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John Deere Wins FCC CBRS Auction to Deploy 5G in Manufacturing Facilities

Michele Catinari — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 16:00:40 +0000

Advanced connectivity enables Deere to fully embrace the IoT and revolutionize productivity in factory settings

John Deere has obtained 5G licenses in five counties in Iowa and Illinois as part of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction for the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) 3.5 GHz spectrum. This will enable John Deere to accelerate the availability of 5G in its largest manufacturing facilities in North America.

Rural counties are often left behind in the race to implement broadband – even though it is necessary to process large quantities of data and enable advances in smart manufacturing, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other breakthrough technologies in these areas. By obtaining these licenses, John Deere will boost its wireless networks by providing access to 5G in its manufacturing facilities.

“John Deere has always focused on how to empower customers to do more with less by using technology, and our focus on tech goes way beyond the fields. It impacts everything single aspect of our business, and we’re constantly looking at ways to improve our own efficiencies and outcomes with it. Implementing 5G in our manufacturing facilities allows John Deere to make significant progress in our Smart Industrial strategy by turning factories into smart and connected manufacturing facilities – a critical piece of the industrial IoT.”

said Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer.

John Deere’s manufacturing facilities are extraordinarily complex environments that rely on automation and connectivity. With miles of embedded Ethernet cables connecting Wi-Fi drop points currently in factory ceilings, the facilities are faced with limited flexibility for setting up and upgrades. 5G enables private LTE networks and will allow John Deere to design a more flexible, nimble, and connected facility, creating opportunities for further advancement and greater efficiency that will transform the manufacturing process.

Private 5G LTE also creates the opportunity to expand factory capabilities leveraging edge computing, analytics, and autonomous devices, and empowers a larger set of smart applications like real-time location systems, asset tracking, inventory management, wearables, building automation, and robotics for operational cost savings.

John Deere will implement 5G at its manufacturing facilities in the following counties: Rock Island, Illinois; Scott County, Iowa; Dubuque, Iowa; Polk County, Iowa; Black Hawk County, Iowa. The rollout is set to occur during the fiscal year 2022.

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Sukup breaks record for world’s largest grain bin

Michele Catinari — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:00:41 +0000

Sukup Manufacturing Co. has designed and manufactured the world’s largest free-span grain bin, with a diameter of 165 feet. The previous record-holding bin has a diameter of 156 feet, which Sukup also manufactured and designed.

The ground was broken for the new bin on September 14, 2020, at Golden Grain Energy, an ethanol production plant in Mason City, Iowa. Representatives from Sukup Manufacturing attended, as well as representatives from partner organizations Buresh Building Systems Inc., a Sukup dealer located in Hampton, Iowa, and construction partner McGough Construction out of St. Paul, Minnesota.

The bin will hold 2.2 million bushels and will include 30 rings with a peak height of 155 feet and 7 inches. Construction is expected to be complete in May or June of 2021.

Chad Kuhlers, Golden Grain CEO, said,

“This system will increase GGE’s grain storage from approximately 1.275 million bushels to almost 3.5 million bushels. We currently have about 10 days of storage, and the addition of this bin will increase our storage capacity to approximately 30 days of storage. In addition, GGE will increase its receiving capacity from 40,000 bushels per hour to 65,000 bushels per hour.”

Brent Hansen, who manages commercial accounts for Sukup, said:

“Our customers often tell us that adding storage gives them one of the quickest returns on an investment in their facilities. Storing grain in Sukup bins keeps it in better condition versus a temporary pile, and it’s safer, easier, and cost-effective to reclaim the grain back into their processing facility. We always try to listen to our customers’ needs, which includes watching the bottom line!”

Steve Sukup, President, and CEO of Sukup Manufacturing, said:

“Sukup constantly strives to push the boundaries of innovation, while maintaining the excellent customer service and high quality that the agriculture industry has come to expect of us as a family-owned company. We are thrilled to again have achieved the milestone of designing and manufacturing the largest freestanding grain bin in the world.”

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Source: Sukup Manufacturing

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Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Extends Iowa Disposal Assistance Program to Help Producers Affected by COVID-19

newsroom — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 20:00:28 +0000

Egg, pork producers are eligible for the fourth round of disposal assistance funding

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is continuing the Iowa Disposal Assistance Program (IDAP) to support Iowa farmers. Pork and egg producers forced to euthanize and dispose of market-ready and weaned pigs or layer hens because of supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19 are eligible for the fourth round of IDAP funding.

Secretary Naig said:

“Iowa is the largest producer of pork and egg products and our farmers have been unduly affected by supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The disposal assistance program is just one way the state is trying to help producers through this very difficult time.”

Iowa’s pork producers have made extremely difficult decisions over the past several months as COVID-19-related worker shortages caused meat processing facilities to reduce production. Pork producers donated to food security programs benefiting Iowa food banks and pantries, changed animals’ diets to slow the rate of growth and explored other markets to sell their products. While processing capacity has increased, the challenges continue.

Iowa’s egg producers have also faced distribution and disposal challenges because of COVID-19-related closures. Iowa is home to over 58 million egg-laying hens. Nearly 70 percent of Iowa’s layer flocks produce for the liquid egg market and are destined for restaurants, schools and other foodservice markets. When COVID-19 caused many of these establishments to shut down, the demand for liquid eggs plummeted. Liquid egg prices dropped by 68 percent, forcing many egg producers to reduce the size of their flocks. As a result, the Iowa Department of Agriculture expanded the IDAP program to include Iowa egg producers in round four funding.

IDAP Round Four Eligibility

The following Iowa producers can now apply for round four disposal assistance:

1. Pork producers who euthanized and properly disposed of market-ready hogs between June 23 and July 20, 2020. Eligible producers may receive $40 per market-ready hog (weighing at least 225 pounds).

2. Pork producers who euthanized and properly disposed of weaned pigs between May 1 and July 20, 2020. Each approved applicant may receive $4 per weaned pig (up to 25 pounds).

3. Egg producers who euthanized and properly disposed of laying hens between April 1 and July 20, 2020. Each approved applicant may receive 25 cents per layer hen.

Eligible producers must apply by 11:59 p.m./CT on Aug. 6, at iowaagriculture.gov/idap. All producers must provide documentation, including proof of proper disposal and an affidavit from their herd veterinarian confirming impending welfare issues, to receive funding. All paperwork must be received by the Department of Agriculture by 11:59 p.m./CT on Aug. 14.

Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture

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Chambers American Products has selected Mitas HCM tires

Lazzarini Sabrina — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 18:00:55 +0000

New partnership between Mitas and Chambers American Products (CAP Mowers) located in Pioneer, Tennessee. Mitas HCM Tires became a perfect fit for their new 2020 Savage Mower.

CAP Mowers has released their latest Savage Mowers equipment with Mitas HCM tires. The partnership started at the 2020 National Farm Machinery Show, the largest indoor farm show in the USA, where the Mitas team worked together with CAP Mowers in understanding their needs and provided the right solution of choosing HCM tires. They wanted durable and puncture resistant tires with smooth road performance from a proven brand. The Mitas 400/80 R 24 HCM 144D (149A8) TL tire was selected for their self-propelled road-side mower.

Mitas High Capacity Municipal (HCM) Tires

Mitas HCM tires are designed for reliable all-season use and suitable for all terrains and applications. These HCM tires are the perfect choice to handle the tough conditions of roadside mowing due to its steel-belted radial construction. While at the same time giving the operator a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to the different lug sizes and positioning around the circumference.

Mitas HCM tires are produced in 14 sizes. You can choose from 340/80 R 18 to 650/65 R 42.

Courtesy of mitas.com

Source: Mitas

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AG Leader suggests different TerraStar models

Lazzarini Sabrina — Mon, 04 May 2020 18:00:10 +0000

In the five years, TerraStar has expanded their signal offerings to match different farm needs, price points and geographical needs.

TerraStar is a high-quality correction source Ag Leader has offered since 2014. Which TerraStar is right for you? Check out the features of each option below.

TerraStar-L

This correction signal was introduced in mid-2017 to meet a few purposes. First, it was designed to be an entry-level repeatable correction source for countries with or without a freely available correction source.

Even countries with a satellite network like WAAS, make no claims to repeatability. This is where a subscription-based service like TerraStar-L comes in.
Signal Obstructions. TerraStar-L handles temporary obstructions such as trees, buildings, etc. better than just WAAS alone
TerraStar-L offers 4’’-6’’ repeatable accuracy and is available in annual subscriptions
TerraStar-L is available for both GPS 6500 and GPS 7500 receivers
One-year free subscription with every new GPS 7500 receiver purchase

TerraStar-C

TerraStar-C was the first TerraStar correction signal Ag Leader offered, starting when the GPS 6500 receiver was introduced in late 2014. This correction signal filled a need between those wanting something better than WAAS for high accuracy repeatable field operations such as spraying, planting or steering but did not need the absolute accuracy (nor cost) of RTK.

TerraStar-C is a correction signal option for the GPS 6500 receiver.
TerraStar-C provides 2”-4” (5cm) repeatable accuracy
3-month and 12-month subscriptions available
Free 5-day demo

TerraStar-C Pro

TerraStar-C Pro is an improved TerraStar signal created just for the GPS 7500 receiver. It offers quicker convergence and higher accuracy. TerraStar-C Pro fills the gap between cost and performance, simplicity and reliability.

1’’-3’’ repeatable accuracy
3-month and 12-month subscriptions available
Free 5-day demo

TerraStar-X

TerraStar-X is an RTK-level correction source Ag Leader just introduced earlier this year. TerraStar-X delivers RTK From the Sky performance, and convergence in under one minute. TerraStar-X is suitable for high accuracy field operations such as steering, planting, strip-tilling, application and more.

Sub-inch (2cm) repeatable accuracy
12-month subscription
Free 5-day demo

Try TerraStar to get the accuracy you need for spring planting

As mentioned above, TerraStar-C, TerraStar-C Pro and TerraStar-X all offer a free 5-day signal trial. Contact your local Ag Leader dealer for your free trial.

As you can see, Ag Leader offers a host of TerraStar subscriptions that fit many different accuracy needs and price points on the farm. Subscription options provide flexibility for when additional seasonal accuracy is needed.

Ag Leader currently offers a full line of correction signals that include RTK, TerraStar-X, TerraStar-C Pro, TerraStar-C, TerraStar-L, and WAAS/EGNOS in order to serve a large range of producers and crops.

Source: Ag Leader

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Titan to Keep U.S. Plants Operating to Support Nation’s Food Supply

Michele Catinari — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 17:00:31 +0000

Federal government says food and agriculture industry is critical to public health and safety and should continue normal operations.

Titan International, Inc. is announcing its commitment to keeping its U.S. manufacturing facilities operating as normal in order to support the food and agriculture industry, which the federal government has deemed critical to the nation’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to remain in operation comes with great responsibility to protect the company’s employees. In addition to practicing social distancing and preventative measures to reduce the spread of germs within its facilities, the company remains dedicated to upholding its own internal safety and cleanliness protocols. Titan is taking additional precautions as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and local governments.

On March 19, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued guidelines on workers who should keep normal schedules because they are in a “critical infrastructure industry” affecting public health and safety, the economy and national security.

That includes “employees engaged in the manufacture and maintenance of equipment and other infrastructure necessary to agricultural production and distribution,” according to the guidance. These as well as other provisions of the guidance and of the recent Executive Order issued by the Governor of the State of Illinois – where Titan is headquartered and maintains a substantial manufacturing presence – support the continued operation of its U.S. manufacturing facilities.

Paul Reitz, Titan President and CEO said:

“Titan is proud of our role in the nation’s food supply chain, especially in challenging times like this with the coronavirus pandemic now hitting most communities across the U.S. The tires and wheels we manufacture are on many types of equipment that farmers use to plant, maintain and harvest crops.”

The Titan facilities maintaining normal operations are in Des Moines, Iowa; Freeport and Quincy, Illinois; Bryan, Ohio; Jefferson, Georgia; and Union City, Tennessee.

Reitz said:

“At this point we are more thankful than ever to be a company that produces American engineered, American manufactured tires and wheels. Currently, we are not experiencing infrastructure or supply chain issues that could impact the fulfillment of customer orders in the United States. We continue to monitor this extremely fluid and unprecedented situation and will keep our customers and dealers informed of any updates or changes.”

“Titan’s leadership team is meeting continuously to appropriately respond to this pandemic as it evolves, and our COVID-19 response team is meeting multiple times a day to monitor the situation and execute plans that will continue to keep our employees safe and help our teams adjust accordingly without impacting production plans,”

Reitz said.

Source: Titan International

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Farmers face decisions about residual crops (Iowa State)

NAFEM Newsroom — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 15:45:47 +0000

The 2018 harvest proved problematic for many farmers, with weather delays and moldy soybeans being among the issues that came up.

But in some fields scattered across the state, corn stalks and soybean plants still stood while the snow piled up around them.

Mark Licht, Iowa State University cropping systems specialist, said it isn’t unheard of for unharvested crops to be left in the fields long past harvest.

This year, Mother Nature threw many curveballs at farmers, particularly rain delays. As a result, there’s not much that can be done with those abandoned crops.

“Fields that have not been harvested yet will definitely have some degraded quality,” Licht said. “At this point, any soybeans left in the field will have greatly diminished quality and large yield penalties from pods splitting. Corn still standing in the field may still be harvested. Yield reductions can vary though. Quality may be reduced, but not as severely as soybeans still standing in the field.”

ISU field agronomist Virgil Schmitt said some farmers hope to harvest residue crops if they have suitable grain quality. Those that can’t be salvaged will have to be destroyed, he said.

“I have talked to some crop insurance adjusters who are working such claims,” he said.

ISU field agronomist Meaghan Anderson anticipates producers harvesting residue crops in her area once the snow melts, but the ground is still frozen.

Spring fieldwork to prep for planting will be key in addressing standing crops from the previous year. They will need to be “processed” or “knocked down” before planting to avoid any potential complications with the residue “interfering with the planter,” she said.

Bob Hartzler, ISU Extension weed specialist, said it’s critical to address the residue crops.

“If you’re rotating crops from corn to beans or beans to corn, then it’s less of an issue because you have some herbicide alternatives, but if you use varieties with more herbicide resistant traits in them, you must address the residue crops,” Hartzler said. “So if you had some regular RoundUp Ready soybeans and just planted corn the follow year, you’ll want to make sure that you aren’t relying primarily on RoundUp to control weeds, because it won’t control the volunteers. If you go back to the same crop, say corn after corn, then the volunteer corn could be a real issue.”

Some farmers deliberately leave crop residue on their fields after harvest to help counter effect soil erosion and reduce water runoff. Cover crops also penetrate through compacted soil layers, which are common in Iowa’s clay and thick soil compositions, which encourages more air and water movement.

Source: Farm News

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Nine AgTech Startups Participate in AgTech Day (Iowa)

NAFEM Newsroom — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:47:15 +0000

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator hosted its second annual AgTech Day on Tuesday, March 26. Nine early-stage AgTech startups from across the country gathered in West Des Moines, Iowa, where they showcased their innovations to The Accelerator’s community of mentors and supporters. This year’s AgTech Day class came from areas as close as Des Moines and as far as California. The participating startups and their innovations included:

Ag-EZ (Des Moines, IA): Delivering a platform designed to enable virtual farming
Big Data in a Box (Ames, IA): A one-stop shop data and analytics tool for organic farmers
DroneSAR (Des Moines, IA): Improving crop yields with radio cameras for drones
Dynamic Motion (Herman, NE): Robotic power washer
Gym-N-EAT-Crickets (Ames, IA): Raising and processing crickets for development of protein snacks
Industrial Hemp (Ankeny, IA): Supply chain services and platform for hemp production
Shift.Aero (Sunnyvale, CA): Unique technology/approach to unmanned aerial vehicles for crop spraying
Tractor Zoom (West Des Moines, IA): Simple, trusted and transparent heavy equipment auction marketplace
Vilicus Capital (Des Moines/Dubuque, IA): A platform and service for regenerative, ecological farming

The startups had a full schedule of events throughout AgTech Day, which included one-on-one mentor meetings, a networking reception and remarks from Hank Norem, president of RAMCO and CEO of Maple Ventures. The Accelerator hopes to build on the momentum from AgTech Day to support innovative AgTech startups through the organization’s 2019 program, which is slated to begin the first week of June.

Source: Iowa AgriTech Accelerator

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Massey Ferguson debuts 1700M Series compact tractor

NAFEM Newsroom — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 09:35:31 +0000

AGCO Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, introduced its Massey Ferguson 1700M Series compact tractor during the 2018 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa. Upgrades in the engine, emissions system and cab make the 1700M Series the company’s most premium compact tractor to date. These features, along with advanced engineering, mean the 1700M Series tractors are ideal for general farm and property maintenance tasks, landscaping, small-scale road and land grading, and light construction.

The 1700M Series feature clean-burning Tier 4-compliant turbocharged diesel engines, with five models ranging from 36 to 60 hp. The MF1735M and MF1740M are equipped with a Shibaura 3-cylinder diesel. The MF1750M, MF1755M and MF1760M are equipped with Shibaura 4-cylinder diesel engines. All models meet Tier 4 emissions without using an expensive diesel particulate filter (DPF). Emission standards are met using an exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), resulting in maintenance free systems.

“Meeting the Tier 4 emissions standards without a DPF is a significant advantage of the 1700M Series compared to many other compact tractors,” says Jeffrey Ratliff, tactical marketing manager for AGCO. “No DPF means no excessive heat buildup, no downtime related to emissions, lower maintenance costs and the engine can be shut down at any time without fear of bypassing necessary regeneration. Massey Ferguson has seen great success with the Shibaura engines in our economy compact lineup so placing them in our latest premium compact tractors made a lot of sense.”

New deluxe cab option available

Each model comes with the option of an open station platform or factory-installed cab. The open station features a wide, flat rubber floor for easy entering and exiting, an upgraded seat with armrests for greater comfort and suspended foot pedals. The rollover protection structure (ROPS) easily folds for storage in low-height barns or garages.

A game changer for the 1700M Series is the new Deluxe Cab option for the MF1740M, MF1750M and MF1760M HST (hydrostatic transmission) models. The Deluxe Cab was developed with municipalities and hard-working acreage owners in mind, with features that improve operator comfort and expand the machines’ capabilities.

The Deluxe Cab package includes a new, air-ride seat for greater operator comfort and less fatigue during long hours of work with these convenient features:

radio/CD/Bluetooth® for a better, more comfortable operating experience;
LED work lamps to increase visibility at night and early morning;
rear-windshield defroster for greater visibility in adverse conditions;
an improved sun visor with scissor bracket;
and a new mesh storage pocket on the cab headliner for easy storing of manuals and paperwork.

Both the standard cab and deluxe cab options provide a climate-controlled environment, so operators can get their work done comfortably in all weather
conditions. Plus, both are designed for excellent visibility in all directions and are ROPS-certified for safety. Additional features deliver greater performance

All 1700M Series compact tractors deliver greater performance with 540 RPM independent rear PTO. An optional 2,000-rpm mid-mount PTO that engages electro-hydraulically with a simple twist of a knob is available. Depending on the model, operators also can select the transmission that best fits their needs. The 12×12 power shuttle transmission with a forward/reverse wet clutch has a wide range of working and road speeds. Clutching is never needed when starting from a standstill or changing directions. The electronically controlled, 3-range hydrostatic transmission is easy to operate, allowing the operator to reach the speed needed for the job within each range, without shifting gears.

The rear 3-point hitch features a lift capacity of 2,535 lbs. (1,150 kg) and, for the MF1750M and MF1760M, a lift capacity of 3,086 lbs. (1,400 kg). The tractors have a limited, five-year powertrain warranty. Full details are available from Massey Ferguson dealers.

Source: Massey Ferguson news

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