These new machines are manufactured at the Vermeer manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, and built with the same high-quality parts and components that Vermeer is known for around the world. The new naming structure indicates a new generation of pipeline drills from Vermeer for the emerging markets that come with several enhanced features that enable high functionality, productivity, and ease of use.

“We understand that operators in Asia, Latin America, and other developing nations are looking for a drill that’s specifically for their market. That’s why we designed the D130S and D60S with the power and productivity they have; so that operators in these areas could have drills that meet their needs,”

said Colm Rafferty, vice president of developing markets of Vermeer.

The need for the D130S and D60S came from hearing that operators in developing nations needed a way to facilitate greater connectivity and support the development of both rural and urban areas. With new infrastructure needing to be developed, including telecommunications (fiber optics), water, electricity, gas, and oil pipeline installations across varying ground conditions and locations, a new machine was necessary to take on challenging, large-diameter drilling projects without worrying about space restrictions. Both drills are capable of tackling those infrastructure projects. They are also designed to keep surface disruption to a minimum, which helps in densely populated or residential areas.

“We wanted to create machines that built upon their predecessors, still delivered the same high manufacturing quality, and were specific to operators drilling in developing nations. These drills are compact, powerful, and productive enough to appeal to operators large and small, and I believe can make a big difference in a company’s drilling capabilities and efficiencies,”

explained Rafferty.

These units will be available in select nations throughout Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and select countries in Europe.

The D130S is equipped with 130,000 lb (578,200 kN) of thrust and pullback and 15,000 ft-lb (20,337 Nm) of rotational torque, helping it penetrate through different and difficult terrains.

The D60S has 60,000 lb (266.9 kN) of thrust and pullback and 9,000 ft-lb (12,202.4 Nm) of rotational torque, helping it penetrate through different and difficult terrains. This power makes it one of the most powerful drills in its class.

Another enhancement made to both drills is the PLUS+1 control system to maximize precision and reliability. Paired with the drill’s AutoSteer system, which automates certain drill head motions, it allows operators to set and adjust rotation duration and direction while maintaining a pre-set thrust pressure to get through hard ground conditions. To top it off, the console design of the drill was updated to provide a user-friendly bore path adjustment experience for the operator.

Other features on the D130S include an operator-controlled rod loader, climate-controlled cab, optional crane, and optional front-mounted stakedown system.

The additional features on the D60S include a tethered remote control, ease of serviceability, three-speed gearbox, operator-controlled rod loader, and climate-controlled cab.

The post Introducing the All-New Vermeer D130S and D60S Horizontal Directional Drills appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Hale’s influence on the fencing and drilling industries spanned decades. He began working in fencing as a summer job in high school. After learning the industry as a teenager, he continued installing fences across southern California, eventually owning his own fencing company for more than 20 years.

After experiencing first-hand the safety and efficiency of Little Beaver’s earth drills, Hale joined the company in 1996. For the past 25 years, he has been the voice behind sales and quotes inquiries, using his expertise to help customers select the drilling products to bring that same safety and efficiency to their own companies.

“Mike’s impact on our company and industry has been tremendous. He understood the challenges our customers faced and were really able to help them find the solutions they needed. He will be greatly missed by all of us at Little Beaver, not only for the work he did but also for the person he was. We have lost a dear friend and industry advocate,”

said Little Beaver president Joe Haynes.

The post Little Beaver Mourns Loss of Sales Manager Mike Hale appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The agreement establishes Vermeer dealerships as the exclusive distributor for two of BRON’s tracked utility plows in the 200-HP (149 kW) and 300-HP (224 kW) class and provides them the ability to sell the line of BRON utility plow attachments.

BRON is a family-owned company based in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. The brand has supported utility and underground infrastructure installation markets for more than 40 years and has reliable, heavy-duty plows and attachments that include static and vibratory plows, trenchers, rippers, add-on plows, and more.

Vermeer is teaming up with BRON to support customers who are working to keep up with major global investments in rural fiber and underground infrastructure. BRON’s products complement the Vermeer utility plow lineup by providing additional options for heavy-duty plows and attachments that are geared for some of the deeper and more extreme installation applications.

“This agreement positions Vermeer to better help our customers capture more of the underground telecom and energy work that will be required to provide more reliable access to critical infrastructure around the world,”

said Vice President of Environmental and Infrastructure Sales, Dave Wisniewski.

“As a fellow family-owned company, we are excited to deepen our partnership with Vermeer and its dealers around the world. Our products, partnered with the reach and expertise of the Vermeer dealer network, put us all in a stronger position to support our customers with the tools and service they need to stay productive,”

said Robert Hall, president of BRON.

BRON expects its products to be available at Vermeer dealerships in February 2021.

Source: Vermeer

The post Vermeer Enters Distribution Agreement with BRON for Utility Track Plows and Plow Attachments appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Monarch Tractor introduced the world’s first fully electric, driver optional, smart tractor integrated on a single platform. Farmers today face numerous challenges including labor shortages, effects of climate change, safety concerns, increased customer scrutiny for sustainability demands, government regulations, and more. Monarch Tractor addresses these issues by combining electrification, automation, machine learning, and data analysis to enhance farmer’s existing operations, increase labor productivity and safety, and maximize yields to cut overhead costs and emissions. The company has secured several hundred working farms as preliminary customers.

“Monarch Tractor is ushering in the digital transformation of farming with unprecedented intelligence, technology, and safety features. We have assembled a world-class team of farmers, engineers, and scientists to meet today’s farming demands and are empowering farmers by giving them intelligent tools to collect more predictive data to implement sustainable practices, better share their story and make more money. Hundreds of farmers have signed on to receive a Monarch Tractor and we look forward to delivering a new level of sustainability and efficiency to their existing farm operations.”

said Praveen Penmetsa, co-founder & CEO, Monarch Tractor.

Key features of the Monarch Tractor include:

1. Renewable Technology – Traditional diesel tractors produce roughly 14 times the emissions as the average car. The Monarch Tractor is 100 percent electric and has zero tailpipe emissions. It also serves as a 3-in-1 electrification tool operating not only as a tractor, but with extra storage acts as an ATV, and has the capabilities to perform as a powerful generator in the field.
2. Driver Optional – The Monarch Tractor can operate with or without a driver. The company utilizes the latest autonomous hardware and software technology to provide driver-assist and driver-optional operations. The tractor can perform pre-programmed tasks without a driver or an operator can use Monarch’s interactive automation features including Gesture and Shadow modes to have the tractor follow a worker on the job.
3. Unprecedented Safety – The Monarch Tractor is packed with safety features including roll and collision prevention, vision-based Power Take-Off (PTO) safety, and 360° cameras to keep operations running smoothly and employees safe, day or night.
4. Deep Learning & Sensing Suite – The Monarch Tractor collects and analyzes over 240GB of crop data every day it operates in the field. It can work with farmers’ current implements as well as the next generation of smart implements. Sensors and imaging are processed to provide critical data points that can be used for real-time implement adjustments as well as long term yield estimates, current growth stages, and another plant/crop health metrics. Utilizing machine learning, Monarch Tractor is able to digest this data and provide long-term analysis of field health, improving accuracy the longer it runs. Additionally, the data collected is securely stored in a Monarch cloud.
5. Smart Device Operation –Via a smartphone or personal device, users receive tractor alerts, updates on current micro-weather conditions, detailed operations reports, data collection, analysis, and storage for more efficient farm planning.
6. Powerful – Tractor’s electric drivetrain is capable of providing 40HP (30KW) of continuous power and short duration peak power up to 70HP (55KW) in a small footprint for multi-purpose usage.

“As a fourth-generation farmer, I’ve seen firsthand the hazards that farming presents not just to workers, but to the environment as well. Monarch Tractor is moving farming toward a safer and sustainable future by eliminating harmful emissions, reducing the need for herbicides, and keeping workers out of harm’s way with its driver-optional capabilities.”

said Carlo Mondavi, chief farming officer, Monarch Tractor.

“Adopting sustainable farming practices is core to our family and company values. We are pleased to partner with Monarch Tractor to further reduce our carbon footprint in 2021 by adding two new Monarch Tractors to our vineyard operations. We look forward to learning how Monarch can continue to help us create a more sustainable future, while also providing an efficient and safe environment for our teams.”

said Aly Wente, director of marketing, Wente Vineyards.

Monarch Tractor has received critical acclaim for its innovation. The company received “2020 Tractor of the Year” in the AgTech Breakthrough Awards, was named one of the World Ag Expo’s “Top 10 Best New Products,” and recognized in Fast Company’s “Best World-Changing Ideas: North America, Energy, and Food.”

“The Monarch Tractor’s autonomous features take it from just an environmental sustainability idea to a really higher productivity implement. There are a lot of ‘must-do’ things on the farm that you would like to see done autonomously and not dedicating people to having them do… this tractor can do it more efficiently.”

said Jim Hoffmann, owner, Hopville Farms.

Source: Monarch Tractor

The post Monarch Tractor Provides New Electric Tractor 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.

The farming industry never stops moving and evolving. Make sure you’re equipped for tomorrow’s challenges.

The Hustler Combi RX Multi Feeder Range is the result of more than 43 years of leadership in both the multi feeder market combined with over 59 years of market leadership in bale feeders, summed up in ONE machine.

Let’s have a look at WHY the RX Range is like nothing you’ve seen before and how you can benefit from owning Hustler Combi RX

1. By owning one machine that does it all, the need for farmers to own and train staff on multiple specialty feeders is eliminated.
2. Superior load optimization reduces trips to the field combined with even better maneuverability saves on tractor and labor costs.
3. New materials and components cut up to 10hrs of maintenance each month compared to other wagons
4.  4. Feeds anything you load on it
   1. Round & Square bales of any feed type
   2. Long & short cut silage of any feed type
   3. Maize or Corn silage and PKE
   4. Root crops, food waste, and much more
5. New puck board floor design can take the impact of loading heavy loads and root crops without denting or damaging the floors.
6. Massive oversize feeding bars and huge 12,000lb roller chains prevent bent bars or broken chains preventing downtime and costly repairs
7. Feed control as standard: gives the operator the best of both – silage wagon and bale feeder at the flick of a switch. Select between automated feed sequences or manually control each floor individually for total machine control
8. Maximum Visibility with see-through elevator retainers and full front-to-back look through design. Ease of use is next-level thanks to the improvement in visibility
9. No spillage between floors and elevator when feeding on a feedlot or feed pad
10. No more labor intensive unblocking, skipping belts, or frequent maintenance adjustments.
11. Hydraulic cylinder powered rear pusher door eliminates a full set of rear floor chains, bars, gearboxes, and the maintenance and wear and tear that comes with them. The 2-speed rams are internally ported to eliminate hoses, and maintenance
12. Low loading height and great visibility make loading a breeze be it bales, silage, or any other product

Source: Hustler Equipment

The post Hustler Equipment Presents the New Combi RX Multi Feeder Range appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

“Farmers and ranchers, who have already seen a drastic 50% decline in net farm income in the last four years, must have access to fixed and mobile broadband to be more efficient, economical and responsive to environmental needs,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said in a letter urging the committee to pass the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA).

While most Americans take broadband for granted, data compiled by the Federal Communications Commission shows that 26.4 percent of rural Americans lack access to broadband compared to only 1 percent of urban Americans.

“However, an asterisk must be used alongside these figures because the current data and maps used to collect broadband coverage is flawed and fails to accurately determine broadband access,” Duvall noted.

The main problem with broadband coverage maps is that they rely on census block data to determine which areas are covered. Census blocks are too large in rural and remote locations to accurately determine which areas are actually in need. If even one household in a given census block is reported by a provider as being served, then the entire block is considered served. With census blocks larger than 2 square miles comprising more than 64 percent of the U.S. land area, every rural area is impacted by this problem in some way.

To help improve broadband accessibility maps, the Broadband DATA Act would establish a serviceable location fabric, which would serve as a baseline for served, underserved and unserved broadband areas.

“With limited funding and an overabundance of need, more granular and accurate maps are critical to successfully target and distribute federal broadband programs,” Duvall said.

In addition, the bill would require the FCC to establish an audit process that ensures internet service providers are providing accurate data., It also would create a user-friendly challenge process.

The Broadband DATA Act is similar to another Farm Bureau-supported bill, the Broadband Data Improvement Act. Farm Bureau also backs the Senate version of the Broadband DATA Act, though it is slightly different than the House bill. The Senate’s Broadband DATA Act was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in July.

Source: American Farm Bureau Federation

The post House Committee Approves Farm Bureau-Supported Broadband Bill appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

National Farmers Union (NFU) supports efforts to address China’s unfair and manipulative trade practices and has repeatedly urged the administration to provide necessary assistance to farmers caught in the crosshairs. NFU President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in response to the agency’s announcement:

“Family farmers and ranchers have been grappling with low commodity prices and excess production for many years now, and the trade war with China and other major trading partners has compounded both problems. We appreciate USDA’s work to mitigate family farmers’ losses as a result of these trade disputes. However, while this trade aid package is an improvement over last year’s Market Facilitation Program, by definition it fails to provide predictable, consistent and adequate relief across American agriculture.

“We are pleased that USDA will be providing payments for a broader range of commodities than were covered under last year’s program. We also appreciate that producers of all covered commodities will receive equitable support. At the same time, basing payments on 2019 planted acres fails to help those who have faced or are facing impossible planting conditions.

“Ultimately, this package is only a short-term fix for a very long-term problem. Farmers rely on markets to make a living. Our ongoing trade wars have destroyed our reputation as a reliable supplier and have left family farmers with swelling grain stores and empty pockets. The very least we can do is provide our country’s struggling food producers with the certainty of a longer-term plan that also addresses the persistent and pernicious problem of oversupply.”

Source: National Farmers Union

The post USDA Announces Details of Trade Assistance Package appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

In written testimony, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson thanked the committee for addressing the deleterious effects of climate change on the agricultural industry and emphasized the need for federal policies that assist farmers with the implementation of practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and build resilience to extreme weather events.

“Climate change is not a future or hypothetical issue for family farmers and ranchers – they are already suffering its effects every day. Higher average temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent and severe natural disasters have added several more layers of uncertainty to the already difficult job of food production. As the climate continues to change, we can only expect the challenges to multiply. This serious and immediate problem requires serious and immediate action – and we are glad that the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is taking the first steps by holding this hearing.

“Though the agricultural sector is among the most directly impacted by climate change, it is also among the most capable of mitigating and adapting to its effects. Farmers and ranchers are not only able to cut greenhouse gas emissions on their operations, but they can also offset greenhouse gas emissions from other sectors by sequestering carbon in the soil, growing biofuels, and engaging in on-farm energy production. Many of the USDA’s existing conservation programs support these important efforts with financial and technical assistance. We encourage Congress to continue providing farmers with the tools they need by expanding and enhancing these programs. Additionally, we recommend robust investments in public agricultural research as well as the creation of market-based incentives for climate-smart practices.

“Farmers Union members understand the urgent threat that climate change poses to agriculture, and they want to do everything they can to lessen the damage. But this work isn’t free or easy – it often requires significant time, money, and expertise. We look forward to working with you to identify policies and solutions that help family farmers and ranchers achieve their sustainability goals.”

NFU members, numbering 200,000 family farmers and ranchers and rural residents, have long been concerned with the current and future consequences of climate change on agricultural livelihoods and global food security. At the organization’s 117^thannual convention in March, Farmers Union delegates passed a special order of businesscalling for “immediate and decisive action” to help farmers mitigate and adapt to this crisis.

Source: National Farmers Union

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