged Notepad is a handheld device that is larger than a PDA but smaller than a laptop and the perfect size for growers to take out to the field. And it’s durable – it can be rained on or dropped and it will stand up to the wear and tear. It also has a glare-proof screen so even on the sunniest of days, you’ll have no problem reading the screen.

The SMS Mobile software includes several key types of in-field information that can be collected and analyzed including Soil Sampling Mode, Crop Scouting Mode, Coverage Mode, Boundary Mode, and General Logging Mode.

I caught up with Michael Vos, Software Sales Manager for Ag Leader to learn more about the SMS Mobile technology that was launched and how it will improve a grower’s operations. Vos gave me a step-by-step tutorial on how one element, the Soil Sampling Mode, worked. You can watch here in this detailed video. Now don’t worry. Even if you’re new to GPS systems and the software, the Ag Leader team will get you set up, trained and started in no time.

SMS Mobile is available right now through the purchase of a Mesa Rugged Notepad kit or you can purchase the SMS mobile and install it on your own device. To learn more, contact Ag Leader or visit their website.

You can check out Ag Leader during the Iowa Power Farming Show in our flickr photo album.

Precision Pays coverage of the Iowa Power Farming Show is sponsored by: .

The Field-IQ system pairs seamlessly with the guidance capabilities of the Trimble FmX integrated display or CFX 750 touch screen display, which both run Trimble’s unique overlap detection technology. Farmers using the Field-IQ crop input control system for seed placement have reported average savings of 5-10 percent from reduced seed input costs and less waste.

Trimble’s Field-IQ system is compatible with a wide variety of crop and application equipment, providing monitoring for planters, air seeders for small grains, or granular strip till systems. Seed monitoring on row crop planting systems allows operators to obtain information related to how their seeding system is performing. This includes factors such as singulation, skips and multiples, and quality of spacing for an entire planter average or detail by individual row. For fertilizer, variable rate application capabilities can be driven by a prescription map or real-time with Trimble GreenSeeker sensors.

The Field-IQ system is easy to install on application equipment from a broad range of manufacturers, allowing farmers and custom applicators to use and enhance the performance capabilities of their existing equipment without having to start from scratch.

“The new Field-IQ enhancements optimize planter operation by delivering more accurate seed placement, giving the operators more confidence in their planting applications,” said Erik Arvesen, vice president and general manager of Trimble’s Agriculture Division. “With the addition of rate and application control for up to six different materials, the system now manages functions that span the entire growing season.”

The new seeding and multi-rate capabilities for the Field-IQ system are expected to be available in March 2011. Contact a local Trimble dealer at www.trimble.com/locator for more information.

Ropp, of Van Wert, Ohio, decided to get into GPS work after retiring from the county extension service in the early 1990s. “I started grid soil sampling fields for the local elevator, and using the simple software we had back then,” he says. “As the years went on, seeing huge changes in software, I was unsure I would find the capabilities I needed, until I found Ag Leader’s SMS software about six or seven years ago.”

Not only did Ropp become a fan, he actually built a good consulting business by selling and training growers and retailers on using SMS Advanced, Basic and Mobile software. “I’ve probably sold 50 to 60 copies of the software, and some mobile devices and other equipment, too.”

Ropp takes great pride in helping his clients, often spending a half-day or more with software set up and initial training. “I want to make sure it is set up right, and that the customer is happy,” he says. Now he holds about 4 or 5 training session during winter to keep his customers updated and answer questions.

“More farmers and retailers are getting into variable-rate fertilizer applications and want a software that can handle the necessary equations and building prescription maps. SMS is really easy to use for such operations, and it is really driving software buying” he adds.

Other popular tasks that Ropp is training customers to do are adding layers of soil test data as well as adding soil type maps from NRCS. “I’ve actually created ‘cheat sheets’ on many of these topics, so I don’t have to repeat myself so often,” he laughs.

What’s next? “Well a vacation right now,” he says. But seriously, he sees growing interest in farmers thinking about adding aerial imagery to their field data layers. “I suspect in another year this will greatly increase in popularity.”

His clients greatly value his training expertise on SMS software. “Well, they must, because they keep calling me for advice,” he chuckles. “And I really appreciate the service I get from the software support team at Ag Leader, as even I get stuck every now and then. They are really helpful.”

Visit these links for more information:

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

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

SMS Mobile http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-mobile/

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

Building upon the Slingshot suite of wireless products and services, including RTK correction, data transfer, remote support, high speed internet access and more, the Slingshot API is designed to bridge the information gap between activity in the field and existing software at the office. This is made possible through Slingshot’s managed wireless connectivity platform and a software toolkit (API) to be implemented by software vendors and will allow an organization to take control over workflow and operational efficiency without replacing current software platforms.

“The Slingshot API allows software providers to offer their customers an automation platform that is fully integrated in their software, enhancing the value of the offering,” says Paul Welbig, Director of Slingshot Operations for Raven Industries, “Raven has built the tools necessary to learn the system, integrate, and be part of the future design of the platform. Software companies and other Slingshot API customers will receive unprecedented access to previously inaccessible field operations and hardware.”

Ag retailers reap the benefit of the Slingshot API by leveraging existing investments in software and custom development as well as the clear benefit of end-to-end business automation. For example, the platform is designed to eliminate the need for USB thumb drives to transfer data, and will expedite and streamline the way their operations manage the valuable data collected by the field computer.

The Slingshot API is also the first step in response to demand for customized interactions with Raven field computers from third parties and will be the exclusive method moving forward. This will help ensure the best possible user experience by utilizing the most consistent and dependable wireless interface with Raven’s field computers. Several software providers, including AgWorks and SST Software, have already signed up and begun their implementations.

According to Greg Duhachek of AgWorks, “AgWorks is thrilled to offer our customers the opportunity to communicate application orders seamlessly between our schedule module and Raven field computers. Linking to the in-cab controllers is a critical efficiency gap for our customers, and Raven solves that with the introduction of the Slingshot API. AgWorks customers plan to put the API to use within their software this spring, and we are excited about working with Raven to stay on the cutting edge of technology in agriculture.”

Matt Waits of SST Software says, “Utilizing Raven’s Slingshot API allows Summit users to access tools within our software developed to better integrate the office with real-time field operations. The added value of wireless data transfer between Raven field computers and SST Summit software is immediately visible in reduced time, lower costs and increased data collection. Our logistics tools gain value with opportunities such as tracking assets in real-time while integrating the data standards of agX enables the seamless communication of data files between Raven and SST systems.”

The Slingshot API Community Technical Preview is now available. Both customers and software providers interested in learning more can visit ravenslingshot.com for more information, or simply call Raven Industries at (800) 243-5435.

I caught up with Katie Beeler yesterday, Ag Leader’s marketing communications coordinator, to talk about their presence at the show. Aside from being a major sponsor at the three-day event, the company will conduct three educational sessions during the show.

• Tuesday, February 1 at 11:30am, Ag Leader’s Chad Huedepohl will talk about the OptRx Crop Sensor system. You’ll learn how they measure and record data as you drive through the field—providing information on crop health, while allowing you to apply prescription nitrogen rates based on plant need.

• On Wednesday, February 2 at 10:45 am, Jeff Bentley from Ag Leader will help growers understand its ParaDyme Autosteer system and CORS networks. Come learn about the most advanced guidance system, and how it has the capability of using built-in cellular signals for remote service and connection to the CORS network.

• Also Wednesday at 12:15 pm, Ag Leader’s Michael Vos will discuss the power of all the data that can be collected during a cropping season, and show how the company’s SMS software can work the data to help improve management decisions.

Click on ‘Seminars’ at the Iowa Power Farming Show website for the entire rundown.

And if new products excite you, Beeler says Ag Leader will be talking about three new precision farming tools at their booth, along with their full product line. “Come learn about our new Advanced Seed Monitoring through the SeedCommand system that improves planter performance monitoring and control through the INTEGRA display. We’ll also showcase the new GPS 2500 all-in-one antenna and GNSS Receiver that can utilize GLONASS satellites and differential correction from WAAS/EGNOS and OmniSTAR XP/HP/VBS. And we’ll have the new Mesa Rugged Notepad at the show running our SMS Mobile software so growers can check out this valuable in-field tool,” she says. Ag Leader will be in Booth #306 in the Polk County Convention Complex.

The Iowa Power Farming Show is sponsored in part by Farm Credit Services of America, Ag Leader Technology, Bayer CropScience, Stine Seed, and The Stewart-Peterson Group. The show is owned and managed by the Iowa-Nebraska Equipment Dealers Association (I-NEDA). I-NEDA represents over 400 agricultural, outdoor power and industrial equipment dealers throughout Iowa and Nebraska. For more information about the show and a list of show exhibitors, visit www.iowapowershow.com.

Visit these links for more information.
Iowa Power Farming Show http://www.iowapowershow.com/

New Advanced Seed Monitoring
http://www.agleader.com/2010/12/03/ag-leader-announces-advanced-seed-monitoring-functionality-for-integra™-display/

New GPS 2500 GNSS Receiver
http://www.agleader.com/2010/11/01/ag-leader-announces-new-gps-2500-gnss-receiver/

New Mesa Rugged Notepad
http://www.agleader.com/2010/11/01/ag-leader-offers-new-hardware-option-for-sms™-mobile/

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

DeLorme, a leader in mapping, GIS, and GPS technology and maker of XMap for agriculture, announces a leadership change.

Mike Heffron has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 4, 2011. Heffron also will serve on the Board of Directors. He will be the first person to hold the office of CEO other than Company founder and owner David DeLorme, who will continue as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

“Mike has a truly exceptional professional background and is the ideal person to lead us forward as we solidify DeLorme’s role as a game-changing provider of world-class geographic data and innovative GPS hardware,” said David DeLorme. “His extensive background as a senior executive in the government contracting space provides DeLorme with a skill set that will be critical as we look to expand our footprint in both the U.S. government and NGO markets,” added DeLorme.

Says Heffron, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work closely with David, the board, and the whole DeLorme team. They are as good a group of professionals, dedicated to the success of the company and each other, as I have met throughout my career. The opportunity to lead and be a part of the DeLorme team is an honor and privilege for me.”

Heffron was most recently President of the EI&S Operating Group of global defense, security and aerospace giant BAE Systems. In that role, Heffron led an enterprise with $8.5 billion in revenues in 2009, maintaining both topline revenue growth and profitability even in the face of the global recession. An engineer by training, Heffron has had an exceptional career as a technologist and business leader.

As the first person other than David DeLorme himself to be both President and CEO, Heffron’s hiring comes at a watershed period in the company’s history. Since the late 2000s, a key DeLorme initiative has been licensing its in-house library of digital global geographic data; that includes the DeLorme World Base Map, the only consistently-detailed, GPS-accurate 1:250,000-scale digital map of the entire surface of the Earth. DeLorme has recently entered into data licenses with various federal and private-sector clients. Heffron is expected to continue to lead growth in this area, and to spearhead other strategic initiatives in the geographic data and GPS device market space.

Founded by David DeLorme in 1976, the company was initially best known for its unique Atlas & Gazetteer series of topographic map books for individual states. DeLorme later pioneered the mapping software business, launching the first product ever to put virtually every street in the country on one CD-ROM. Since the mid-1990s, the DeLorme Earthmate line of laptop-connected and handheld GPS receivers has introduced countless first-to-market innovations, with applications for both the professional and consumer markets.

Learn more about their XMap applications for agriculture.

Such was the case with central Nebraska farmer Kurt Kroeger. Now Kroeger is a fairly advanced precision ag aficionado, playing with many things on his 1,250 acres. He’s a big fan of Ag Leader because the tools work well with all colors of equipment that he owns. And he’s become a whiz at SMS Advanced software to write his own variable-rate (VR) seeding and fertility prescription maps.

Another technology that has intrigued him since the late 1990s is the nitrogen crop sensor. “I followed the GreenSeeker sensor since it came out. Then I watched the Holland sensor become Ag Leader’s OptRx technology—and became one of the first to buy them.”

So, this past spring he mapped out a good test in a couple fields under pivots. “In one section of the corn field I applied a high rate (44 lbs./acre) of 32 percent nitrogen plus thiazole as a high yield check. In the second section I applied 32 percent based on the OptRx sensor, and in the third section I applied the nitrogen according to my fertilizer supplier’s best VR map based on soil type and fertility,” Kroeger says.

Then, that unplanned ‘fluke test’ happened, as he calls it. “The coolest thing in the world happened. When the corn was a foot tall, my mini-corner pivot got stuck all night and watered one spot heavily. As you can imagine, in another couple weeks when I applied the fertilizer, I had a nice and visible section shaped like a Nike swoosh mark in the field where all the nitrogen had leached away,” he says.

The OptRx sensors recognized the deficient plants in his ‘swoosh’ area and applied 50 to 56 gal., which was quite a bit higher than the whole field average of 34 gal. And compared to the 36 gal. on the retailer VR section, the OptRx not only saved 2 gal. it produced more yield too. These results not only sold Kroeger on the OptRx technology, but it changed his whole point of view on fertility in his sandier soils.

“The OptRx produced more uniform and higher yields, based on a philosophy of feeding all plants that need more fertility, which is different then the soil map VR philosophy that feeds the good areas and starves the poor areas of a field. It makes the whole field more uniform. I want every acre to pay for itself.”

Needless to say, Kroeger is sold on using the OptRx on all his corn next year. “If I had achieved the same results across my whole farm as I did in the plots, the system would have paid for itself this year alone,” he adds.

His next learning challenge…figuring out a way to use it on his sprayer to apply N using drop nozzles.

Visit these links for more information.

The OptRx Crop Sensor
http://www.agleader.com/products/directcommand/optrx/

Blog posts on OptRx technology
http://www.agleader.com/category/optrx/

SMS Advanced software
http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-advanced/

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

They listed:
- Raven Sling Shot system
- Connected Farm concept
- GSI Binspector
- Grain entrapment rescue tubes
- Votivo nematicide seed treatment
- SmartStax corn
- Agrisure Viptera trait
- Surveillance sunglasses
- Vertical till revolution
- Kixor herbicide technology

Read on to learn why.

AgriSolutions®, the developer of AgManager® accounting software, is announcing an exciting new release which includes many feature updates and a new, easy-to-use interface. These improvements further enhance the ability of agricultural producers to manage the demands of their modern farm businesses. The agricultural accounting experts at AgriSolutions Inc., of Brighton, Ill., will release the upgrade on the company’s website, www.agrisolutions.com, on November 17.

New AgManager® features boost user-friendliness as farm accountants input transactions, monitor financial position and create reports, Roberts said. The software has a new menu structure that improves user navigation and adds “tool tips” which make it easier for new users to understand the menu options. There also are updated icons, a new calendar for easy date selection, and a new calculator that quickly updates amount fields and includes an electronic “tape.” All of these features are designed to make data entry and navigation much easier for the user.

Read more here.

To that end, I spoke today with John McGuire, owner and tech guru of Simplified Technology Services in Montpelier, Oh., who is helping growers in northwest Ohio figure out their fields with the help of powerful Ag Leader SMS Advanced software. McGuire works with growers on ways to optimize yield data collection, build management zones, conduct field research and help turn all that data into profitable management decisions.

“The first issue we help growers with is obtaining quality yield data with tools I developed to make yield monitor calibration easier. Once we have the data, then we sit down with growers and review each field with a LCD projector on a white board so the farmer can circle suspect areas of fields,” McGuire says.

He then takes all that information to set up management zones based on patterns they see in the fields then develop soil sampling plans from that. And as farmers obtain more data—such as Veris soil electrical conductivity, elevation data, planting data, product application data—he relies on the computing and analysis power of SMS Advanced software to layer all this data with yield and management zones.

“SMS allows us to look at many different comparisons, even point-by-point in a field, in order to look at many ‘what if’ scenarios to help figure out different approaches to try to solve problems areas of fields,” McGuire says. “And no matter what type of precision farming equipment a farmer uses, we can handle many data formats with SMS.”

Once farmers get comfortable with understanding what the software and data comparisons can do, then some will take it a step further and want to build strip trials into fields in order to make better management decisions. “We have a handful of growers who are conducting strip trials to compare hybrids and varieties, fungicides, seed treatments, nitrogen, P & K, seed populations and more. And as we add these data layers of results, the analysis tools in SMS Advanced really help growers make management decisions that save money and add profits,” he says.

“I’ve been working with SMS for almost ten years. I’m impressed with how much time Ag Leader spends polishing and continuing to tweak this already powerful software, constantly listening to users and providing superior analysis tools. It doesn’t get any better than SMS, as far as I can tell,” McGuire adds.

When not immersed in dealing with data, McGuire also works as a sales and service guy for Nester Ag Management, a precision agriculture equipment sales company.

Visit these links for more information.

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

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

Nester Ag http://www.nesterag.com/

Previous story on SMS and in-field scouting
http://precisionpays.com/2010/06/how-software-helps-in-season-scouting-and-management-zones/

That is exactly the challenge that John Gullidge and their 20 soil sample gathering crews faced—staring at those tiny screens as each four-wheeler maneuvers over 800 to 1,200 acres a day in the fall. “The rugged military-grade laptops like the Toughbook are much easier to see, we were just looking for a new mobile-type software to try that worked beyond the handheld,” he says.

Gullidge is computer systems manager for KSI Labs in Shelbyville, Ill., one of the largest volume soil sample labs in the U.S. “Since our technology need has outgrown our current hardware/software use, I asked Ag Leader in August 2009 at the Farm Progress Show if they could make their SMS Mobile work on a laptop. And sure enough, this fall we’ve got a crew using the SMS Mobile PC software.”

So far, he likes what he sees with the program. “We can see everything on a large screen; we no longer have to start sampling in the corner of a field; the GPS will automatically access a grower’s farm and field selection that is already loaded; we can easily import shape files from other software applications we get from dealers; we can add changes to fields at any time; it will count how many acres we have covered; we can stagger grid patterns, and much more,” Gullidge says.

Gullidge says so far he uses only the soil sampling capabilities of the SMS Mobile PC software. “I use other software too, but have been very impressed with Ag Leader as a company. Not only is their technical support very good, but they are very open and responsive to ideas and they move quickly with improvements, unlike some companies,” he adds.

Visit these links for more information.

SMS Mobile PC http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-mobile/

Video on SMS Mobile PC http://www.agleader.com/2010/07/19/sms-mobile-pc/

KSI Laboratories http://ksilab.com/

Toughbook Computers http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/why-toughbook-reviews.asp?cm_mmc=PCSC_Toughbook-_-HomepagePromos-_-PageBottom-_-ToughbookReviews

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.

Just in time to begin soil sampling in preparation for the 2011 growing season, FieldRx is bringing crop consultants and agricultural dealers a more user-friendly program for writing custom fertilizer prescriptions. Designed by ag professionals for ag professionals, FieldRx was created to eliminate the frustrations with existing precision ag software programs while providing concise grower reports and smaller controller files.

“We’re really excited about bringing FieldRx to market because of the solutions and time-savings it’s going to bring to crop consultants and dealers,” said David Krueger of Ag Software Designs. “FieldRx will streamline the process for using VRT data and making custom recommendations to growers.

A highlight of the FieldRx engine is the ease of uploading field borders and sample points. In addition, lab results can be imported directly into FieldRx from some labs without the user having to manually obtain and upload the data.

“Our goal in developing FieldRx was to put users first by saving them time and eliminating the potential for human error that can arise from manual data input,” said Lance Ramthun of Ag Software Designs. “A lot of VRT programs currently on the market are extremely time-consuming to set up, and one wrong click while inputting data can be very costly for dealers.”

FieldRx boasts a minimal learning curve for users, who only need access to the web to get started. Furthermore, users don’t need a high-level of computer proficiency to operate the program.

“We know software and new technologies can be very intimidating to users, especially if there is a lot of potential for error,” said David Hydrick of Ag Software Designs. “People are going to be extremely satisfied with how easy FieldRx is to use.”

In addition to soil test recommendations, the FieldRx engine has the power to support many other variables for prescription writing in future releases. Other capabilities include web services that are available for other vendor’s software tools to upload data directly to FieldRx.

For more information about FieldRx, please visit www.fieldrx.com or call (888) 336-0029.

Ag Leader Technology, one such company, expends a lot of effort in continually improving its SMS software, for desktop and mobile platforms. I spoke with Corey Weddle yesterday, director of software solutions at Ag Leader, who filled me in on their latest upgrade.

“Within the next week we’ll be releasing version 10.5 of our SMS Basic and Advanced software, and Mobile version 4.5. Along with numerous enhancements to existing features and file formats that we support, two user friendly upgrades feature a print wizard and an auto software update function,” he says.

All printer options are easily found in the menu box, along with easy ways to custom build your maps complete with titles, logos, photos and more, according to Weddle. “We have streamlined the process to empower users to create more customized maps.”

The new TrueUpdate function will automatically check for the latest SMS software version and download/install it for you, much like how your PC can auto update your operating software. “This offers a more interactive interface between us and the customer, as we can remind users if they are behind on their annual maintenance program, which provides free support and updates for the year,” he says.

On the SMS Mobile side, version 4.5 is now available. As you remember this summer they announced support for installs on PC devices (netbooks, tables, latops). So users will now have a choice on the device that they run the software on, and will enjoy new features to help in their daily activities.

First, mobile users can now print (PC only) or generate an image file ready to print or email on both PC and the PDA. “This is a big benefit for users who only run SMS Mobile without the desktop software,” Weddle adds.

Second, the software allows downloading images like aerial photos directly into the mobile device when connected to the Internet. “Before, we had to do this on the desktop software then sync it or manually import it into the mobile,” he says. “For example, this offer the functionality of downloading an aerial photo while in the field, where you can even hand draw boundaries of the field in case you don’t have boundaries set yet.”

Check out this earlier story on SMS Mobile http://precisionpays.com/2010/07/sms-software-now-for-mobile-pc-devices/ and a video demonstration of SMS at a recent farm show http://precisionpays.com/2010/09/a-demo-of-ag-leaders-sms-technology/.

Visit these links for more information.

SMS Mobile http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-mobile/

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

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

Farm Works Mobile streamlines data management in the field by bundling record keeping, scouting, soil sampling, and variable rate application into one low cost solution. Field records include application dates, hybrid locations, field and weather conditions, scale tickets, and notes. In addition, users can take advantage of GPS to record soil sampling positions (by grid or zone) and easily navigate to any spot using a 3D display. Farm Works Mobile connects to existing controllers to perform variable rate application using single or multiple products. The software will also connect to most sensors for recording “as-applied” data which can be downloaded in the Farm Works office suite or other third party desktop software.

The Farm Works Mobile software will operate on any field computer with Windows Mobile, XP, Vista, or 7. When using field computers with built in digital cameras for scouting, such as the Trimble® Juno™ or Nomad™ handhelds, images of weeds or pests can be captured while geo referencing their location in one step.

Farm Works Mobile retails for $500.

Farm Works View, an addition to the Farm Works office suite, is a free software program designed to read and write data from popular farming devices. Display and print yield maps, coverage maps, guidance paths, and more. View can easily be upgraded to other Farm Works software solutions for additional functionality in mapping, field records, accounting, herd management, analysis, and water management.

Farm Works 2011 is the latest version of Farm Works office suite. Some of the highlights include:

• Automatic display of roads and streets for any location in the world
• Automated seed variety layer that includes the ability to track split planting information
• Full support of formula-based variable rate prescription maps

Contact Farm Works at 1-800-225-2848 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/

James first walked me through their basic SMS desktop software which isn’t basic at all. The software allows a grower to house any information he has collected on the monitor or any prescriptions he has created in the past or any guidance lines he wants to import. Once a grower has all the info in the software he wants, he can then analyze the data, run reports and export it back out. For example, James said a grower can create prescription maps and these will tell the controller what to do.

From there, a grower can send information and record different field operations right into his hand held device. From there, the device can help a grower navigate to an area of his field he wants to take a closer look at. For example, he can check out a section of his field to conduct a soil sample. Once the grower has collected all the information in the hand held device, he can sync it back up with his SMS desktop software. This gives the grower a record of where it was taken.

While you don’t have to have both the SMS desktop software and the SMS mobile technology, they do work hand in hand to help a grower become more efficient and ultimately save time and money. Another benefit of the technologies is that they are nearly universal across all equipment systems.

I didn’t give the SMS technologies justice but James can and has on the product demonstration below. You can also visit www.agleader.com for more detailed information.

Farm Progress Photo Album

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

During this week-long classroom and in-field event, hosted by Farm Journal field agronomists Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer, participants gained hands-on information about such topics as planter impact on root growth and development, variable-rate population and nitrogen, the significance of water pH on herbicides, lime quality and application methods, and much more.

Ag Leader Technology was one of the sponsors of the event, and the company hosted a luncheon ‘Learning Session.’ “We talked about crop sensor technology from A to Z—from helping growers understand how the technology works to what farmers need to consider when adding the technology to their operation,” says Jessica Reis, Marketing Communications Specialist for Ag Leader.

“It was an excellent dialogue with growers, who helped remind us how cutting-edge this nitrogen sensor technology is from their perspective, which is different from those of us who deal with it daily,” Reis says. “We talked a lot about how growers can add sensors to gauge crop health during a postemergent herbicide application, as well as how the sensors, such as our OptRx Crop Sensor, can be incorporated into a nitrogen application program. It was a great learning session for us as well as the growers.”

Sponsors of the event also participated in a trade show area to answer any and all questions. “We had a lot of questions about planter section control, such as our SureStop Clutch and SureVac Shutoff, to help grower save seed costs,” Reis says. “Data questions, such as how to analyze years of collected data for improved management decisions, were very popular. We helped growers understand the benefits of our SMS Basic and Advanced software, and how it can work with data from many types and colors of equipment.”

For more information from this third annual event, visit www.farmjournalcorncollege.com. And check out RFD-TV on September 1 as Corn College TV will air 30-minute educational programs weekly.
Visit these links for more information.

Farm Journal Corn College http://www.agweb.com/farmjournal/farm_journal_corn_college/

OptRx Crop Sensor http://www.agleader.com/products/directcommand/optrx/

SMS Basic Software http://www.agleader.com/products/sms-basic/

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/

SMS Mobile PC is the latest way to utilize SMS Mobile software. This newest SMS software product enables the support of SMS Mobile for portable PC devices, including netbooks, tablets and laptop computers; the product can be utilized on any device running a Windows operating system – XP, Vista, or Windows 7.

SMS Mobile PC offers another way for growers to collect information in the field that can flow between their mobile device and their SMS desktop software. Utilizing SMS Mobile on a netbook, tablet or laptop gives users the ability to see more information on one screen.

“SMS Mobile PC puts SMS Mobile on a larger screen so you can adjust the size of windows and their location on the screen to match the way you want to work,” says Corey Weddle, Director of Software Solutions. “The new portable PC device support allows for higher screen resolution, larger buttons, faster processing and more memory than the traditional SMS Mobile PDA version.”

SMS Mobile PC provides five field operations in which a user can record data: Boundary, Soil Sampling, Crop Scouting, Coverage Logging and General Logging. Ag Leader Technology offers industry leading customer support, and all SMS products are backed by our software-dedicated support team.