$100 Ideas

Hot Beef Sundae

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

By Missouri Beef Council

Hot Beef Sundae

Ingredients

1 pkg (17 oz) fully cooked beef tips with gravy
1 pkg (24 oz) prepared mashed potatoes
Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cherry or grape tomatoes

Method

Heat both beef tips and mashed potatoes according to package directions.
Using an ice cream scoop, place 2 scoops (about 1/3 cup each) of mashed potatoes in 4 individual sundae bowls.
Divide beef tips evenly over potatoes in each dish, repeat and top with sour cream and tomato to resemble the cherry!

Funds Active Sellers of Corn and Beans Since Sept. 1

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

What Traders are Talking About:

* Fund selling continues in corn, beans. Funds sold another 13,000 contracts (65 million bu.) of corn and 4,000 contracts (20 million bu.) of soybeans Thursday. Since September 1, funds have sold a net 30,000 contracts (150 million bu.) of corn and 16,000 contracts (80 million bu.) of soybeans.

The long and short of it: As long as funds are active sellers, there’s more downside risk in corn and bean futures. But once funds flip the switch to “buy” again, it will become much easier for corn and soybean futures to strengthen.

* Chinese inflation eases, economic activity slows. China’s CPI slowed to a 6.2% over year-ago in August, down slightly from the 6.5% increase in July, which was a three-year high. Food price inflation at +13.4% accounted for 4 points of the overall inflation total. Pork prices rose “only” 45.5% in Aug. after surging. nearly 57% in July. China also announced second quarter GDP came in at 9.5%, down from 9.7% in the first quarter and 10.4% for all of 2010.

The long and short of it: The combination of slightly milder inflationary pressure and slowed economic activity suggests China is likely done with the monetary tightening.

* Macro focus on global economic slowdown. Finance ministers and central bankers from the G7 economic powers, along with International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde, are meeting in Marseille, France, today with a focus on trying to stem the tide on the global economic slowdown. Yesterday, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revised sharply down its growth forecasts for the rest of the year for G7 nations. OECD says U.S. growth is set to be much weaker than previously forecast at 1.1% in the third quarter and 0.4% in the fourth quarter, compared with forecasts of 2.9% and 3% at the end of May. Also yesterday, the European Central Bank shifted its stance and held interest rates rates steady at its policy meeting, saying inflation risks are no longer skewed to the upside and that economic growth in the region will be slow at best. That has many traders now expecting the ECB to cut rates by the end of the year.

The long and short of it: The global economic slowdown is a factor for grain and soy futures in that it could impact investor attitudes. And speculative money flow is still very important to price direction in grain and soy futures.

Follow me on Twitter: @BGrete

Need a speaker for a seminar or special event? Contact me: bgrete@profarmer.com

Grains Maintain This Week's Choppy Trading Range

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

Follow me on twitter @julijohnston

Overnight highlights.

Following are highlights of overnight trade and opening calls:

Corn: Marginally to 2 cents higher. To maintain this week’s choppy trading range, corn was firmer overnight. Strength in the U.S. dollar index limited buying, although traders don’t want to push corn too far to the downside ahead of Monday’s Crop Production Report. Traders fully expect USDA to lower the size of the crop, but have a sizable yield drop already priced in.

Soybeans: 5 to 7 cents higher. Futures benefited from short-covering overnight to maintain this week’s choppy range. Strength in the dollar limited buying, although focus in the market today will also be on position squaring ahead of Monday’s Crop Production Report. Like corn, traders expect USDA to trim the size of the crop due to declining crop condition ratings, but have a yield drop already factored into prices.

Wheat: Mixed. Futures have been in a follower’s role this week, but upside potential from slight strength in corn overnight was limited by dollar strength. Since U.S. wheat is not priced competitively on the global market, further dollar improvement raises concerns about how long lasting slowed wheat demand will be.

Live cattle: Steady to higher. Futures are expected to be higher this morning in reaction to the start of cash cattle trade at higher levels in Nebraska. Live cattle have posted technical improvement this week to signal a near-term low has been posted, which could help secure a high-range finish for the week. But with the U.S. stock market expected to be weaker, buying could be limited.

Lean Hogs: Steady to higher. Followthrough buying in lean hog futures today and a high-range close would signal a near-term low has been posted. Traders have brought nearby hogs back in line with the cash index and cash bids were mostly steady yesterday and could possibly firm today as packers say they still need to secure next week’s needs.

Join Farmers Feeding the World in Making a Difference

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

Dear Farm Journal Reader:

When talking with farmers who just weathered the worst drought since 1956, I’m heartened by how many link the impact of the drought with their ability to feed the world. Being from Missouri, I’ve lived through several droughts. Memories of 1988 are the most vivid, but this is the first time I’ve heard farmers worry about a short crop putting the hungry at risk.

As the Editor of Farm Journal and President of the Farm Journal Foundation, which leads the nonprofit Farmers Feeding the World initiative, that connection provokes a bittersweet pride for how farmers are engaging in the fight to alleviate hunger, both here and abroad. Today, the average U.S. farmer feeds 155 people. That’s a far cry from the 26 people a single producer fed in 1960. Even so, more than 870 million people go to bed hungry every night—many of them children. At the same time, a growing information gap between the people who grow food and those who eat it is creating a general misunderstanding of agriculture.

Thanks to support from farmers like yourself, Farmers Feeding the World devotes philanthropic funds to tackle both problems by:

making sure food and, most importantly, the ability to grow food is in the hands of the hungry.
educating the public on the critical importance of modern agriculture and your freedom to operate.

In the past year, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of farmers, ranchers and friends of agriculture, Farmers Feeding the World has:

supported a $1 million donation to Heifer International to teach the hungry in the U.S. and abroad to feed themselves.
launched the inaugural HungerU Tour, visiting seven college campuses and the National FFA Convention this past fall. Made possible by support from DuPont Crop Protection, the Tour educated students, academia and all who eat about the pivotal role agriculture plays in feeding the world’s burgeoning population. Several stops included evening Food Forums as well.
provided funding for a $500,000 grant program that awarded up to $2,500 each to 140 FFA chapters. The partnership with the National FFA Organization was made possible with matching funds from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The FFA: Food For All grants gave chapters the incentive to start sustainable community hunger solutions, which created $14.70 in return for every $1 granted. The Checotah, Okla., chapter’s president was honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change.”
conducted advocacy and education efforts in Washington, D.C., including: face-to-face meetings with policymakers and power brokers such as House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Ag Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow; a Freshman Lawmaker Roundtable; an Ag Briefing with the Alliance to End Hunger; and the Farm Journal Forum.

Here’s a video overview of our work:

Learn more about our Milestone Year .

We are proud of the work that Farmers Feeding the World has done in 2012, and we are grateful for the generosity and support from friends like you, who have made it all possible. We need your continued donations to keep making a difference. Our commitment is that 100% of your donation goes straight to our non-profit mission.

Join the cause. Feed the hungry. Give now.

From the Farm Journal Foundation, we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Charlene Finck
President

TechCrunch: Agtech Investment Jumps Threefold in 2017

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:17:24 GMT

Agtech startups have raised more than $320 million in 2017. That’s three times the amount raised over the same period in 2016.

So far, 23 agtech companies have received venture capital funding in 2017, Farmer’s Business Network topped the list, with $40 million in early March. Other companies receiving high levels of funding include Inocucor and Abundant Robotics, receiving $28.9 million and $10 million, respectively.

Crunchbase has identified just nine investors that explicitly fund agricultural ventures. But according to TechCrunch , the agtech sector is becoming more approachable, and investors of all kinds are increasingly more open to investing in agricultural technology. Previously, it was more common for biomedical or other adjacent industries to invest in agtech.

Even though both the startup and the investor side of agtech are growing, Techcrunch also notes that many of these companies are in the early stages of development and investment - likely a long way from turning a profit for investors or becoming publicly traded. The last notable time a venture capital-backed agtech company was acquired for a large profit was in 2013, when The Climate Corporation was purchased by Monsanto for $930 million.

Current mergers among the biggest agribusinesses, coupled with the early stage in which many agtech startups find themselves, means there likely won’t be another major purchase anytime soon. but as companies like Farmer’s Business Network mature, they will also become more attractive to the big players. And as mergers fall or finish, these agtech disruptors may be the next place for big agriculture companies to seek major growth.

12 Days of Top Producer Seminar: Practical Succession Planning

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 06:23:35 GMT

As the holidays approach, families often spend more time thinking about their succession plan. While the Christmas dinner table isn’t the place to discuss succession planning, Top Producer Seminar is! On January 25, Polly Dobbs, a lawyer with Dobbs Legal Group and Farm Journal Legacy Council Advisor will present a breakout session at the 2018 Top Producer Seminar on practical tips for succession planning.

[Register for the 2018 Top Producer Seminar now!]

Here are three things Dobbs says all farmers should consider in 2018:

1. If you don’t have a successor, do you want to find one, or is a machinery auction your plan for retirement or after death, with spouse and kids splitting the net after taxes? “Many programs are available to match young farmers with mentors who are nearing retirement with no related successors who like the idea of grooming a young farmer who buys into operations over time, or following death,” she says.

2. If you do have a successor, related or not, take steps to protect access to your land by your successor in operations. “Your spouse and kids can be landlords, who are contractually obligated to lease your land to your successor in operations on terms you’ve defined as being reasonable and fair,” she says. “Don’t let the land get sold out from underneath the operator, and you may not want to force the successor in operations to buy the family land, if access thereto is sufficient. You need to draw the road map; don’t make them figure it out on their own.”

3. Ask all your landlords for a first right to purchase their land. “You know which landlords have eager heirs waiting to put the farm up for auction before the landlord is even cold in the ground,” she says. “Many of those landlords have verbally indicated they want you to have buy their land. When it comes to real property, contracts must be in writing, oral promises don’t stand up. Get that first right in writing, with details about the purchase price the landlord deems fair, and record it. Then after the landlord’s death, you have a contractual right to purchase the land, and won’t have to show up at an auction to bid on land that’s an important base to your operations.”

Dobbs’ session will occur during the 9:10 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. breakout sessions on Thursday.

Attend 2018 Top Producer Seminar

When: Jan. 23–26

Where: Hilton Chicago Hotel Downtown, 720 S. Michigan Ave.

What: Welcome reception on Tuesday, Jan. 24 with Trust In Food Symposium attendees; business education and Top Producer of the Year banquet on Wednesday, Jan. 25; “U.S. Farm Report” taping and business education with lunch keynote on Thursday, Jan. 26; and sponsor breakfast followed by two mainstage presentations on the global ag economy and event wrap-up at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27

More Info: To register for the seminar or for additional information, visit TopProducerSeminar.com.

Thanks to our 2018 Top Producer Seminar sponsors:

Premier Level: Agrium (ESN), BASF, Bayer, Beck’s Hybrids, Case IH, Channel, DOW AgroSciences, John Deere, KCOE ISOM, DuPont Pioneer, Top Third Ag Marketing, Valent Co-Sponsors: CliftonLarsonAllen, Rabo AgriFinance Supporting Level: Advance Trading, BMO Harris, Transition Point Business Advisors

Family Focus Drives Century-Old Operation

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 06:23:35 GMT

For the Gruhlkey family, farming thousands of irrigated acres in two states and eight counties is the easy part. The hard part is worrying about how to keep doing it so successfully without shorting their families.

There are three brothers: Braden, 30, Brittan, 28, and Cameron, 25. They’ve been partnering in an ever-growing operation since the oldest was in high school. Farming has been their passion since pre-school. The long hours on the farm, even as they worked through college degrees, probably seemed easy. But then came marriage and babies and a competing passion.

Talk to them about the short-term future and they worry about commodity prices, input inflation and staying current with the flood of new production technology. But ask about their long-term challenges, and they fret about how they’ll find time for the kids and how they’ll develop a structure that will keep everybody happy and working toward the same goals.

While not uncommon, these are big worries for the trio of brothers, especially since the oldest of their next generation—the generation they’re thinking about—is just starting T-ball, for goodness’ sake.

Deep Rural Roots

This family focus on the future’s future is what Hank Williams Jr. might call a family tradition.

It goes back more than 100 years. If you’ve ever done the old Route 66 trek through the Texas Panhandle, you might have noticed near Adrian—which bills itself as the historic midpoint of the iconic byway—a “Gruhlkey Road.” That would be the family name, adopted after William Henry Gruhlkey bought a piece of land there in 1916.

Today, the Gruhlkey brothers worry about cheap corn. Their great-granddad faced the prices of the Great Depression and did it from the dustiest middle of the Dust Bowl. And he probably pondered as hard about borrowing a few hundred dollars to buy a new-fangled Hoeme sweep plow as they do penciling out the cost of precision planters and stubborn rental rates.

The decimals come much farther to the right of the dollar signs now, but it’s the same kind of problem. While their great-granddad wondered if that first Hoeme would really stop the blowing dust, his great-grandsons wonder if they can justify, you know, really justify, the expense of bigger and more expensive farming equipment.

Without knowing for sure about their forebear’s bookkeeping, you can bet they’re doing their worrying today with more precision.

Farm Lineage

Here’s how William Henry’s little place stayed in the family so long and continues to grow and prosper. Roger, the boys’ granddad, was raised on the farm. He loved it, but farm boys of that age foresaw limited opportunities. He went to college and took a degree in petroleum engineering and ended up running a successful insurance business in Amarillo, 50 miles to the east. In 1983—as the ’80s farm bust neared its end—he bought a farm near Wildorado.

They lived in Amarillo but Bill, the brothers’ father, spent his summers with his grandparents at the home place in Adrian, helping out and loving it. After college, he spent some time as a high school math teacher. He liked that, too, he says, but he knew he wanted to farm. When his dad was diagnosed with cancer, Bill quit teaching to see to the Wildorado place. By then, he had the three sons and not enough help. So the boys helped—“all three of them in the truck cab with their mother”—Bill recalls. And they must have liked it because none will admit to having ever thought seriously of any other career path.

All three brag on their experience in Vega High School’s stellar ag mechanics program classes and teacher Jay Newton. They made good grades, but they also learned to weld and fix. They wanted to farm.

Successor Trifecta

So there was Bill’s predicament: One farm; three would-be farmers. “I didn’t pressure them either way. I told them if they wanted to do it, they should go for it,” he shares.

So while Braden, the oldest, was still in high school, the three bought their first farm. They borrowed some of their dad’s equipment and started custom farming. When Braden went off to Texas Tech University, 130 miles away, he drove home on the weekends and his brothers saw to the day-to-day responsibilities.

Brittan was right behind, and for a while it was just the youngest, Cameron, at home. Brittan graduated and moved home and then Cameron was off to college.

This kind of farming takes a lot of hours. Most of the land they farm is irrigated, meaning constant attention to pumps and sprinklers. They raise cotton, corn, milo and winter wheat, which is usually grazed in the winter. That means ice-breaking, electric fence and cattle chores.

The brothers stayed busy and did well. Prices were good. Yields were phenomenal. They quickly developed a reputation in the neighborhood as good farmers and responsible stewards. They worked with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to make their irrigation more efficient. The brothers sought expert advice and consultation on crop production and soil management.

To improve operational profitability, they do their own maintenance and work as much as possible.

And Braden says, “we rat-holed money.” Easy enough for young, committed, single men. But maybe, they worry, not as easy for their expanding family tree. The three brothers and their wives have eight children between them—with the oldest being 4. That is a bunch of little Gruhlkeys, tired mamas and daddies who want to be home.

This tug between farming and family, the three brothers separately volunteer, is a whole different challenge than just farming efficiently. And, Bill says, a more serious one. Communication, not just among the brothers, but among all the family members, is the key to keeping “this in the family for another, I hope, hundred years.”

Two crucial facts: The Gruhlkeys are religious. They use prayer as a management device and the Bible as a road map in both life and business decisions. And they are organized, and trying to get more so. Budgets and a business plan help them keep objective road marks.

Defined Roles

The father-and-sons team divide and conquer key jobs for the operation. Braden is the business manager. “He likes to think and study on everything,” says Cameron. Brittan takes the lead on irrigation as well as marketing and risk management. Cameron operates a separate farm at Hartley—a place with more, nearly abundant water and a whole different set of challenges than the water-poor country around Wildorado faces.

Often, the brothers agree. Sometimes not so much. For instance, last year, Cameron fell in love with an opportunity to farm in Arizona. It’s irrigated, and they know irrigation, and it’s useful for the same crops they know. “I was like, ‘Let’s do it,’” Cameron says. His brothers had concerns. It was a big place in Arizona. And it was blessed with an over-abundance of curious soil types that, Braden says, are proving hard to manage. By the time the planter senses a soil type or yield history, it’s already on something different.

“We’ll get it worked out,” Cameron says. “We’ll work it out,” echoes Braden, though, perhaps, with a bit more furrow to his brow. But the fact remains Cameron pushed it. How they approach success or failure will be important.

“We all mess something up sometimes,” Braden says. “But as long as we know he was doing his best, it’s OK.”

Bill, later, was glad to hear Braden said that. There, he says, is the key to the future: communication. And understanding. And, when necessary, forgiving. Not just among the brothers, but among the wives and kids—the whole family unit.

Sage Advice

These days, Bill’s guidance centers on those families. Braden’s son Easton started T-ball this year. Bill and his wife, Timma, were dutiful about attending sports and school events with their sons, and they hope the sons will keep that tradition. Anybody who knows how busy school kids are these days can foresee challenges.

Bill worries about the impact of farmer-hours on families. “I tell them to go home,” he says. “It will still be here tomorrow.” The family is trying to hire more people, although that isn’t easy in their part of the world, where farm labor competes with dairies, feedlots, wind farms and oil fields. They have four full-time employees at the 8,000-acre Wildorado-area operation.

Labor management , tough grain prices and choosing which new technologies they really must have will be challenges the brothers face for the rest of their lives. Brittan will make wrong decisions on marketing and risk management. That’s a given. Cameron’s enthusiasm might lead them somewhere they’ll wish they hadn’t gone. Braden’s caution might grate from time to time.

But for Bill and Timma’s dream to remain true in the year 2118, they’ll need to power through all that. They’ll need that business plan their dad talks about. They’ll need to follow their budgets. But everybody needs that stuff. The Gruhlkeys will need more. They’ll need patience and brotherly love. But that’s the family tradition. It’s what they’ll need most. And they know it.

Dissolve Family Disagreements

Family businesses, like all businesses, will encounter conflict. The leaders at Gruhlkey Family Farms, in the Texas Panhandle, focus on clearly communicating and showing support to reduce disputes. They have also learned how to resolve and move on from conflict. That’s vital for a harmonious family business, says Lance Woodbury, a farm management consultant in Garden City, Kan.

“You can’t remove all conflict from a family business,” he says. “The key is to engage in conflict sooner rather than later.” This includes admitting the discord exists and having constructive discussions to manage the issue. ~Sarah Schafer

During these meetings, Woodbury suggests everyone follow these ground rules:

Be willing to listen and be open-minded.
Don’t interrupt, dominate or be combative during the meetings. Encourage others to share and participate.
Don’t interrupt others.
Assume the best, and give others the benefit of the doubt.
Show respect to everyone.
Be on time and turn off your phone for the meeting.
Share your view at the meeting, not later when the group cannot all hear it.

Look Outside The Family For A Farm Successor

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 06:23:35 GMT

When Brad Starr graduated from Purdue in 1976, he decided if he was successful in building a viable business, he wanted it to grow into the future. He did not want the farm to end with an auction like many other operations. So he’s spent the past several years searching for a viable successor for his corn and soybean farm in Connersville, Ind.

Like many farmers, Starr was faced with an on-farm child and an off-farm child. His daughter became a pediatrician and his son, Daryl, decided to join the family farm. Unlike many families, the Starrs realized after much trial and tribulation it would be best for the farm and the family if father and son were not in business together.

Coming to that conclusion wasn’t easy, for anybody involved.

“Due to personality conflicts, we decided it was better to go our own ways in business,” Starr says. “It was a very tough decision, as there were lots of emotions. We finally got to a crossroads where we knew we needed some outside help.”

Starr and his son worked for a long time to resolve the issue between them. Then they decided it was best to work with a mediator. That mediator is who helped them realize being in business together might not ever work for them.

Daryl has since gone on and created several successful businesses.

Farm Successor Solution

Aside from the difficult conflict management that had to happen as a result of that decision, Starr was faced with another major hurdle: he no longer had a successor to take over his thriving farm business.

So he looked for a solution. Starr attended seminars and did a lot of research on estate planning. He decided to split his farm business into pieces and find a non-relative heir to take over the business when he and his wife, Patti, pass away.

“What we felt like we had to offer was an opportunity for a young person to not have to re-create the wheel to get into the business of farming,” he says.

A plan was formed. Starr wanted the land he and his wife owned to be passed to their children. Then the farm business could be transferred to a non-relative. To achieve this goal, the Starrs created a limited liability corporation to house the land. Another corporation would own the operations side, which includes rolling stock, inventories and the fixed assets pertinent to producing corn and soybeans.

Meandering Path

Once those pieces were in place, Starr set out to find his business’s heir.

“We spent seven years trying to find a partner,” he says. Through university programs and other networking opportunities, Starr found a young person to partner with him. Except that partnership wasn’t a fit, so they split ways.

“As we were about to abandon this idea and start our secondary plan of winding down and eventually having an auction, we finally found our partner,” Starr recalls.

The answer came through working with Lori Culler and her firm Ag Hires , a matchmaking service for agribusinesses and those looking for jobs in agriculture.

“We spent about three hours explaining what we were looking for to Lori and she was to find the individual and do all the pre-screening,” Starr says. “She called me one day and said ‘Brad, I found somebody that you need to meet.’”

That candidate was Doug Biehl , a young man who did not grow up on a farm but fell in love with the profession through volunteering on farms and working in the industry. Biehl and Starr have been business partners for almost five years. The two are excited about the future. In fact, Starr recently started his glide path to retirement, moving from CEO of the company to CFO. This move allows Biehl to take the helm.

Transition Plans

When Starr and his wife pass away, the LLCs holding their farmland will be owned by their children. Biehl will own the operations side of the business and rent the land from Starr’s children. Biehl is purchasing the farming operation as an ongoing business. The farm is set up as a sub-chapter S corporation, meaning it has its own set of books. Ensuring the finances are done correctly is one of Starr’s main functions in his new role.

“We are working to ensure the connections and communications are there with all our landlords, so that our partner can continue to lease the ground we currently operate in the future,” Starr says.

That type of communication is key in making these arrangements work, says Polly Dobbs, an Indiana attorney and an adviser with the Farm Journal Legacy Project.

“Farmers can create succession plans that allow a non-relative to buy interests in the operation during retirement and upon death,” she says. “If non-farming heirs are going to be absentee landlords, special attention to details is crucial to allow the non-related operation’s successor continued access to farm your family’s land, while your children earn fair value rent on the land, based on the formula you define.”

This process will also ensure the land isn’t sold out from underneath the operator. “You need to draw the road map,” Dobbs says. “Don’t make them figure it out on their own.”

To that end, Starr is visiting with his landlords to ensure Biehl can continue renting that land.

“A major part of my role is to make sure our other landlords are on board,” Starr says.

Succession Planning Tip: Be Specific

Estate planning is important for all families and business owners, but it is crucial for farm families, says Polly Dobbs, Indiana attorney and an adviser with the Farm Journal Legacy Project. If your business will have your children and non-relative heirs working together in the future, you have to lay out specific plans.

“If it’s your intent for one of your heirs or another non-relative successor to use the barn, pastures and shop, for little to no rent, that’s fine, just say so,” she says. “Often the bins, shop, etc., have been built on land that’s going to end up co-owned by multiple children.”

What about your house? Does one of your children or the non-family heir get to live in the home? Do they have to pay rent, or is it part of their compensation for running the operations?

“Be specific,” she says. “If some of your children will be landlords and another (or non-related successor) will be a tenant, be specific about who sets cash rent rates and what to do if (or when) they cannot agree.”

6 Steps to Resolve a Farm Business Conflict

Indiana farmer Brad Starr and his son ultimately decided it was in their relationship’s best interest to not be in business together. But that might not be the case for your operation. If members of your farm team are in conflict, gather everyone involved in the dispute in the same room, says Carolyn Rodenberg, founder of the consulting firm Alternatives to Conflict and an adviser with the Farm Journal Legacy Project. “It is often a good idea to have a third party facilitate the discussion so all family members can be participants,” she says. Follow these steps:

Name the problem together. Start by asking, “Why aren’t we communicating better?”
Discover the underlying cause of the conflict. What does each person need and why?
Brainstorm possible solutions to the conflict issues.
Analyze the options and select the best solution.
Implement the solution.
Evaluate the solution’s effectiveness in one month.

Hot New Iron (2010)

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:14:20 GMT

One year brings introductions of new machines for work all across the farmstead. Tractors, harvesting machines, application equipment and implements are being outfitted to meet the changing demands of farming. Here’s a quick overview of the wide range of new models introduced in 2009.

Midsized muscle. This past year brought introductions of row-crop tractors and larger utility tractors from many manufacturers.

AGCO Corporation launched new tractors for its three brands: AGCO, Challenger and Massey Ferguson. The AGCO DT, Challenger MT600C and Massey Ferguson 8600 Series range from 205 PTO hp to 275 PTO hp. These tractors are the first models to be powered by engines using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. This engine design, which requires a urea additive for operation, is the platform AGCO will use to meet current and upcoming emission regulations.

Case IH added a model and a transmission option to its Magnum Series tractors. Outfitting the tractors with Case IH’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides increased efficiency through a drivetrain that combines the stepless speed variability of a hydrostatic transmission with the mechanical efficiency of a traditional gear-on-gear transmission. The latest model addition is the Magnum 225 with 195 PTO hp.

Extending its availability in the U.S., JCB introduced the 7000 Series. This three-model lineup includes 147 PTO hp, 168 PTO hp and 190 PTO hp tractors. All are geared with P-Tronic transmissions, feature transport speeds up to 42 mph and have anti-lock braking systems for all four wheels.

John Deere unveiled its 8R Series, which includes the 345-engine-hp 8345R, the most powerful row-crop tractor John Deere has ever built. Along with the six-wheel models, there are three 8RT tracked models outfitted with the AirCushion suspension system. John Deere also added the 7530 Premium tractor, with 153 PTO hp, to the 7030 Series.

The Kubota M Series Deluxe tractors are powered by four-cylinder Kubota engines, and the series ranges from 85 PTO hp to 118 PTO hp.

The M135X is Kubota’s most powerful M Series tractor yet.

McCormick added a trio of TTX Series tractors, with models ranging from 173 PTO hp to 193 PTO hp.

TTX models are full-frame tractors that also feature a 55° steering angle for better maneuverability.

New Holland introduced the next generation of T7000 Series tractors. This series, ranging from 135 PTO hp to 195 PTO hp, can be geared with the Auto Command continuously variable transmission and feature the SideWinder II control armrest.

Matched for capacity. Whether harvesting row crops or silage, self-propelled machines and the headers paired with them are being designed for more productive harvests.

Case IH 3400 Series corn heads are available in a 16-row, 30" configuration and an 18-row, 20" configuration. These corn heads feature point-to-point pinching-style stalk rolls for residue management. The 2600 Series chopping corn heads are available in 6-, 8- and 12-row sizes and feature new improvements for durability and gentle handling.

Claas extended its Orbis silage corn head to a 30' working width with the Orbis 900. Large drums on the end transport crop to the center of the head and create a windrow effect for the crop to enter the forage harvester, resulting in higher chop quality and increased fuel efficiency.

The Gleaner 9250 DynaFlex header from AGCO is available in 30', 35' and 40' widths. Its flexible cutterbar design is built with tilt arms that are evenly spaced every 30" and sectioned float pads on the cutterbar. The independent tilt arms provide an 8" range of travel.

The 800-hp John Deere 7950 self-propelled forage harvester (SPFH) is the most powerful forage harvester the company has built to date. The 7050 Series of forage harvesters range from 375 hp to 800 hp and can be paired with the new 770 SPFH corn head and 600C Series pickup heads.

Extending its capabilities, MacDon introduced the FD70 FlexDraper to harvest soybeans, edible beans and cereal crops. The 45' header matches or exceeds the harvesting capacities of Class 9 combines. The FD70 has a three-section flex frame, which allows the header to retain a consistently close relationship between the knife and the reel.

The New Holland CR9065 combine provides more power in a smaller-sized machine. The CR9065 has the same frame and 17" twin rotors as the CR9060 model but is outfitted with the engine used in New Holland’s larger-frame CR9070 model. New Holland’s latest rotary combine model, the CR9090, boasts 544 hp at rated engine speed with a maximum harvest power of 591 hp available and a grain tank capacity of 355 bu.

Oxbo International introduced the 50 Series corn head, its first harvesting head for field corn producers. Using a system the company has developed for seed corn harvesting, Oxbo designed the 50 Series corn heads with its Soft Touch technology, focusing on gentle, efficient ear removal. The 50 Series is available in sizes ranging from 6-row to 14-row with 30" spacing and limited configurations in 20" spacing.

Ready for the field. Smarter and more efficient self-propelled sprayers are reaching out to farmers and custom applicators alike.

Case IH extended its offerings with the Patriot 3230, rated at 220 hp with an 800-gal. tank.

John Deere replaced the 6700 sprayer with the 4630 sprayer. This machine can be built with a narrow (72" to 88") or wide (90" to 120") axle configuration to match a variety of row spacings. John Deere also provides owners of model year 2008–2009 sprayers a high-clearance sprayer bundle to allow fungicide application at tassel.

Miller St. Nazianz expanded the G Series Condor sprayers with the G40 and the G75. For the first time since Miller acquired the technology, the Spray-Air air boom system can be added to the G40 sprayer up to 103' wide and is available in a dual-fan configuration up to 120' wide on the G75. Building upon the Nitro 4000 lineup, Miller introduced the Nitro HT models to increase performance on steep hills and power through other challenging field conditions where higher torque requirements are necessary.

The five models in the new RoGator lineup from AGCO feature increased horsepower and greater capacity with 900-gal., 1,100-gal. and 1,300-gal. liquid systems. A redesigned front entry with fold-down ladder provides easier access to the six-post cab.

Sights on seed. Planters and air drills are getting bigger to cover acres faster. There’s no doubt about that as companies are introducing large machines that make a big statement.

The Case IH Precision Hoe 800 air hoe drill is outfitted with two new patented features for precision seed and fertilizer placement—a parallel link row unit and an angled, double-shoot knife opener. Case IH also introduced extensions to its 1260 Early Riser planter lineup with new configurations. The 36-row model is available in 20", 22" and 30" rows, and the 32-row planter has 30" rows. Thanks to a new front-fold design, the 1260 transports as narrow as 13'8", while the new steerable rear axle option helps the 1260 follow the same path as the tractor during turns.

John Deere introduced the largest planter available today, the DB120. With a 120' toolbar, the 48-row implement can plant more than 75 acres an hour. For unique planter configurations, John Deere and Orthman Manufacturing will co-produce custom-built planter configurations. John Deere also expanded its lineup of 1910 Commodity Carts with the addition of two larger models—a two-tank 350-bu. and a three-tank 430-bu. tow-between cart configuration.

Kinze Manufacturing expanded its offerings with the Air Seed Delivery system to 3660 ASD Twin-Line planters and 3800 ASD models. Also, 12- and 16-row 3660 Twin-Line planters can be equipped with two-section manual half-width disconnect of right and left sections from the tractor cab.

For the first time, Landoll introduced a full line of grain drills. Designed for use in conventional to no-till conditions, the drill has a planter-style seed tube for seed delivery to the bottom of the trench. The 5530 Series is available in 30' and 40' widths, 7½" or 10" spacings and a dry fertilizer option.

With durability and innovation reflective of its Flexi-Coil heritage, New Holland’s P2070 precision air hoe drill provides the ultimate in precision seed placement with adjustable individual opener depth control. It works up to 70' wide, yet folds into a compact, narrow package for transport.

Set the soil. Tillage equipment is designed to meet today’s residue management challenges and field conditions to set the scene for planting.

Brillion builds on its Soil Builder II coulter chisel, offering the Folding Soil Builder II. The folding 17- and 21-shank models features an increased working width up to 26' and a narrow transport width of 15'4".

Case IH extended its tillage lineup with four new sizes. The True-Tandem 330 Turbo vertical tillage unit is available in a 42'5", five-section model. The Ecolo-Tiger 870 disk ripper now features a 26' working width. The True-Tandem 370 disk harrow has two five-section models: 42'4" and 46'7".

Krause is replacing its 5630 field cultivator with the new 5635 model. Working sizes range from 20' to 50'. This tillage equipment provides uniform cultivation with the Split the Middle Sweep pattern.

When designing the 7430 VT Plus tillage tool, Landoll sought to build a vertical tillage machine that could anchor residue, have shallow working depths, mix more soil, provide better weed kill across the machine and have the ability to level small ruts. With the gangs set at 10°, the angle combined with the ultrashallow concavity blades provides the lateral movement of soil. The VT Plus is available in 23' to 33' working widths.

Entering the strip-till market, Sunflower from AGCO Corporation introduced the 8-row and 12-row 7600 Series strip-till system. It features a 7"x73⁄8" wall toolbar designed with a 10" range of vertical travel, adjustable dual down-pressure springs and
shearbolt-protected shank assemblies.

Bring on farm chores. Utility vehicles and ATVs are growing in popularity, and model year 2010 vehicles from Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki and others offer new work-centric features.

Case IH reintroduced the Scout brand name with a lineup of four-wheel-drive utility vehicles. The Scout is available in two-passenger and four-passenger models, powered by diesel or gas engines.

The New Holland Rustler utility vehicle provides total vehicle capacity of 900 lb. to 1,600 lb. Rustler utility vehicles are equipped with independent front and rear suspension and a wide variety of factory- and dealer-installed options and accessories.

Polaris gave its 2010 lineup of Ranger utility vehicles and Sportsman ATVs rugged features for work outdoors.

With the addition of 2010 models, Yamaha Motor has 17 ATVs in its lineup, including updates to the Grizzly Big Bear models.

The Kubota RTV 1140 CPX is a utility workhorse that can adjust for the number of people on the job. The back bench seat can be used for passengers or to extend the cargo bed.

You can e-mail Margy Fischer at mfischer@farmjournal.com .

Ford F-150 Named No. 1 Most-American Made Auto

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:14:01 GMT

Ford Motor Co.’s F-150 pickup, pacing the biggest gain in U.S. market share among automakers this year, topped a consumer website’s list of most-American made models, replacing Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry sedan.

The F-150 snapped a four-year streak for the Camry and earned the No. 1 spot in Cars.com ’s 2013 American-Made index, the website said today in an e-mailed statement. The index ranks model lines based on their sales and whether car or truck parts and completed vehicles are built in the U.S.

Ford’s F-Series trucks have propelled the biggest U.S. sales increase among major automakers this year, climbing 22 percent through the end of May. The automaker said last month that it’s adding 2,000 workers and a third shift at its F-150 factory in Missouri to increase pickup production beginning in the third quarter. The F-150 also is assembled at a plant in Dearborn, Mich., where the company is based.

“Ford’s top ranking this year is a good indicator of how pickup trucks are dominating auto sales so far in 2013, and how the domestic automakers are bouncing back,” Patrick Olsen, Cars.com’s editor-in-chief, said in the statement.

While the assembly point and domestic parts content of the F-150 didn’t change from 2012 to 2013, vehicle sales are responsible for bumping the F-150 to the top spot, Olsen said.

The Camry, which ranked second in the index, is assembled at plants in Kentucky and Indiana. Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., 17 percent owned by Toyota, produces the Indiana-made Camrys.

Automakers and lobbying groups such as the American Automotive Policy Council have criticized the index in the past for using criteria that resulted in Toyota City, Japan-based Toyota placing first in its study.

Index Methodology

“The Cars.com methodology would be more accurate if it accounted for such factors as vehicle assembly, company headquarters, and research and development locations, all important factors in keeping American auto communities vibrant,” Matt Blunt, president of the Washington-based group, said in an e-mailed statement.

Ford light vehicle deliveries climbed 13% this year through May to 1.05 million, according to Autodata Corp. The automaker boosted its market share by 0.8 percentage point during that span to 16.4 percent, the Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey-based researcher said in an e-mailed statement.

Toyota’s Tundra was the only other pickup to make the American-Made index, holding steady year-to-year to rank seventh. The F-150 previously held the top spot on the list from 2006 to 2008.

Evenly Split

The top 10 was evenly split between domestic and foreign- owned brands. Toyota had the most models on the index’s list, taking four spots, while General Motors Co. took three and Ford, Honda Motor Co. and Chrysler Group LLC each took one place.

Cars.com is owned by Classified Ventures LLC, which also operates Apartments.com., another consumer shopping site.

Ford shares gained 1.6 percent to $14.91 at 10:55 a.m. New York time while American depositary receipts of Toyota City, Japan-based Toyota rose 0.8 percent to $117.48. Ford increased 13 percent this year through yesterday while Toyota’s ADRs surged 25 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 10 percent during that time.

Pete's Pick Of The Week: 1970 Chevy C10

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:13:49 GMT

This 1970 Chevy C10 pickup sold for $9,500 yesterday on a southeast Georgia consignment auction.

Shop these pickups for sale today on MachineryPete.com

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2019 Ram Pulls Ahead

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:13:45 GMT

New look, new frame, bigger yet lighter cab, longer wheelbase, enhanced steering and handling, quieter and more fuel efficient all describe the new Ram 1500. A 12" touch screen will likely be the most talked about feature, though.

The 5.7-liter Hemi is basically the same as 2018 models with 395 hp and 410 lb.-ft. of torque. The other engine option is the 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar with a mild hybrid eTorque alternator replacement producing 305 hp and 269 lb.-ft. of torque.

The transmission is again an eight speed but features revised electronics for economy and smoother shifts. The shifting knob is still there, but all the controls are around the knob in the dash, making 4x4, axle lock and hill descent buttons easier to use. A new forward-facing air intake system includes a hydrocarbon adsorption
filter that lasts the life of the truck with no maintenance.

The crew cab is 4" longer. The rear seat reclines 8°, and the seat bottom slides with it. The bed is 1.5" deeper with a one-piece, reinforced U-shaped tube framed around the tailgate opening. An adaptive front lighting system includes twin bi-functional projector headlamps, fog lamps and tail lamps. Headlights on high-end models move 15° when turning.

The 2019 model payload is up to 2,300 lb. and trailer towing is up to 12,750 lb. with new progressive rear coils for less sag under load. Thanks to an aluminum hood, tailgate, transmission and engine cross-members, the truck is 225 lb. lighter.

Adaptive cruise control with a trailer allows the truck to lock in a speed and adjust to a vehicle speed in front of you and brakes your trailer when it slows you down. A blind spot detection monitors when you are trailering, measures the trailer length and alerts you when someone is passing clear back at the end of the trailer.

The improved aerodynamic design increases fuel efficiency and makes for a quieter cab. All-new frequency response damping shocks improve the ride and handling.

Front brakes are larger at 14.9" and rear brakes at 14.8". The new electric parking brake saves weight, improves reliability and is part of a safety system that brakes when it detects you’re backing into an object. Equalizing truck brakes improve braking with a trailer.

A 360° surround view camera helps you see all around the truck. ParkSense parallel/perpendicular park and hill-start assist with ultrasonic sensors are reminiscent of a luxury car.

More 2019 Trucks to Come

Ford’s new F-150 diesel will debut in second quarter 2018 and the Ranger is coming back, after being off the market since 2011, in early 2019. Jeep’s new midsize truck, with a diesel engine option, will join the growing segment in 2019. Later this year, you’ll start seeing the 2019 Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra.

By Kent Sundling

Great Plains Extends Drill, Planter and Tillage Lineups

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:48 GMT

The Turbo-Chopper is a vertical-tillage tool that builds on the Turbo-Till concept; the second row of Turbo coulters is switched out and replaced by Turbo-Chopper gangs.

It took 26 semi-truckloads to show all of Great Plains Manufacturing’s new equipment at its national dealer meeting near Kansas City. In all, the machines on display featured 622 row units and 544 Turbo coulters.

The new lineup includes two drills. The Model 3007HD air drill has a 30' planting width and folds to just 10' for transport. The HD in the model name stands for heavy duty, which is backed by the 07HD Series openers. The two 100-bu. hoppers carry a total of 200 bu. of seed or a combination of seed and dry fertilizer.

Another addition to the company’s heavy-duty drills is the DF4010HD no-till drill. This 40' drill features the 10HD openers. The 3.2-bu.-per-foot seedbox comes with the standard configuration of 60% seed/40% dry fertilizer split, but it can also be ordered in 68/32, 55/45 and 100% seed configurations. Row spacing options include 7½" or 10". The machine folds to just under 15' for transport.

The YP40 is the most versatile planter the company has ever offered. This Yield-Pro planter is available with a choice of three openers and seven row spacings. Seed hopper options include the platform for a seed company bulk box, an 82-bu. bulk hopper and a 150-bu. bulk hopper. Operators have the option to pull a 1,600-gal. cart or a 1,600-gal. plus 400-gal. cart for starter and/or high-rate fertilizer. The floating hitch and a wing flex of 20° up and 20° down allows this versatile machine to handle versatile terrain.

Great Plains also adds two vertical-tillage tools to its lineup. The Turbo- Chopper provides a crisscross pattern of worked ground as the front row of 20" Turbo coulters on 10" spacings is followed by gangs of reels, which have a unique spiral design to minimize vibration. The perpendicular action handles tough residue and breaks up root balls. The Turbo-Chopper is available in a 15'6" rigid frame or in folding units ranging from 18' to 40'6" working widths.

The 5000 Series Turbo-Chisel is the Great Plains version of a coulter chisel. The front gang of 22" Turbo coulters are on 7½" spacings. Units can be equipped with either standard chisel shanks or a front row of parabolic shanks followed by either parabolic shanks or standard chisel shanks. There are 10 rigid and folding models that range in working width from 11'3" to 28'9". Working depth is up to 12". Rear attachment options are chopper reel gangs or buster bars.

No-till drills go heavy-duty with the Great Plains DF4010HD model, which boasts a 40' seeding width.

The YP40 planter provides versatility with a choice of three openers and seven row spacing configurations.

For more information, visit a Great Plains dealer or contact Great Plains Manufacturing, P.O. Box 5060, Salina, KS 67401; (785) 823-3276; or log on to www.greatplainsmfg.com .

You can e-mail Margy Fischer at mfischer@farmjournal.com .

Five Tips to Help You Adopt Vertical Tillage

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:13 GMT

If you plan to transition to vertical tillage this fall keep in mind it’s not a one-step process or a single tool. It’s a system that takes time to implement and a lot of attention to detail, according to Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Associate Field Agronomist.

“A vertical tillage system involves understanding the soil profile, tackling compaction issues, ensuring that each pass achieves the goal of the system, respecting residue cover and providing a well-prepared seedbed for the planter pass next spring,” she says. “Simply put, this system requires managing the entire soil profile for uniformity.”

While the system requires on-going commitment, the payoff for your time and effort is very tangible, Bauer notes. “With a well-managed uniform soil profile, farmers achieve better water infiltration and drainage, quicker soil warm-up for spring planting, efficient use of nutrients, more drought tolerance, and uniform growth and pollination.”

If this sounds like a system you want to adopt—or you want to improve upon what you’re already doing with it—here are five recommendations that can help you in the process.

Know what you’re trying to achieve. Bauer says one of the best goals you can set is trying to achieve uniform soil density. Uniformity can help you develop a good-quality seedbed, which is crucial for uniform corn emergence and high ear counts. To achieve uniformity, you need to evaluate whether you have density layers or compaction problems and at what depth.

“At 4" deep, you can go in with a variety of tools to remove a density layer,” Bauer says. “If it’s at 12" deep, though, you will need a more specific tool to accomplish that.”
Consider your soil surface residue needs and density layers before purchasing vertical tillage equipment. There is a wide range of tools you can use to accomplish a vertical tillage system; it’s not a one-size-fits-all program. Primary vertical tillage tools include chisel plows, disk rippers and inline rippers. Other tools are better suited to leveling fields, such as harrows, coulters and rolling choppers, which prepare the final seedbed.

Here are some specific ways these tools can fit into a vertical tillage system. In continuous corn, you need to select a tool to get rid of root balls and incorporate residue. If you have deep density layers but don’t need the residue, you can use something such as a disk ripper, which is designed to go deeper than a chisel plow. If you have shallow layers and don’t need much residue, then you can run a chisel plow. If you have deep density layers but need a lot of residue, you can run an inline ripper type of tool.
Make sure you run the vertical tillage tool level from front to back. This is a simple fix, but a lot of farmers don’t think about it, Bauer says. An easy way to determine whether you are running level is to have someone walk beside you and watch the tool as you move through the field. Make adjustments until the tool is level.
During primary tillage, make sure you get shatter from shank-to-shank. Factors contributing to this include your tool’s design, shank spacing, point type and tillage depth. From time to time, stop and dig behind the tool to see if you have uniform fracture of the soil in-between the shanks with no columns. Check for proper shatter every time you change fields. Be sure the surface of your field is relatively level after primary tillage with small peaks and valleys.
Use a vertical tillage leveling tool to prepare the seedbed next spring ahead of planting. This tool should not move soil sideways, and it should run no more than 3" deep. As a result, you will not incorporate as much residue as you would with a horizontal tool. If you’re accustomed to moving a lot of dirt preparing the seedbed, this is going to look weird to you—bear that in mind. You also need to use row cleaners on the planter. Instead of a fixed-position row cleaner, Bauer recommends floating row cleaners to achieve a more uniform, clean surface. At this point, you should see that the seedbed is in good shape and ready for planting.

John Deere Upgrades Capabilities for Generation 4 Displays

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:09 GMT

John Deere introduces three new AutoTrac applications and a new in-field data sharing application for its Generation 4 displays. AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AutoTrac Vision for tractors and In-Field Data Sharing applications are being sold as bundled activations for the John Deere 4600 CommandCenter and as bundled subscriptions for 4640 Universal Displays.

AutoTrac Turn Automation makes end turns smooth, consistent and comfortable during tillage and planting when using straight-track guidance modes. The new application provides automation across the field rather than just between headlands. When activated, the machine functions previously required at the end of the field, when operating drawn implements, no longer require user input. “For example, making end turns, raising and lowering the implement, PTO control, three-point hitch functions and speed can be established in sequences from one setup page to become automated,” explains John Mishler, precision agriculture product marketing manager with John Deere.

AutoTrac Implement Guidance enables the tractor to move off the intended path or guidance line to achieve expected accuracy of the implement. The application is ideal for first-pass tillage, planting and strip till when using straight- or curve-tracking modes and when operating on hillsides. Differential-correction signals can be shared between the receiver on the tractor and the implement.

AutoTrac Vision Guidance, previously released for John Deere 30-Series and newer sprayers, is being expanded to include 7X30 large-frame, 8X30 and 8X30T, 7R and 8R/8RT tractors. AutoTrac Vision can be used in post-season crop applications to detect the crop row and provide input to the machine’s AutoTrac system to keep the tractor’s wheels or tracks between the rows. This level of precision can be beneficial when sidedressing fertilizer, post-emerge spraying and cultivating. “This application is supported when the tractor is working in corn, soybeans and cotton at least 6” tall with up to a 90% canopy. This level of advanced guidance minimizes crop damage, reduces operator fatigue and maximizes tractor productivity in fields with 20” to 40” row spacing,” Mishler adds.

In-Field Data Sharing makes it easier for producers to coordinate multiple machines working in the same field. Operators can use the application to share coverage, application, yield and moisture maps along with straight tracks and circle tracks with up to six other machines. The application helps machines, such as nurse trucks, tenders and grain carts, to work together more efficiently, reducing skips, overlap, fuel and input costs. Guidance lines can be shared without moving a USB stick from one machine to another, Mishler says.

The new applications are machine-specific bundled activations with the 4600 CommandCenter, Mishler says. For owners of machines equipped with a 4640 Display, the applications are offered as bundled one- or five-year subscriptions. For more information, visit a local John Deere dealer or www.johndeere.com.

Machinery Journal - Early Spring 2018

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:09 GMT

Horsch Introduces Two High-Speed Discs

The RT18, with an 18'4" working width, and the RT22, with a 21'8" working width, have been added to Horsch’s Joker RT lineup of high speed disks. The models can be used in both primary and secondary tillage operations. Both discs feature 20" notched blades mounted at a 17° angle as well as rubber torsion arms to protect the blades. They also feature a drawbar hitch, a three-section design to follow ground contours and oil-filled bearings. Manual or electronic depth control is also available as well as the RollFlex finishing system. The tool is designed to be an alternative to vertical tillage, field cultivators, soil finishers and tandem disk harrows. For more details, visit www.horsch.com/us .

High-Tech Tractor and Combine Tracks for Speed and Protection

Camso recently unveiled their smart track technology for tractors and conversion track system for combines in the U.S., both of which allow for increased road speeds and protect equipment. The company’s first smart track application involves a sensor embedded in the track to monitor temperature. If the track reaches high temperature levels, the sensor sends a signal to the tractor, which progressively yet promptly makes adjustments to reach higher speeds quickly while also protecting the track.

Camso’s conversion track system is the industry’s first 100% bolt-on option for combines with an integrated final drive that achieves road speeds of up to 23 mph. Its suspension with double-oscillation bogie wheels allows for better ground contact and ride quality. According to Camso, the larger ground footprint provides increased mobility and reduces ground pressure by more than 70%.

For more information, visit www.camso.co/en .

New Mahindra Retriever Can Reach Up to 60 mph

Sporting a 83-hp, 1,000-cc V-Twin TGB gas engine, the new Retriever utility vehicle from Mahindra can reach up to 60 mph. The workhorse features a heavy-duty frame and 67 lb. of torque. Towing capacity tops out at 2,500 lb., and hauling capacity at 1,000 lb. The continuously variable transmission and new bucket seats provide comfort for up to three riders at a time and 19" of entry space makes it easier to get in and out of the cab. A new dash features a 4.3" digital gauge. The vehicle has a 12" ground clearance, automotive LED headlights, standard 2" front and rear receiver hitches and electric cargo box dump and a choice of a standard or the Flexhauler (sides fold down to convert to a flat bed) 44"x64"x11" cargo box. For more, including details on the 24 Retriever models released in late 2017, visit www.mahindrausa.com .

Machinery Journal - March 2018

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:09 GMT

Lightweight and Compact Sprayer from Apache

Billed as the most affordable self-propelled sprayer in the industry, the Apache AS630 is compact and agile with a wheelbase of 13'8" and a turning radius of 17'2". At just 16,900 lb., it is the lightest self-propelled sprayer made by Equipment Technologies.

Under the hood, the sprayer has a four-speed JCB Powershift transmission and a Tier 4F 168-hp Cummins engine with a top speed of 32 mph.

The AS630 features a 650-gal. tank and an ACE hydraulically-driven centrifugal product pump. Boom options include 90' or 60'/90' straight ET custom booms or a straight 100' Pommier boom. Depending on tires, crop clearance can reach 42" to 48". Axle width is 90" or 120" fixed.

The AS630 features a 360°-view cab. Precision application equipment includes Raven Viper 4 , Hawkeye, AccuBoom, AutoBoom and RS-1 Protective Steering.

For more information, visit www.apachesprayers.com/as630 or an Apache sprayer dealer.

Case IH Rolls Out a Variety of New Equipment and Technology

The 4400 series corn header lineup is expanding to include narrow row (20" and 22") configurations. The lightweight header, up to 2,000 lb. less than competitive models, floats just above the ground to reduce compaction. For the first time, power is driven from the gearboxes in the center of the header and split equally to the right and left side of the header. From there, separate drive lines power the row units and choppers, which provides more efficient power flow and additional protection to the drive lines. Updated stalk roll spiral patterns handle a wider range of stalk diameters and stalk health. Row guide sensors help the row unit stay centered on the rows, reduce overall ear bounce and grain loss and provide more efficient picking.

Case IH is expanding its line of fertilizer applicators with the Nutri-Placer 940 High-Speed Low Disturbance (HSLD) row unit. The applicator is capable of speeds up to 11 mph and places nutrients up to 6" deep in the root zone. Models range from 50' to 65' widths and feature cast-iron components. They also include the new 22.6" single-coulter-blade design to cut through residue with minimal disturbance. Additional new features include five-section flex for ground contouring, triple-fold transport modes and 30" row spacing.

AFS Soil Command, the first seedbed quality monitoring technology, will be available on the Tiger-Mate 255 field cultivator for spring 2019. Factory-integrated seedbed sensors are strategically mounted to shank assemblies. The sensors monitor each time the shank begins to trip or float, alerting the operator to an uneven seedbed floor. The AFS Pro 700 display and interface allow operators to make adjustments on ISOBUS-VT-compliant displays.

The L10 series premium loaders feature new styling that provides better visibility, efficient, flow-optimized hydraulics and fast mount and dismount (30 to 60 seconds). A chamfered and embossed arm design increases strength and cast and forged components add more strength at critical stress points. The six models in the L10 series are designed for Farmall, Maxxum, Puma and Magnum tractors. A full range of attachments, from grapples to buckets to bale spears, are available.

For more details, visit www.caseih.com or a local dealer.

Kinze Releases Tillage Series and Planter Updates

A first for Kinze Manufacturing, the Mach Till is built for high speed (8 to 12 mph) and deep working depth while providing flotation to minimize soil compaction. Featuring four models (201, 261, 331 and 401), the Mach Till is described as a hybrid horizontal tillage tool, not a vertical tillage tool. Hybrid horizontal tillage combines the features of conventional disks, vertical tillage and soil finishing products into one tool. The tillage tool cuts and throws the soil at an angle to avoid creating a smear or compaction layer, then mixes the soil and residue together. The corrugated rubber roller on the back of the machine sheds soil and breaks up larger clods.

In addition, Kinze has released four updates to their planter equipment and technology:

Blue Vantage is a high-definition 12" screen that offers diagnostics, mapping and graphics. It takes only three clicks between turning it on and being ready to plant. It comes with a tablet dock and USB ports.
Blue Drive integrates with Blue Vantage to analyze data. Benefits include curve compensation to reduce under- or overplanting and Ethernet. Blue Vantage and Blue Drive will be available on Kinze’s 3660 and 4900 planters for 2019.
True Depth is a row-by-row active control with down and up force. It will be available on 4900 16- and 20-row models push and pull units with single valve control. Availability has yet to be announced.
Brush Meter 2.0 features a lightweight, impact-resistant design and quick change seed disks. The meter, which can be disassembled without tools, will fit Kinze 3000 and 4000 planter row units and be available for 2019.

Visit www.kinze.com for more information.

Salford Offers Fertilizer Applicator for Planters and Expands Air Boom Lineup

The Ferti-GO 4S, a planter-mounted, granular fertilizer applicator, features a single product hopper, variable-rate metering and four-section control. The hopper has a standard capacity of 4 tons and a 6-ton optional capacity. The metering system, paired with the Venturi Air Manifold System, is easy to use and clean and has a range of application rates. The Ferti-GO 4S comes rate-control ready with metering, fan speed sensors, PWM flow control and bin-level sensing.

The 60' row crop air boom for Salford’s 8700 pull-type applicator features outlets on 30" centers and new air flow technology for left and right section control. The boom width and axle spacing match 24-row planters. The bifold booms feature 7' spring-loaded breakaway tips on each side and in-cab hydraulic controls for folding and pitch adjustment. The 8700 has an 8- or 11-ton hopper. A secondary hopper gated partition, and metering, is optional. Salford’s air boom applicators are ISOBUS compatible and available with variable-rate and section control systems.

The Salford-Valmar 6700 is the only aftermarket chassis mounted air boom applicator. For now, it is available for John Deere 4930, 4940 and R4045 chassis. Hydraulic folding breakaway tips protect the 60' boom. The pitch of the left and right sections can be independently adjusted from the cab. Other features include 30" row crop spacing, PWM valves to control the chain mesh conveyors and roller motors, left hand and right hand section control, full swath variable rate and ISOBUS or third-party controller compatibility.

For more information, visit www.salfordgroup.com .

New Disc Tillage Tools Are Designed To Run At 8-12 MPH

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:09 GMT

If you feel the need for speed during tillage, you’re in luck. Kinze Manufacturing announced today that it is bringing four high-speed disc tillage models to market that are designed to function at 8 mph to 12 mph. The models are branded as Mach Till 201, 261, 331 and 401.

Features of the new tools include simple setup and ease of use, maintenance-free parts and the ability to perform in various soil types, from fall primary tillage and residue management to spring secondary tillage and seedbed preparation. The tools are built heavy for high speed and deep working depth, but provide great flotation for lighter seedbed preparation that minimizes soil compaction, according to a company news release.

The new product line is based on a Canadian design, produced by Degelman Industries, that has been licensed to Kinze to build at its manufacturing facility in Williamsburg, Iowa.

Farmers can get a look at the Mach Till 331, shown below, at the Kinze booth during the upcoming National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky.

Air Meter from Great Plains

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:15:55 GMT

At the 2009 Farm Journal Corn College, farmers got an exclusive look at Great Plains Manufacturing’s entry into the air seed metering market. In a first for the company, Great Plains has developed an air seed metering system, Air-Pro. Unlike vacuum metering systems, Air-Pro uses positive air delivery, and the system requires a single fan for both bulk seed delivery and seed metering.

Learn more in this Machinery Minute segment from AgDay:

The company says its new metering system can deliver precise seed placement when paired with ClearShot seed tubes at planting speeds up to 5.5 mph. The meter is designed with simplicity of assembly in mind. The meter wheels can be installed and removed with a simple twist, and meter tests have shown great brush durability.

In the field, the meter requires two adjustments: inches of air and height of the seed pool.

All Yield-Pro models feature automatic air pressure settings. Air-Pro seed metering is available for the following models in the Great Plains line: YP-4025A, YP-2425A, YP-1625A, YP-1225A, 3PYPA, 2525A and 2025A. The Air-Pro metering system has meter wheels for the
following seeds: small round corn, large flat corn, large round corn, soybeans and milo, and other crops being developed. Sun and rain cap included.

For more: Great Plains Manufacturing

New Case IH 2000 Series Early Riser Planter Built 'From the Ground Up'

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:14:52 GMT

Case IH gave attendees of the 2016 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., a literal unveiling of its latest product launch when it removed a red drape from its new 2000 Series Early Riser planter. That’s because company officials wanted to reinforce that it wasn’t an upgrade – it was brand-new.

“It’s a completely new planter, with one mission in mind – design and develop the very best planter in the business,” says Monte Weller, platform manager. “We touched the entire planter, from the ground up.”

Tony McClellend, Case IH planter marketing manager, says the redesign started with a total overhaul of the row unit, but the toolbar, hydraulic system, alternator and other planter areas also received noted improvements over prior models.

“It was all based on direct customer feedback and field-testing,” McClellend says. “We made sure that this new planter is not only extremely accurate, it’s also robust enough to deliver precise placement across all terrains, crop types and speeds for faster, more uniform emergence.”

Simplicity is also an important feature, McClellend adds. Operators will be able to make many adjustments from the cab. Other adjustments are made automatically and work seamlessly without operator interference, he says.

The 2000 Early Riser planter series will include factory integrated seed placement technologies from Precision Planting such as DeltaForce, vSet and SpeedTube, which allow for consistent spacing and singularity, accurate depth control and accurate planting speeds of up to 10 mph.

Case IH put its planter to the test at higher speeds in a 2015 southwest Wisconsin trial, comparing its Ealry Riser 2150 with the Deere 1775NT ExactEmerge and Kinzee 4900 planters. The test plots were planted on the same day, using the same hybrid, at 2” depth and a 38,000 plant population, at 6, 8 and 10 mph. According to Case IH, the Early Riser plots yielded higher every single time.

(Note: Kinze was not tested at 10 mph. Also, these results have not been replicated by a third party at this time.)

Case IH plans to release a four-tiered planter offering through 2016 and 2017:

1. The2000 Series Early Riser planters will let farmers customize their planter factory-direct. The first models, including 12-, 16- and 24-row, 30-inch front-fold machines will be available in time for the 2017 planting season.

2. Farmers who order certain 1200 series Early Riser planter models in 2016 can equip with Precision Planting components, including vDrive with vSet electric meter-drive system, plus CleanSweep residue managers and DeltaForce hydraulic down force.

3. Farmers can also order 1200 series Early Riser planters with Advanced Seed Metering (ASM) technology, which accommodates a wide variety of seed types and sizes at high plant populations, along with other features like a two-stage closing system, furrow firming point, seed protection show and more.

4. Farmers with certain used late-model Early Planter models can also upgrade to the technology they want through participating Case IH dealerships. Their dealer can help them modify existing models to the level best fit for their operation.

Visit caseih.com/rethink for more information.

High-Mileage Planter Repair

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:14:40 GMT

Most farmers are aware of common wear and maintenance points on planters. Worn disk openers, failed closing wheel bearings and other high-wear components are annual gotta-check issues prior to planting.

But as planters pass their 10th birthday, wear on other components becomes an issue. Here are a few less obvious wear points and maintenance concerns that develop on planters with a little age:

▢ The metal impellers inside vacuum fan housings move tremendous volumes of air, thick with fine, powdery field dust. Over time the vanes on those impellers get sand-blasted so thin they break, throwing the high-speed fans out of balance. Even subtle imbalances create vibrations that damage seals and cause leaks on hydraulic motors that power vacuum fans.

Preseason, remove bolts and split fan housings. Check for excessive impeller wear to sidestep motor failures and in-field repairs.

Click on the arrows to learn more.

▢ Abrasive wear can also cause the seed holes in vacuum seed disks to become out-of-round. Use an appropriate-size drill bit as a go/no-go gauge to identify seed holes worn to an oval shape and avoid uneven singulation due to erratic seed retention against seed plates.

▢ Rubber seals on the doors of vacuum meters that press against seed plates when the doors are closed wear a groove in the seed plates. Replace any seed disk with a groove around the edge more than 3⁄16" deep.

Click on the arrows to learn more.

▢ Farmers who replace worn seed furrow disk openers sometimes overlook the metal divider/scraper mounted between the openers. Sometimes called a “frog,” this scraper fits loosely between the disks but provides essential dirt and mud-scraping action to create a crisp, V-shaped seed furrow.

▢ Drill shaft bearings on planters die silent deaths that often go unnoticed. They don’t fly apart and advertise their failure like bearings on combines and balers.

“Stiff” drill shaft bearings jerk as they turn and contribute to uneven seed metering. Frozen bearings simply lock up and stop seed meters.

To identify problematic drill shaft bearings, first uncouple drive chains from seed transmissions or hydraulic drive motors to allow free movement of drill shafts. Next, use a wrench to turn by hand each segment of drill shaft on a planter’s wings and main frame.

Excessive drag or jerky motion from a particular shaft merits removing individual seed meter drive chains or drive-shafts to identify the specific bearing causing the problem.

Click on the arrows to learn more.

▢ Finger-type seed meters obviously have multiple small moving parts that develop wear over time.

The singulating “bump” just ahead of the exit hole on finger unit backing plates is notorious for wearing out over time. Less obvious is wear to the base of fingers, where they ride on the cam under the center plastic cover.

Running finger units on a seed meter test stand is the best way to identify variations in metering accuracy related to subtle wear between the various components.

▢ On vacuum seed meters, the small knock-out wheels mounted in vacuum meter doors eventually wear and get wobbly on their axle. Vacuum meters that use spring-loaded double-eliminators and small pointed cones to clean debris from seed plate holes need to have those wear points checked annually.

▢ Seed firmers, those plastic wands that trail in the seed furrow to press seeds into the soil, wear out in two ways. They literally wear thinner as their plastic lower surface and sides erode due to contact with the soil.

They also lose the elasticity in their stem that allows them to consistently press the seeds into the bottom of the furrow.

Seed firmer manufacturers don’t offer wear specifications, but they generally recommend replacing seed firmer wands every three to four years to ensure proper thickness and elasticity.

▢ A little wear, a little corrosion, to each of the roller chains on a planter can add up to enough friction to create metering inaccuracy and head-scratching problems because there’s no single, obvious component causing the problem.

Remove a couple seed meter drive chains and pull them over your finger or the handle of a wrench. Any chain that doesn’t flow smoothly adds a jerk or hesitation every time it goes around a sprocket. Multiply those jerks, hesitations and increased torque by the number of chains on the planter and minor problems become major issues that are tough to diagnose. Be sure to check all chains on seed drive transmissions as well as any ground drive chains.

Worn sprockets can contribute to chain-related problems. Be wary of any sprocket with hooked teeth that can feed jerks and hesitations into seed meter drive systems.

▢ Row cleaners wear in a variety of ways. Wear to fluted coulters not only reduces their diameter but dulls their residue-cutting edge.

Tined row cleaners wear both shorter and thinner. Shorter tines have less clearance between their tips and hub, increasing problems with root balls and small rocks. Thinner tines bend more easily, leading to issues where two tines don’t intermesh correctly, clog and drag dirt.

▢ Seed monitor problems on high-acreage planters can often be traced to seed tube sensors. The clear plastic covers over the sensors in a seed tube get scratched and glazed after tens of thousands of seeds slide over their surface. Symptoms of impaired sensor covers are single rows that show low population on the monitor but prove to be planting accurately in the seed furrow behind the planter. Replace the seed tube sensor to correct the problem.

▢ Wiring harnesses can also wear with long use. Quite simply, the plastic zip ties or electrical tape used to keep seed monitor wires away from moving parts and pinch points get brittle with age. The fasteners break and seed monitor wires get caught or pinched, especially in the parallel arms between the planter main frame and seed tube sensors.

Individual rows that are actually planting accurately but show complete failure on the seed monitor suggest problems with the seed sensor wiring to that specific row. A pre-
season check for broken zip ties or errant wires and wiring harnesses can avoid problems in the field.

Deere Signals the Worst Is Over, Yet Wall Street May Need More

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:14:36 GMT

(Bloomberg) -- The worst may may be over for Deere & Co as its outlook for 2018 indicated a long-awaited recovery in demand for its tractors and agriculture equipment. Analysts cheered the inflection and investors rushed in, sending the stock up almost five percent to a new record high. Optimism on broader industry trends also boosted shares of peers AGCO Corp, CNH Industrial NV, Lindsay Corp and Titan International Inc.

While Deere shares rallied at the open, William Blair analyst Lawrence De Maria cautioned that some of the enthusiasm may temper over the course of the day as it is “difficult to continually give a positive surprise.” The company is expected to expound further on market trends at it conference call which began at 10:00 a.m. ET.

What Analysts are Saying

Goldman Sachs, Jerry Revich: Fourth-quarter results “revealed an inflection in the agricultural equipment capex cycle and improved operating leverage.”

“The outlook comments reinforce our view of a normalization in new agricultural machinery share of total farmer capex, with Deere’s large equipment early order program pointing to five percent to 10 percent U.S. & Canada agricultural equipment retail demand growth despite flat total farmer capex.”

“On operating margins, the fourth-quarter beat versus FactSet consensus and 2018 outlook comments that point to minimal SG&A growth reinforce our view of structurally higher margins in this cycle.”

Baird, Mircea Dobre: “Solid guidance should move shares higher against a backdrop of continued demand recovery and a boost from seasonal tailwinds.”

“Our recent upgrade based on large agricultural demand recovery despite still low crop prices is supported by management’s expectations for five percent to 10 percent growth in U.S. and Canada agricultural equipment market in FY18, attributed to higher demand for large equipment.”

Stifel, Stanley Elliott: “Deere reported a solid quarter against lofty expectations.”

“Equally important, these trends continue into next year as Deere’s large ag piece of the business remains in recovery mode.”

Jefferies, Stephen Volkmann: “The quarter benefited from pricing and an FX tailwind with incremental margins of 20 percent in the quarter.”

“Deere is managing its business much more profitably than in past cycles, and end markets appear to be showing some signs of stabilizing.”

“Deere’s forecast for modest end market growth despite weaker farm fundamentals in FY18 will be a topic for the conference call.”

William Blair, Lawrence De Maria: “Expectations had risen into the quarter based on production data and retail sales for ag and turf, and a beat was expected. Therefore, the quarterly performance was solid, yet not much of a surprise.”

“Guidance for fiscal 2018 is very strong for the entire company and by segment as well.... Guidance is more important than the quarterly print, and therefore should be supportive for the stock, and for other names such as AGCO, Titan and CNH.”

Nelius Research, Rob Wertheimer: “Deere’s outlook makes sense on recent data, but Wertheimer does not “think a new cycle is here.”

“Recent indicators have been better, with Agricultural Equipment sales in October up strongly. That’s not likely to be a sustainable trend though, based on the used market.”

“As to fourth-quarter results, they were mixed. Incremental margins at agriculture and turf of 21 percent were weak on sales up sharply, up 22 percent, but last year’s hard to understand high margin on falling sales made for a difficult comparison.”

©2017 Bloomberg L.P.

Pete's Pick of the Week: 2005 John Deere 1890 Air Seeder

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:14:32 GMT

This 2005 John Deere 1890 42.5' air seeder sold for $95,000 at a southeast North Dakota farm auction Wednesday. Here’s video .

More than 100 John Deere 1890 Air Seeders are listed for MachineryPete.com

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Machinery Pete: 7 Top Planter Trends

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:14:32 GMT

So, Pete, what’s going on in the used planter market? It’s difficult to sum up the category into a generalized statement, so let’s break it down:

More folks looking to buy. Search traffic for planters at www.Machinery Pete.com saw a 106.3% increase in fourth quarter 2017 versus third quarter. That’s the largest jump in any equipment category in fourth quarter.

Stronger auction prices in December 2017. Check out the pair of 2016 John Deere DB66 36R-22 planters in the table on page 30. They both sold for strong prices at farm auctions in northeast South Dakota on Dec. 29.

Configuration matters. Those two 2016 John Deere DB66 planters were loaded. Specs are important to note when assessing used planter values, so check out that column in the table.

Older planter, cheaper price tag, money left to upgrade. Older 24R-30 and 16R-30 planters are a dime a dozen and prices have been depressed for some time. But a cheaper price tag often leaves room in the budget for the buyer to retrofit and upgrade.

Interest in new planters. In these tough economic times, buying a new planter is a difficult decision. In recent travels, I’ve noticed increasing buyer interest in new planters to gain the latest technology. One large farmer/seed dealer we interviewed in northeast Iowa summed it up best. He’d been chewing on the decision to buy a new 16R-30 planter for two years. He finally bit the bullet and bought the planter. “It’s like I have not one new planter but 16 new planters in one,” he says.

Dealers moving used. In February, we spent two days filming TV segments at the Higginsville, Mo., location of Ag Power Inc., a large John Deere dealership. Sales manager Aaron Plattner mentioned they were sold out of their bread and butter used planter, the John Deere 1790 16/31. “We could use a few more of them to sell,” he says. It’s been a while since I’d heard a dealer wishing they had a few more late-model, used planters.

Things change—even difficult markets such as used planters.

Smaller models gain big attention. I saw strong auction prices in early 2018 on four-row planters, including a John Deere 7000 4R-30 that sold for $5,500 at a Feb. 10 farm auction in northeast Ohio. An even older John Deere 1240 four-row corn planter went for $1,400 at a Jan. 20 farm auction in central Ohio, which is the third-highest auction price I’ve seen.

As I said, there are a lot of dynamics at play to recap into one statement.

How Planter Closing Wheel Optimization Can Improve Crop Yield

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:14:32 GMT

Rubber, poly, cast iron, dimple, smooth and spiked—there are many choices when it comes to planter closing wheels. How do you know what’s right for your fields?

“Closing wheels have two functions: close the furrow and firm the soil around the seed,” explains Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie . “Establishing the seedbed is critical to emergence and ultimately yield.”

A closing wheel’s ability to do its job varies based on soil type, tillage practice and planting conditions, says Jason Gahimer, Beck’s Practical Farm Research (PFR) operations manager. Beck’s PFR program has tested closing wheels for the past five years in corn and one year in soybeans.

Gahimer says even though factory-standard rubber wheels usually result in excellent emergence, thanks to good seed-to-soil contact, crops suffer from poor root development due to compaction—which is why it’s important to consider aftermarket closing wheel options.

No-Till Requirements

“In typical no-till conditions with a seed firmer, you should have plenty of moisture to work with,” Ferrie says. “Getting the slot closed over the seed is the most important task to accomplish,” You’ll likely also need to find a way to eliminate sidewall compaction to ensure good seed-to-soil contact as the furrow closes.

“The alternative styles of wheels with spikes, teeth or angled feet aim to provide the proper closing even in the toughest conditions,” Ferrie says.

Regardless of the type of closing wheel, make sure it moves the soil enough to close the trench. Don’t think just because you changed closing wheels you can plant in the mud, Gahimer adds. Best management planting practices are still important. For example, wait until the soil isn’t too wet to avoid compaction and impacting seed depth. Allow soil temperatures to warm up to prevent cold-related seed troubles. Make sure the furrow is clean of residue and weeds that could limit seed-to-soil contact.

Conventional Tillage Requirements

Make sure the seed is in adequate contact with the soil to hold in moisture while not causing excessive compaction.

“In a conventional seedbed, the primary concern is soil drying out, causing poor germination or poor crown root development, which sets us up for rootless corn,” Ferrie says.

Ferrie says rubber and cast iron closing wheels are adequate in conventional tillage systems to firm soil around the seed from the bottom up to promote better germination.

Beck’s research indicates wheels with poly or sturdy cast iron spikes perform well in conventional tillage. “They do a good job crumbling sidewalls without over pressing and packing,” Gahimer says.

Before spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on new closing wheels, take a couple of different options on a test run. Make sure you check behind the planter more than once, such as when soil types, tillage practices and soil conditions change.

“Follow behind the planter with a flat spade or even a spatula,” Gahimer says. “Don’t dig with your hand—that destroys the structure of the furrow so you can’t get a clear picture of what the seed trench looks like.”

If you dig and see a “V” in the trench that’s a sign you could have air pockets—leading to poor germination and uneven emergence because the seed doesn’t have good soil contact. Check for compaction along sidewalls to avoid deformed root development.

“In ideal conditions, you want to see the seed at the bottom with enough firm soil over the top of it to keep the seed area from drying out,” Ferrie says.

“Farmers take the job of closing wheels for granted, which makes it challenging to understand how different options can vary,” Ferrie adds. In your fields, pay attention to how closing wheel efficacy changes with tillage types. If you switch from conventional tillage to no-till, use wheels that serve both well.

PFR five-year, multilocation research shows a 4.3-bu.-per-acre advantage in corn with aftermarket closing wheels compared with standard ones, a $15 to $20 difference. Closing wheels are the last step to establish a seedbed. Consider enhancing planter performance with aftermarket closing wheels.

Study Shows Where Closing Wheels Work Best

For the past five years, Beck’s Practical Farm Research program has been evaluating closing wheel performance. Here’s a rundown of how 15 closing wheels performed in various field conditions:

Cast iron: provides good seed-to-soil contact in moderate to heavy no-till and is able to close the seed trench without too much down pressure.
Copperhead Ag Furrow Cruiser: eliminates sidewall compaction, gives depth control and eliminates air pockets in any tillage system.
Dawn Curvetine: crumbles the sidewall and provides good seed-to-soil contact in all tillage conditions.
Dawn Gaugetine: works well in shallow planting on heavier, conventional-tilled fields and offers good depth control.
Great Plains Spider: works good in no-till, crumbles sidewalls and pulls soil into the row to improve seed-to-soil contact; drag chains are recommended to improve performance.
Martin Dimple: good for preserving moisture when less aggressive wheels are needed; firms soil at rounded points, while leaving looser areas between points in all tillage practices.
Martin Spading: provides compaction-free closing in wet, hard or sod conditions while maintaining proper depth; recommended in no-till with drag chains.
Pro-Stitch Teeth: six times more down pressure to sidewalls compared with standard round wheels to reduce sidewall compaction, closing pattern seals trench and draws moisture down to seed depth in all tillage practices.
Schaffert Mohawk: moves soil with minimal compaction, increases seed-to-soil contact and breaks down the sidewall over the seed; consider adding the 4-link closer for all tillage conditions.
Schaffert Zipper: use in all tillage types, versatile, durable and closes the seed slot well; recommend adding the 4-link closer.
Schlagel Posi: suitable for all tillage types, closes seed trench well without smearing or causing extreme compaction, prevents crusting and has adjustable width to breakdown sidewall.
S.I. Distributing Finger-Till: crumbles sidewall and closes seed trench in tough, wet no-till conditions.
Yetter Paddle: penetrates hard-packed sidewalls well and moves dirt aggressively in no-till or minimum till.
Yetter Poly Spike: versatile, enhances seed-to-soil contact and eliminates air pockets, for all tillage types.
Yetter Spike: aggressive sidewall action, prevents seed disturbance and air pockets, for no-till or minimum till.

How to calculate how many acres it takes to justify new closing wheels

Expected Increase in Bushels x Price Per Bushel ÷ by Total Closing Wheel Cost

	Corn	Soybeans
Yield Advantage:	4.3 bu./acre	2 bu./acre
Price Per Bushel:	$3.50	$9.50
Closing Wheel Cost:	$200/row	$200/row
Planter:	16 row, 30"	31 row, 15"
Acres to Pay Off:	213 acres	327 acres

Machinery Pete: Skid Steers In Demand

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 06:05:21 GMT

Search traffic for used skid steers at MachineryPete.com jumped 80% in fourth quarter 2017 versus the previous quarter and 62.6% compared with fourth quarter 2016.

The increase in search traffic for used skid steers mirrors what I saw on the auction trail in late 2017 and into 2018. Buyer demand was strong as were prices. The number of used skid steers that sold from Dec. 1, 2017 through Jan. 23, 2018, totaled 488.

Check out the data table on page 38 for a sampling of auction prices on a variety of used skid steers that sold during this time period. Pay particular attention to area and auction type.

A couple of skid steers, in particular, caught my attention at several auctions I attended. We filmed the 2012 New Holland C232 tracked machine with 827 hours that sold on Jan. 20, 2018, at a farm auction in north-central Ohio for “Machinery Pete TV.” As I stood there watching the skid steer sell, the $37,000 final price seemed strong. After the sale, I pulled up the Machinery Pete auction database and found my gut instinct was correct. That price is the second-highest auction price ever for a New Holland C232.

The only higher auction price on that model was $45,000 for a much newer 2016 unit with only 231 hours that sold at a Jan. 28, 2017, consignment auction in northeast Missouri. The current average dealer-advertised price on 2012 model C232s at MachineryPete.com is $41,167.

The other skid steer that sold at auction recently and grabbed my attention was an older 1998 Case 1840 with only 1,101 hours, which sold at a Dec. 2, 2017, farm auction in south-central Minnesota. The bidding was intense, and it wound up selling for $16,500. For a few days, that was the third-highest auction price ever on a Case 1840. The highest price is $17,050 for a unit with only 225 actual hours, which sold at an online farm estate auction in northwest Wisconsin on Dec. 10, 2013.

But a few days later, on Dec. 12, 2017, a 2000 Case 1840 with 442 one-owner hours sold for $16,750 at a consignment auction in south-central Pennsylvania to claim the third-highest auction price on record.

As with used tractors, farmers are happy to pay a bit of a premium for older skid steers in nice condition with low hours rather than the cost of a new one.

We have seen a steady climb in skid steer values since mid-2010. Used models are a staple for construction companies and when the housing market took a hit in the Great Recession we began to see more good used skid steers for sale at auctions. More units for sale plus fewer buyers resulted in softer prices.

This brings me to the truth behind the old axiom “buy low, sell high” and how it influences, either positive or negative, our financial situations
to a higher degree than we like to think about.

Timing is important. Take full advantage when you can. Buy low, sell high.

John Deere Unveils S700 Combines and New Corn Head and Platform

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 05:02:29 GMT

Designed for maximum output regardless of changing field conditions, the new S700 combines from John Deere provide quick harvest setup and automatic on-the-go adjustments.

The S700 series spans four models: S760, S770, S780 and S790. The combines will be available for model year 2018 production.

“These new S700 Combines are a culmination of enhancements to our previous model that optimize and automate harvesting operations for coarse and small grains,” says Kevin Ripple, marketing manager for harvest at John Deere. “We’ve enhanced the overall intelligence of these combines by automating more adjustments and calibration tasks, and improved the lifetime durability and productivity of front-end equipment to create a high performance harvesting solution unlike any other on the market today.”

Building on the S600 combines introduced in 2012, the new S700 combines incorporate the latest in automated harvesting technology, which make needed adjustments automatically, on the go.

The Combine Advisor incorporates seven technologies to help operators set, optimize and automate the combine for the most effective harvesting performance based on their crop and field conditions.
Auto Maintain is a function within Combine Advisor that is supported with ActiveVision cameras to give operators a view into the tailing and clean grain elevator.
Active Yield technology automatically calibrates the mass flow sensor. This saves time by eliminating the need for manual calibrations and ensures the best data is collected.

The biggest physical difference customers will see in the S700 Combines compared to previous models is in the cab—the CommandCenter which is carried across Deere’s larger tractor and self-propelled sprayer lines.

Machine performance features of the CommandCenter include:

Gen 4 interface and monitor with 4600 processer
CommandArm and multi-function control lever with greater ergonomic design and customizable buttons
premium activation with AutoTrac, RowSense and HarvestDoc
Extended Monitor and mobile device features. In addition, operators will find set up and start up much quicker and easier, thanks to more intuitive harvest run and setup screens

To be paired with the S700 Combines, John Deere introduces the 700C/FC (folding corn head) Series Corn Heads with the RowMax row unit. The RowMax row unit provides up to a 50% increase in the life of the row unit gathering chains and features solid-alloy bushings that reduce pin and bushing wear.

“We’ve also increased the life of the stalk rolls by up to 25 percent by utilizing a harder material and adding a new wear coating on the front and trailing edges of the blades for increased performance,” says Brittney Guidarelli, product manager for front end equipment. “As a result, we’ve decreased the cost of operation by reducing how frequently wear parts need to be replaced. Producers will experience a savings of up to $20,000 over five years compared to previous models.”

The 700C/FC Series Corn Heads are available in 6- to 18- row models, in 20-, 22- and 30-inch row widths. The StalkMaster stalk-chopping option is available on all models. Folding corn heads are available on 8- and 12-row units, which allow operators to spend more time harvesting and less time and hassle disconnecting, trailering and reconnecting heads when moving from field to field.

For corn growers harvesting high moisture corn, enhancements on the corn head include an auger floor insert to ease crop handling and a lower auger height to minimize crop damage.

For small grains, John Deere introduces the 700D rigid draper, which provides a 20% increase in capacity in tough harvesting conditions over the previous model. The 700D features a top crop auger that’s 50% larger in diameter (now 18 inches) with heavy-duty drives, high-performance gauge wheels, and a new center section seal kit that reduces center section grain losses by up to 45% in canola.