“We’ve been on a technology journey with our customers since broadcast spraying. We moved to a zone-focus with section control and then advanced to individual row control with ExactApply. We’re excited to optimize each individual plant using See & Spray’s artificial intelligence and machine learning.”

said Franklin Peitz, marketing manager for John Deere.

See & Spray Ultimate’s targeted spray technology was designed by Blue River Technology, a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Deere. Cameras and processors mounted on John Deere’s new carbon-fiber truss-style boom utilize the combined power of computer vision and machine learning to detect weeds from crop plants. There is one camera mounted every one meter across the width of the boom, which equates to 36 cameras on a 120-foot boom scanning more than 2,100 square feet at once. The accuracy of the target spray is enhanced by BoomTrac Ultimate, the new, industry-leading boom height control system from John Deere.

“While operating at up to 12 mph, See & Spray Ultimate’s targeted spray technology can help farmers reduce their non-residual herbicide use by more than two-thirds and maintain a hit rate comparable to traditional spraying. For farmers, this decreased herbicide use can significantly lower herbicide costs, reduce tendering stops, and help them cover more acres per day.”

said Peitz.

Another key component of See & Spray Ultimate is the split tank with dual-product capability, which helps farmers better control weeds and battle herbicide resistance.

“We executed several strip trials, and in one strip trial in Illinois soybeans, we compared the weed control results of a broadcast, single tank mix to See & Spray Ultimate’s dual product solution system. The single tank mix had three modes of action and with the dual product, we were able to add a fourth mode of action that wouldn’t be as effective with a one tank mix due to antagonism. The See & Spray Ultimate dual product pass with the fourth mode of action resulted in 7% better weed control than the broadcast pass, providing better yield protection for the farmer.  Through the addition of another mode of action, chances for herbicide resistance development are also reduced, adding another layer of yield protection for the future.”

Peitz said.

Two tank options are available, 1,200 and 1,000 gallons. The 1,200-gallon option is split into a 450-gallon tank for targeted spraying and a 750-gallon tank for broadcast spraying. The 1,000-gallon option is split into a 350-gallon tank for targeted spraying and a 650-gallon tank broadcast spraying.

“Farmers can apply a residual broadcast application and non-residual targeted application in a pre-emergence pass or targeted spray only as a clean-up pass. This also allows farmers to rethink their fungicide and liquid fertilizer passes,”

Peitz said.

John Deere MY23 Sprayers come factory equipped with JDLink connectivity, plus a new integrated StarFire 7000 GPS receiver, and Generation 4 CommandCenter display. The StarFire 7000 receiver builds upon the success of its predecessors and brings to market a new type of RTK signal, SF-RTK. SF-RTK is the easiest RTK solution to use relying solely on satellite communication. These technologies combined, enable the operator to reduce overlap and maximize inputs all with less stress.

As See & Spray Ultimate travels across the field, the Generation 4 Display allows a farmer to analyze savings by seeing how much ground was covered compared to how much was sprayed. After a pass is made, a map showing weed pressure within each field is available in John Deere Operations Center. This enables a farmer to compare the weed map to their yield map and make decisions about their weed-control program. Peitz said these analytical tools provide insights to make more-informed field management decisions year after year.

“From a sustainability standpoint, See & Spray Ultimate can help farmers use less herbicide and decrease opportunities for drift, and that’s better for everyone,”

Peitz said.

The post Deere launches See & Spray Ultimate: In-Season Targeted Spray Technology Combined with a Dual Product Solution System for Corn, Soybeans, and Cotton appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

As is done every year in September, planted and harvested acreage estimates for cotton were reviewed based on all available data, including the latest certified acreage data from the Farm Service Agency. Because of the completeness of the data, corn and soybean acreage were also reviewed for this report, a month earlier than usual. As a result, the area planted to corn is estimated at 93.3 million acres, up 1% from the previous estimate; area planted to soybeans is estimated at 87.2 million acres, down less than 1% from the previous estimate; and area planted to cotton is estimated at 11.2 million acres, down 5% from the previous estimate.

The average U.S. corn yield is forecast at 176.3 bushels per acre, up 1.7 bushels from last month’s forecast and up 4.3 bushels from last year. NASS forecasts record-high yields in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Acres planted to corn, at 93.3 million, are up 3% from 2020. The area to be harvested for grain is forecast at 85.1 million acres, up 1% from last month and 3% more than was harvested last year. As of Aug. 29, 60% of this year’s corn crop was reported in good or excellent condition, 2 percentage points below the same time last year.

Area for soybean harvest is forecast at 86.4 million acres, down less than 1% from last month but 5% more than was harvested last year. Planted area for the nation, estimated at 87.2 million acres, is up 5% from last year. Soybean yields are expected to average 50.6 bushels per acre, up 0.6 bushels from last month’s forecast and up 0.4 bushels from 2020. If realized, the forecasted yields in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia will be a record high.

NASS forecasts all cotton areas to be harvested at 9.92 million acres, 4% below last month’s forecast but 20% more acres than were harvested last season. Yield is expected to average 895 pounds per harvested acre, up 95 pounds from last month’s forecast and up 48 pounds from 2020. Area planted to all cotton is estimated at 11.2 million acres, down 7% from last year.

Source: USDA

The post USDA Forecasts US Corn, Soybean, Cotton Production up From 2020 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

As the 2021 planting season nears, growers are looking at how to drive efficiency, boost yields and make the most of their equipment investments. Case IH shares how to achieve early, consistent soybean emergence to drive yields, and provides equipment investment recommendations for growers to consider to maximize ROI on their operation this year. In addition, new configurations of Precision Air carts bring the largest capacity in the Case IH tow-between model lineup for greater in-field efficiency, while new features for 2000 series Early Riser planters enhance accuracy and minimize compaction.

Plant soybeans earlier to maximize yield potential

While many growers prioritize planting corn before soybeans, studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign show that planting soybeans earlier can be critical to maximizing yield potential. When soybeans are planted early, they reach stage V1 earlier, resulting in more potential pods and seeds per acre.

One effective way producers growing both corn and soybeans can expand soybean-planting windows is by adding a lower-investment, high-efficiency air drill to their operation. The Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drill, for example, is an ideal option to help plant soybeans earlier or into tough no-till seedbeds — all while maximizing ROI.

“For years, growers have traditionally prioritized planting corn before soybeans. Recent studies showing the significant benefits of early soybean planting, however, are causing some producers to reconsider their planting practices and plant soybean crops earlier. Adding an air drill to a producer’s operation for soybean seeding can add valuable days to the growing season,”

said Trent Nowosad, Case IH marketing manager for seeding equipment.

Late-emerging soybeans can be costly

In addition to earlier planting, key drivers to soybean yields that producers have control over are accurate seed placement and consistent emergence. Studies from North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association show that late-emerging soybeans can be costly — with a potential loss of up to $140 per acre when soybeans are just four days behind. Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drills are designed to deliver the most accurate seed placement in the industry, allowing growers to set up their soybean crop for success and help plants emerge earlier and more consistently to boost yields.

Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk, single-rank air drills are agronomically designed with a parallel link row unit — a feature that sets this model apart from competitors. This row-unit is built to efficiently cut through residue, open a uniform seed trench, accurately deliver the seed and effectively close the trench. For growers looking for a soybean-special air drill, a single-rank configuration with 15-inch spacing is now available for the Model Year 2021 Precision Disk 500T.

“With the Case IH Precision Disk 500T single disk air drill, producers don’t have to sacrifice accuracy and agronomic performance for efficiency. Each feature and component is designed to contribute to earlier, more-uniform emergence to help growers boost their bottom lines,”

Nowosad said.

New Precision Air 5 series air cart models

Delivering more capacity to help small grain producers make the most of their time in the field, Case IH is expanding the Precision Air 5 series air cart lineup with two new wide-bodies, tow-between models. The new Precision Air 3725 offers a capacity of 725 bushels, while the Precision Air 4765 carries 760 bushels — the largest capacity in the Case IH tow-between model lineup.

Each new model features a three-tank design, while the Precision Air 4765 air cart also is equipped with an auxiliary tank. The new models are available with a hydraulic jack to raise and lower the air cart, making it easy to hook up to the tractor, even when the cart is fully loaded. A multiposition rear hitch allows for proper drill height for added flexibility, accommodating varying types of drills.

Case IH also offers a new rice roller, available on all Model Year 2021 Precision Air 5 series air carts. Designed to meter both hybrid and conventional rice with unmatched accuracy, this option is available to order factory-installed. Current owners of Precision Air 5 series air carts can install the roller on their current models.

New features for Early Riser planter

To help producers achieve accurate seed placement, Case IH is offering the Precision Planting WaveVision seed sensor as a factory-fit option for the 2000 series Early Riser planter. Available for Model Year 2022, this feature is especially valuable for growers in high-dust or extreme residue conditions where a standard optical sensor might provide erratic feedback due to interference.

In addition, Case IH offers a 2×2 frame-mounted liquid fertilizer factory-fit for Model Year 2022, ideal for growers looking for precise placement of starter fertilizer with their planter pass. Available for 2160 Early Riser planters, new track offerings include a 24-inch-wide track spaced at a gauge width of 132 inches to help growers minimize compaction.

The post Case IH Seeding and Planting Lineup Boosts Efficiency, ROI appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The study found that U.S. light-duty and freight vehicle consumption of ethanol and biodiesel could decline up to 90 percent to 1.1 billion gallons and up to 61 percent to 0.8 billion gallons, respectively.

Corn and soybean consumption could decrease by up to 2.0 billion bushels and up to 470 million bushels, respectively. Corn prices fall up to 50 percent to $1.74 per bushel, while soybean prices fall up to 44 percent to $4.92 per bushel.

Overall, U.S. net farm income would decrease by up to $27 billion due to a proposed ban.

This study makes clear that an internal combustion engine vehicle ban could devastate the agriculture community. Proposals that seek to rush this ban to 2035 have the most severe impacts, but any ban results in dramatic decreases in ethanol, biodiesel, corn and soybean prices, and demand for fertilizer and other agricultural products. These are burdens carried disproportionately by the agriculture community.

Using the study’s estimated acreage reduction of 5 to 7 million acres of corn as an example, the impact on fertilizer alone is significant. In that scenario, nitrogen demand impact is approximately 800,000 to 1 million tons of urea and UAN each, assuming that the direct application of ammonia volume remains constant. This represents about 15 percent of the urea market and 7% of the UAN market in the U.S., which will have a significant impact on fertilizer prices.

Further, the study shows that the economic losses throughout the biofuels value chain range from $105 billion to $185 billion, and cumulative federal, state, and local tax revenues losses range from $39 billion to $69 billion through 2050.

This study used POLYSYS and IMPLAN to derive the agricultural and economic impacts of this study.

Source: Agricultural Retailers Association

The post Agriculture Retailers Association Releases New Study about Impacts of Increased Electric Vehicle Penetration appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The prestigious award is presented annually to a farmer cooperative director in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to his/her cooperative’s achievements. Davis has served on the AGP Board of Directors for over 26 years and as AGP Chairman since 2002. During that time, Davis also served as General Manager of Gold‐Eagle Cooperative, a position he held for over 35 years. Overall, he held various roles in the cooperative system for more than 40 years.

“Brad’s leadership as Chairman of the AGP Board reflects his commitment to cooperative values and our mission to serve agriculture. His insights and dedication to collaboration and communication enhance our strategic planning and investment programs, and have been an important part of the ongoing success of AGP”

said AGP CEO Keith Spackler.

Commenting on his award, Davis said, “I’m very honored and humbled to receive this award and I want to sincerely thank the NCFC and its membership.”

He added:

“The AGP Board of Directors and management have a very open and supportive relationship, and it is so rewarding to work with so many outstanding members of the AGP team. I believe the strength of the cooperative model at AGP mirrors a set of shared values we all strive to incorporate into our lives, our businesses, and our relationships. Moreover, I am proud of AGP’s commitment to share successes with its many cooperative owners, employees, and other stakeholders.”

The nominees for the award are examined by a panel of judges representing the NCFC membership and outside experts. Nominees are evaluated on four broad criteria: how well the nominee understands the cooperative; the ability to provide leadership and be a team player; the possession of good business judgment; and the ability to communicate effectively.

The NCFC Director of the Year award includes a dedicated scholarship for agricultural studies in the name of the recipient to an institution of higher learning of choice. Davis chose Iowa State University to receive the scholarship funds.

AGP is a leading agribusiness with primary operations as a major U.S. soybean processor/refiner producing and marketing soybean meal, refined soybean oil, and biodiesel. AGP businesses also include agricultural product trading in domestic and international markets and numerous U.S. grain elevator operations. AGP is owned by local and regional cooperatives representing farmer‐producers across the United States. Corporate headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska.

About NCFC

Since 1929, NCFC has been the voice of America’s farmer cooperatives. Their members are regional and national farmer cooperatives, which are in turn composed of nearly 2,000 local farmer cooperatives across the country. NCFC members also include 26 state and regional councils of cooperatives. Farmer cooperatives allow individual farmers the ability to own and lead organizations that are essential for continued competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets.

Source: AG Processing

The post AGP nominates Chairman Brad Davis Director of the Year appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.