“After doing some research, we realized there was a truckload of good information about the economic benefits of precision agriculture, but very little information about the environmental benefits. So AEM has partnered with several other organizations (the American Soybean Association, CropLife America, and National Corn Growers Association) to take a look at this”

said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president of ag services at AEM’s recently held member education webinar on precision agriculture.

AEM’s study, “The Environmental Benefits of Precision Agriculture,” examines the impact of various technologies on the production of row crops, broad acre crops, roots and tubers, as well as forage. The data overwhelmingly shows that precision agriculture can have a positive environmental impact in all of these areas.

What is precision agriculture?

Precision agriculture leverages technologies to enhance sustainability through more efficient use of land, water, fuel, fertilizer and pesticides. Essentially, farmers who use precision agriculture technologies use less to grow more, reducing both cost and environmental impact.

The five primary areas of technology are:

• Auto guidance, also known as auto steer, uses GPS to automatically steer machinery and avoid overlap during tilling, planting, spraying and harvesting. This more efficient operation reduces the time, labor, fuel and materials used.
• Machine section control turns planter, sprayer and fertilizer sections on/off in crop rows that have been previously treated. This helps to optimize material application, reducing cost and environmental impact.
• Variable rate technology uses sensors or preprogrammed maps to determine the application rates for fertilizer, seed and crop protection products. This equipment may also utilize supporting technologies such as GPS, yield monitors, and crop and soil sensors.
• Machine and fleet analytics encompass the real-time monitoring of equipment, including location tracking, route suggestions and idling. This technology helps to increase asset utilization and decrease the amount of fuel used.
• Precision irrigation provides the ability to apply different amounts of water to different areas. By applying just the right amount of water as needed, water consumption is reduced without negatively impacting crop performance.

“There is also a lot of enabling technology that goes along with the five key areas listed above. Things like remote sensing, GPS tracking, climate stations, integration with field prescriptions and on-the-go sensing all enable impact technologies like auto guidance and machine section control to take hold.”

Blades pointed out.

What does the data say?

In consultation with several environmental groups, AEM identified five areas with the most potential to impact the environment. The study shows that farmers consistently using various precision agriculture technologies achieved the following:

• 4% increase in crop production
• 7% increase in fertilizer placement efficiency
• 9% reduction in herbicide and pesticide use
• 6% reduction in fossil fuel use
• 4% reduction in water use

How do all of those improvements add up from an environmental standpoint?

• 2 million acres of cropland avoided due to more efficient use of existing land
• 30 million fewer pounds of herbicide
• 100 million fewer gallons of fossil fuel
• Enough water saved to fill 750,000 Olympic-size swimming pools

While the AEM study shows significant gains in each area, the potential for additional improvement is even more impressive.

Blades pointed out.

 “Now we can show the world that American commodities are grown sustainably, and precision agriculture is a big part of that. The great thing about these technologies is that no matter what kind of farmer you are, precision agriculture technologies have substantial value.”

said AEM Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs and Ag Policy Nick Tindall.

With respect to fertilizer use, an additional efficiency gain of 14% is possible through broader adoption.

“More efficient fertilizer use comes down to the four R principles: the right time at the right rate with the right source in the right place. Precision agriculture is absolutely necessary for all four of those principles to take place.”

Blades explained.

With respect to herbicide and pesticide use, the 9% gain already realized could be followed by another 15% gain through full adoption. That means another 48 million pounds of product could be avoided.

“These are amazing statistics to share. The crop protection industry has a lot of arrows on its back. We want to reduce the amount of product that’s on the ground. If farmers can employ technologies like auto guidance, variable rate technology and section control, it’s pretty amazing what is possible in terms of usage reduction.”

Blades said.

The potential for additional gains in water savings is perhaps the most impressive. Full adoption of technologies like variable rate precision irrigation and soil moisture sensors could result in another 21% reduction in water usage.

With fossil fuel usage, a number of things come into play. “Engine technology has come a long way,” Blades said. “But the big drivers in agriculture are auto guidance and machine telematics.” By leverage those two technologies, the industry could achieve another 16% reduction through full adoption.

Along with a reduction in fossil fuel usage is a discussion about CO2 emissions. Precision agriculture technologies are making an impact here as well.

Blades said:

“In all the data we have seen thus far, current adoption equates to roughly 10.1 million metric tons avoided. Another 17.3 million metric tons could be avoided through broader adoption of precision agriculture. This takes into consideration the more efficient use of land, herbicide reduction, fertilizer efficiency, water usage, and fossil fuels from machinery. All of these things come together to tell a really great story.”

The story could get even greater with more widespread adoption of precision agriculture technologies.

What will I take to increase adoption?

According to Blades, four key components will help accelerate adoption:

• Government policies that reward innovation
• Increased farm income to help facilitate investments
• Improved infrastructure (i.e., wireless networks over cropland)
• Improved consumer communication to build trust in the science

“Technology isn’t something we should be afraid of. Technology is something we should fully embrace to meet the challenges that are in front of us.”

Blades said.

One example of supportive government policy is the PAL Act (Precision Agriculture Loan Act) that has been introduced by senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) AEM will continue to keep an eye on this important piece of proposed legislation.

It should also be noted that embracing precision agriculture can also create additional economic opportunity for farmers. Nick Tindall, AEM senior director of regulatory affairs and ag policy, said significant outreach to organizations like the EPA, USDA and NRCS has been made as a result of this study.

“Now we can show the world that American commodities are grown sustainably, and precision agriculture is a big part of that. The great thing about these technologies is that no matter what kind of farmer you are, precision agriculture technologies have substantial value”

said AEM Agricultural Services Manager Austin Gellings. 

Austin Gellings, AEM agricultural services manager, has presented the study’s findings to various stakeholder groups around the country. One such group was a gathering of state directors of agriculture.

“Everyone was very receptive of the data we’re bringing out. There’s almost a thirst for these kinds of numbers as justification for a modern way of producing food. We’re not saying every farmer across the U.S. will implement all of these technologies. But if we can edge closer to 95%, we’ll make a big difference.”

Gellings stated. Gellings also presented the study’s findings to a gathering of farmers.

“They really appreciated this information, too. For those already using precision agriculture, these numbers validate what they are doing. Also, if they have a neighbor who is on the fence or skeptical about some of these technologies, they can point to these numbers as proof. Not only can you make a difference in the world, but you’ll also benefit from reducing herbicide application, for instance. That’s dollars and cents, and a farmer’s eyes light up every time”

said Gellings.

Source: AEM

The post The Road for Environmental Sustainability Passes through Precision Agriculture appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Morton Fertilizer, which encompasses D&B Morton Fertilizer Service, Inc. of Bureau County, IL and Du-Mor Crop Care, Inc. of Clinton County, IA, will immediately become part of the Brandt organization, strengthening the company’s commitment to Central Illinois while providing Brandt’s first outlet in Iowa.

“We welcome Morton Fertilizer to the BRANDT family,”

said Rick Brandt, CEO & President of Brandt.

“Gary Morton and his team at Morton Fertilizer share our values, putting agronomic service and trusted advice first. A family business, they were even founded the same year as Brandt: 1953.”

The acquisition of Morton Fertilizer fits Brandt’s aggressive corporate strategy of providing superior agronomic advice and services to Illinois growers. The combined company has 27 retail locations throughout central Illinois and one location in Iowa. Brandt serves more than one million acres of production farmland, offering a broad range of services, including plant nutrients, crop protection products, precision Ag, seeds, and custom application.

Morton Fertilizer will be integrated into the Brandt Agronomic Services operating company, under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President Tim McArdle and Vice President John Allen.

“We have been working on this transaction for more than five years. It took patience, tenacity and vision to get it done,”

said McArdle.

“I want to thank Gary for sticking with us and recognizing that together we can provide world class services and trusted advice to his legacy customers. That’s what he built his business on and we are committed to carrying that forward.”

Gary Morton, owner of Morton Fertilizer, and his seven full-time employees will become members of Team Brandt immediately. Morton will remain with Brandt as manager of the Brandt Wyanet location, providing operations management and key account leadership. Mark Jacobs, the current manager of Grand Mound, IA, will continue on as the Brandt Grand Mound plant manager.

“I’m excited that we now have certainty for the future with a company that shares our founding philosophy,”

said Morton.

“Our whole team is thrilled to be part of the Brandt organization, as now we can provide an even higher level of customer care. But the real winners are our customers. Brandt Agronomic Services provides the best advice in the business and offers world-class input products. We know: We have been proud to carry Brandt Smart Trio for years.”

Morton Fertilizer was founded in 1953 by Don Morton. He purchased the Iowa location in 1977, beginning operation in the fall of 1977.

“This is an important move for Brandt, representing our first retail foray into Iowa,”

said Rick Brandt.

“We are committed to advancing the business that Gary’s father founded and to taking care of the Morton team. Together we will continue to deliver for our customers and build on this terrific business.”

Source: Brandt

The post Brandt Acquires Retail Agronomy Company appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Huron Tractor remains vigilant in our efforts to monitor the current COVID-19 situation. We are actively working to ensure the health and well-being of all of our customers and Huron Tractor employees during this uncertain time.

Huron Tractor is still in full operation, but will be making the following change:

EFFECTIVE – 5PM FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2020
Huron Tractor facility access will be CLOSED to the public and restricted to employees only.

To ensure our customers’ needs are addressed as we approach the busy spring season we will continue to offer the following support:

Parts

Please contact your local store by phone to allow us to assist you with parts. Once your order is gathered, your order will be placed in a designated area for pickup.

Alternatively, parts can also be ordered online 24-7 through our MyDealer Customer Portal and picked up at each branch.

Service

The only change to service will be the request to call ahead to schedule picking up or dropping off of equipment.

Mobile Service is still available at your operation, providing that you can ensure a safe working environment compliant with all current health regulations. Technicians will be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment and disinfectants to clean the areas of the equipment they are working on.

Precision Ag Services

Our Precision Ag team is available to assist customers with pre-season preparations including Operations Centre and equipment setup support by leveraging Wireless Data Transfer, Remote Display Access on displays or via video chat, web meetings and other means.

Equipment sales

New or pre-owned Ag, Turf or Compact Construction Equipment consultations (virtually, by phone or in-person) can be scheduled by calling your local store or sales professional

New Riding Lawn Equipment, Gator Utility Vehicles, and Compact Utility Tractors can also be purchased online with free delivery within appropriate distances.

As circumstances and best practices in Ontario change rapidly, please stay tuned to our website and social channels for any future updates. From all of us at Huron Tractor, we thank you for your cooperation during this time.

Sincerely,
Huron Tractor Ownership

Source: Huron Tractor

The post Huron Tractor has a new Update about Covid-19 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.