“Concern about the war’s impact on input prices and input availability on their farming operations was paramount in the minds of producers responding to the March survey and was a major factor in this month’s decline in sentiment,”

said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture.

The March survey provided the first opportunity to ask producers how they expect the war in Ukraine to affect U.S. agriculture. Producers overwhelmingly said they expect input prices to be most affected (63% of respondents), followed by crop prices (33% of respondents), and livestock prices (3% of respondents). Responding to a related question, 19% of respondents chose “availability of inputs” as their biggest concern in their farming operation this year, which was equal to the percentage of producers who chose “lower crop and/or livestock prices” as their biggest concern.

Diving deeper into producers’ expectations for farm input prices in the upcoming year, 57% expect farm input prices to rise by 20% or more, and 36% think input prices will rise by 30% or more. And, just over one-fourth (27%) of producers say they’ve had difficulty purchasing crop inputs for the 2022 crop season. Producers report that supply chain problems persist across a wide range of inputs, with herbicides, fertilizer and farm machinery parts posing the most problems.

Producers continue to say that they expect their farm’s financial performance to decline in 2022 compared to 2021. The March Farm Financial Performance Index, which asks producers whether they expect their farm’s financial performance in 2022 to be better than, worse than or about the same as in 2021, was up slightly (4 points) at a reading of 87 but remains 30% lower than a year earlier.

“When producers think about how their farm will fare financially in 2022, it’s clear they do not expect commodity price strength to offset the dramatic rise in farm production costs they are experiencing,”

Mintert said.

Producers do not view this as a good time to make large investments in their farming operations as the Farm Capital Investment Index fell again in March. The index was 6 points lower than a month earlier and 59% lower than in March 2021 when it was near its all-time peak. In a pair of follow-up questions, 62% of respondents said their plans for farm machinery purchases in the upcoming year are lower than a year earlier, which is the most negative response to that question since May 2020. When asked a similar question about their plans for farm building and grain bin construction, 68% of respondents chose “lower,” which was the most negative response received to that question since its first inclusion in a barometer survey in May 2021.

Supply chain problems continue to haunt both the farm machinery and construction sectors and are one of the reasons producers don’t view this as a good time for large investments. For example, 42% of producers this month said their machinery purchase plans were impacted by low farm machinery inventories, consistent with industry reports that major machinery manufacturers are experiencing order backlogs.

The post War’s Impact on Input Prices Affects Ag Economy: Producers Concerned appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

GK Shade Trailer

GK Shade Trailers are in compliance with new Oregon workplace regulations for extreme heat. The trailers offer excellent worker protection for the prevention of heat illness and stress. The folding shade top collapses for transport to travel from location to location. The deluxe trailer provides seating for up to 8 people, has a built-in garbage can, wood decking, and standard 2” ball hitch. It also includes space for coolers to provide plenty of water for outdoor and field workers.

Another new product is the GK Irrigation Pipe Trailers. With two styles to choose from, single or dual beam construction. The new irrigation pipe trailer is designed for the rugged conditions of the Pacific NW. This heavy-duty pipe trailer is powder-coated for extra durability. One optional accessory is an attached tool basket for carrying tools and supplies, and it bolts on for easy assembly.

New Heavy Duty Tracking Trailer

The next new product coming out of engineering this week is a new heavy-duty tracking trailer. It’s designed for commercial nursery and tree grower customers and has the size and weight capacity needed for their larger transportation needs. It has a 6’ x 12’ deck and is powder-coated for durability.

The post GK Introduces More New Ag Products appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The laboratory is another tangible step in the growing partnership between IANR and NSRI that brings together researchers from both institutes to increase research and development in:

• Agricultural and natural resources security, defense and countermeasures;
• Biological defense in support of the U.S. Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, and other government stakeholders;
• Development and deployment of biosurveillance, biodetection and diagnostic tools; and
• Pandemic preparedness related to human, livestock and crop plant diseases that could result in disruptions to the U.S. and global food systems.

“This new effort is a perfect marriage of key strengths and priorities of the entire University of Nebraska system: national security, preparedness, and agriculture and natural resources. The lab will be a pride point for our university and state. I’m thrilled that IANR and NSRI are collaborating in this way, and I’m excited to see the innovations that will result from this forward-thinking partnership,”

said NU President Ted Carter. 

The new laboratory also aligns with Nebraska’s commitment to bold, innovative and important research, said Chancellor Ronnie Green.

“No university is better positioned to lead with a new collaborative biosecurity laboratory. We have a long history of seeking bold solutions to complex problems, and our expertise in agricultural and defense-related innovation is exceptional,”

Green said.

The location of the lab, adjacent to other molecular life scientists, biomedical engineers and the Nebraska Center for Virology, provides opportunities for NSRI researchers, staff and program leaders to engage with faculty, students and staff throughout IANR and the university.

“Ensuring the safety of our food supply is a wickedly complex endeavor. A broad, collaborative approach drawing on disciplines including virology, biological systems engineering, chemistry and biochemistry, statistics, animal science, veterinary medicine, plant pathology, natural resources, food science and many others will be key to the success of this exciting collaboration,”

said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR.

In addition to the lab, NSRI appointed 10 IANR researchers as NSRI Fellows in May 2021. One fellow is already contributing to the Nebraska Drug Discovery and Development Pipeline, a long-term project funded by the federal government through NSRI to develop drugs needed by warfighters. NSRI, the Department of Defense-designated University Affiliated Research Center of the University of Nebraska, and U.S. Strategic Command also recently leveraged IANR’s West Central Research and Extension Center to test unmanned aerial systems for a DOD sponsor.

“We are actively seeking opportunities to collaborate in a meaningful way with IANR. This lab demonstrates the foresight NU and NSRI can bring to the DOD — combining Nebraska’s tremendous strength and leadership in agriculture and biosecurity with NSRI’s deep understanding of the complexities of strategic deterrence across the threat spectrum and in multiple domains,”

said retired Maj. Gen. Rick Evans, NSRI executive director.

Joshua Santarpia, NSRI research director of chemical and biological programs and associate professor of microbiology and pathology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, leads the Collaborative Biosecurity Laboratory affirmed:

“This lab represents a host of new opportunities for both NSRI and IANR. Through this lab, and the collaboration that it represents, we can look at ways to leverage NSRI’s research into agricultural problems, bring new opportunities for IANR scientists to grow the research to support national security and build new programs in agricultural biosecurity together.”

Source: University of Nebraska 

The post University of Nebraska Celebrates Opening of Collaborative Biosecurity Lab to Pursue Ag Defense Research appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO announced today the pilot of its Precision Ag Line (PAL) program, a tool designed to streamline support services for farming customers using AGCO solutions with mixed-fleet operations.

PAL makes precision farming expertise available to farmers using products from widely-used AGCO brands such as Challenger, Fendt, Gleaner, Massey Ferguson, and Precision Planting, even when those products are used in conjunction with equipment from other manufacturers. The result is more efficient solutions that lead to satisfied customers and improved farming outcomes.

“Precision farming techniques can become complicated, especially when products from multiple manufacturers are used to accomplish them. PAL puts farmers in direct touch with our technical experts who are very experienced at aligning disparate systems into effective processes. This program is directly aimed at ensuring our customers have the best farming outcomes and exceptional customer experiences with our products along the way,”

said Cody Light, field execution manager for AGCO’s Fuse division.

PAL leverages the AgriSync platform to ensure a seamless experience for farmers, dealers, and AGCO’s technicians. The tool aligns with the dealer’s current support system – usually an existing customer service number – to streamline access to the service. Customers of participating AGCO dealers simply call or text a familiar number to speak with the product and technical experts at the dealership or AGCO itself for immediate assistance from some of the industry’s most capable precision ag specialists.

PAL is currently being piloted with several members of AGCO’s North American dealership network. Experiences so far have been very positive and helpful to its ongoing development. The company plans to expand the program to additional locations in 2021 and 2022.

The post AGCO Pilots Innovative Precision Ag Line (PAL) Support Service for Farmers with AGCO and Mixed-Fleet Operations appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Titan is kicking off its “Flags Over Harvest” campaign to celebrate farmers for their continued dedication to buying American-made Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires. As part of the campaign, Titan is giving away a free American flag to farmers to display on their equipment during harvest season. For each flag requested, $5 will be donated by Titan to Farm Rescue — a nonprofit organization that plants and harvests crops free of charge for family farmers who have suffered a major illness, injury, or natural disaster.

“Titan is the only farm tire and wheel company headquartered in the U.S., and the decision to buy American-made tires is one that supports thousands of American jobs which keeps America working. We’re proud to support organizations like Farm Rescue that share our values and give back to deserving American farmers,”

said Paul Reitz, Titan President, and CEO.

Titan has had a long-standing partnership with Farm Rescue. In 2019, Titan donated to Farm Rescue to assist farmers with spring floods in the Midwest, and in 2020, helped the ag industry and American farmers during the pandemic with donations to the organization.

“Farm Rescue proudly displays the American flag on all our agricultural equipment to highlight our patriotic and altruistic mission of helping America’s farm families in times of crisis,”

said Bill Gross, Founder & President of Farm Rescue.

“We are truly honored and thankful to be a recipient of the ‘Flags Over Harvest’ campaign by Titan International, Inc.”

The post Titan Launches its ‘Flags Over Harvest’ Campaign to Support Ag Industry appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

New Holland Agriculture has reached the significant milestone of 30,000 large square balers produced since it entered the segment in 1987. The landmark BigBaler Plus unit was produced at the New Holland Agriculture plant in Zedelgem, Northwest of Belgium, which is the “Center of Excellence” for New Holland harvesters worldwide, and focuses on developing and building combine harvesters, balers, and forage harvesters for global export.

The 30,000th baler bears a commemorative decal created by New Holland to celebrate the milestone.

Carlo Lambro, New Holland Brand President, stated:

“Reaching the milestone of 30,000 large square balers is a big accomplishment for New Holland, and in particular for all the people who have built this rich heritage of innovation, and kept our large square balers in the number one position to this day. I would like to thank the people here in Zedelgem who are keeping this legacy alive, building the BigBalers for our customers across the world, and designing the balers of the future.”

Luigi Neirynck, New Holland Plant Manager at Zedelgem, commented:

“This is an impressive achievement, and all of us at the Zedelgem plant are very proud that the BigBalers designed and built here continue to set the benchmark for the industry. We continuously invest in state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and operate according to World Class Manufacturing principles, one of the manufacturing’s highest standards for the integrated management of plants and processes. The result is the consistently high quality of every machine that rolls off our assembly line.”

The most efficient large square baler in its segment

New Holland has introduced a host of pioneering industry firsts in its large square baler range that has changed baling across the world. These innovations include double-knot technology, electronic proportional density control, and full bale eject functionality – all of which have now become industry standards.

Today’s flagship BigBaler models are true to their heritage of innovation and industry firsts. The BigBaler Plus landmark model features advanced efficiency-boosting technologies, such as the best-in-class SmartFill sensor for perfectly uniform bales and IntelliCruise, which controls the tractor’s forward speed, increasing productivity, optimizing capacity and delivering ultimate bale uniformity. The BigBaler High Density introduced two unique features, the latest in New Holland’s long string of industry-firsts in baling. The first is the SmartShift gearbox, a unique driveline concept, winner of the Agritechnica Silver Medal at the Agritechnica Innovation Award 2019, that significantly increases productivity, enhances operator comfort, and improves tractor driveline protection. The second is the unique and patented Loop Master knotting technology: the first commercialized double knotter in the world that prevents plastic pollution. The high-density baler was also crowned Machine of the Year 2020 in the Forage Harvesting category by a jury panel of journalists representing the leading European agricultural publications.

More than 100 years of harvesting excellence

The award-winning BigBaler large square balers are designed, developed and produced in New Holland’s Zedelgem Centre of Harvesting Excellence, as well as New Holland’s flagship combine harvester ranges and forage harvesters. The advanced product development process, engineering and manufacturing expertise of New Holland’s dedicated workforce, ensure that the BigBaler range continues to set the benchmark across the world.

The post New Holland Reaches Milestone of 30,000 Large Square Balers Produced appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AGCO Corporation announced that charitable donations were received by fourteen different local community organizations on behalf of past winners of the annual Operator of the Year award.

In previous years, the award was presented to individual application operators who demonstrated high levels of performance, leadership, community support, and involvement. However, in celebration of the program’s 15th year and in recognition of the challenges faced by communities throughout the coronavirus pandemic, AGCO, its dealers, and retailers of past Operator of the Year winners transformed the award to benefit local nonprofit organizations.

“We are sincerely grateful for the generosity of our dealers and retailers, who readily agreed that this year’s award should go to their communities and organizations serving those in need. Such devotion to their neighbors perfectly exemplifies the qualities that Operator of the Year has recognized every year since 2005.”

said David Webster, AGCO director of marketing.

Donations were made to charitable organizations identified by each of the ag retailers who nominated the program’s past 14 winners. The retailers, with full support from AGCO dealers, have been delivering the donations since early October. The Operator of the Year program will plan to return to its original structure of awarding nominated operators in 2021.

Recipients of the 2020 donations are below. For more information regarding recipient organizations and photos of presentations, follow #OperatorOfTheYear and #ApplyLikeAPro on @ChallengerAg’s Facebook page.

• Ziegler Ag Equipment and Ag Partners of Goodhue, MN
    for the Courage Kenny Foundation
• Ziegler Ag Equipment and Crystal Valley Cooperative of Madelia, MN
    for the Future Farmers of America – Madelia High School Chapter
• Atlantic & Southern Application Sales and Southern States Cooperative of Pitt County, NC
  for Clayhill Hunting Club’s USSA Clayhill Hunt
• Agri-Service and Simplot Grower Solutions of Madison County, ID
    for the Teton-Newdale Cemetery Veterans Memorial
• Ziegler Ag Equipment and Heartland Co-op of Slater, IA
    for the Des Moines Area Community College Agribusiness Program
• Agri-Service and Wilbur-Ellis of Warden, WA
    for Life Services of Spokane
• MacAllister Machinery AG Division and Nutrien Ag Solutions of Rochester, IN
    for Future Farmers of America – Caston High School Chapter
• Butler Ag Equipment and Agtegra of Aberdeen, SD
    for Groton Post 114 of the American Legion
• Butler Ag Equipment and Wilbur-Ellis of Mott, ND
    for the Mott / Regent Public School Library
• Butler Ag Equipment and Agtegra of Aberdeen, SD
    for Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana
• Butler Ag Equipment and CHS of Alma, NE
    for the Xi Gamma Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi International
• MacAllister Machinery AG Division and Ceres Solutions of Templeton, IN
    for the Benton Community Food & Service Co-Op
• MacAllister Machinery AG Division and Clunette Elevator of Leesburg, IN
    for the Nappanee Missionary Church
• Butler Ag Equipment and Farmers Oil Union of Fairmount, ND
    for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Source: AGCO

The post AGCO Announces recipients of 2020 Operator of the Year Donations appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Freudenberg Filtration Technologies will present its premium filter solutions for agricultural vehicles at the EIMA Digital Preview. The event serves as a multimedia preview of the traditional on-site International Exposition of Machinery for Agriculture and Gardening (EIMA) in Bologna, which was postponed to February 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are very excited about this year’s additional EIMA Digital Preview event, because it is accessible to anyone around the world, from the comfort of their own desks,”

says Giacomo Menzio, Market Manager Italy at Freudenberg Filtration Technologies.

The global filtration experts will virtually present high-quality cabin air filter applications, which meet the strict requirements for air purification systems in agricultural vehicles set out in the European standard EN 15695-2, from Category 2 up to Category 4.

Effective protection against hazardous substances

Especially for tractor and self-propelled vehicle drivers potentially handling toxic pesticides and liquid fertilizers out on the fields, reliable protection from dust, aerosols, and gas as well as vapor contaminants entering the cabin is key for their health and safety. Freudenberg Filtration Technologies offers filtration solutions with tailor-made protective functions for all cabin categories (according to EN15695 standard definitions).

Category 2 filters deliver high efficiency and dust-holding capacity, even during extended periods of operational use. At the same time, they maintain low pressure-drop values and thus ensure long filter lifetime and high energy efficiency in the vehicle’s air ventilation system. The Category 3 filtration design concept includes these Category 2 features and additionally extends the performance range to include the finest droplets and particle aerosols.

To do so, it employs an additional stage of high-efficiency particulate air filtration at the efficiency level required for hospital and pharmaceutical cleanroom applications. In addition to all of these features, Freudenberg’s Category 4 filtration design boasts a perfectly coordinated multi-stage filter system, which adds a unique, high-performance, activated-carbon layer in the final filter stage. These highly efficient filters can even block vaporous contaminants that can be harmful to drivers’ health.

All filtration solutions combine state-of-the-art filtration media with optimized and robust technological solutions. This makes them ideally suited for daily use even under extreme conditions, which are “business as usual” for farmers during their intensive plant protection activities in open fields, vineyards, and orchards.

Multimedia information and 24-hour booth service

At Freudenberg’s digital exhibition booth, visitors will be able to access and download a variety of information on these filtration designs, which are in high demand among tractor manufacturers and manufacturers of air-ventilation systems alike. The booth will be staffed not only with Italian experts from the local Freudenberg Filtration Technologies subsidiary but also by an international team of Freudenberg Filtration Technologies experts around the clock on exhibition days to cover all time zones.

“We can offer virtual one-on-one meetings or group meetings with up to four participants via conference calls. All in all, the virtual booth offers a variety of great ways to get to know our technologies and contact us for specific information,”

says Giacomo Menzio.

Source: Freudenberg

The post Freudenberg presents High-End Filtration Solutions for Agricultural Vehicles appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

This distribution agreement will enable WPI to offer a complete range of Aceinna’s MEMs based sensing solutions and technologies to its customers.

“Aceinna’s leading-edge MEMs based sensing technologies are of special interest to our customers and engineers,  especially those Asian manufacturers seeking innovative technology solutions for developing autonomous vehicle navigation/guidance and high-performance current supply & management applications,”

said German Cheung, Vice President, WPI.

“This partnership between WPI and ACEINNA is a big step forward for Asia based product developers and engineers. This partnership will make it much more efficient and quicker for engineering teams to research, source, and obtain optimal sensing solutions and technologies for the design of next-generation autonomous vehicles and power management applications.”

said Dr. Yang Zhao, CEO at Aceinna.

The post World Peace Industrial Group (WPI) and Aceinna work together to deliver innovative sensing solutions appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.