Hay

Farming the Frontier: Alaskan Farmer Awaits Arrival of No-Till Air Drill to Beat the Arctic Clock

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Sixth-generation farmer Clayton Griffith is pioneering a new era in Delta Junction, Alaska, by introducing the state’s first John Deere 1890 no-till air drill . Moving from Kansas to the “Last Frontier” five years ago (because of his passion for fishing and hunting), he is transitioning to a no-till system to condense the planting window — a critical shift in a region where winter comes early.

As the equipment travels via a four-truck convoy through the U.S. and Canada, Griffith hopes to prove that modern conservation practices are the key to building a sustainable operation in one of the world’s most challenging environments.

“The idea is to get into the fields quicker, get the crop in the ground as soon as possible,” Griffith says.

How No-Till Can Transform Alaska’s Short Growing Season

In a conventional-till system, Griffith says planting takes three to four weeks. With a short growing season that lasts 90 to 110 days, every day counts for his barley, oats, hay and grass crops to thrive. Using the no-till air drill, he expects to plant 5,600 acres in approximately five days.

“Winter could come as early as September; you can’t predict the weather, so it’s crucial for us to expand the growing season,” he explains.

After an opportunity to locally source an air drill fell through, and with the clock ticking, Griffith reached out to Quality Drills based in Kansas.

“To be bringing something to [Alaska] that focuses on what I view as a really important cause is very rewarding,” says Stefan Alderson , CEO, in regard to helping Alaska agriculture and the people who call that state home.

The two drills along with two tractors headed to Griffith’s farm once belonged to Howard Turner Farm in Muskogee, Okla. After Turner passed away, Quality Drills was tasked with selling some of the farm’s estate.

“His machines and his legacy are going to be a part of something really big in Alaska, where hopefully it’ll live on for a good, long time,” Alderson says.

The convoy of four semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle is traveling from the U.S., through Canada into the Land of the Midnight Sun, where they are expected to arrive in three days.

On the Leading Edge of A No-Till Movement in Alaska

Griffith looks forward to getting to work once the equipment arrives and building soil health as he starts to plant on May 15.

“If you want to build a sustainable local food network, you have to be efficient,” Griffith says. “Using variable-rate applications is crucial to saving on fertilizer and herbicide costs.”

Due to his location, the only fertilizer Griffith can get in bulk is dry fertilizer, such as urea and phosphorus. Not to mention, fertilizer and herbicides are more expensive.

Eventually, he hopes his neighbors will be convinced to invest in no-till practices and equipment. He compares farming in Alaska to “farming on the moon” because the only equipment he has is what he brought with him.

“If we have the same kind of equipment, we can help out with parts, etc.,” Griffith explains.

In Alaska, there is heavy competition for the small labor pool. Between the pipeline, mining and Fort Greely , it can be hard to find good help. That is why no-till practices and machinery are crucial to farming.

“Having machines that can get the job done quicker, be more efficient, and save costs on fertilizer is a huge advantage,” Griffith says. “This has been a long time coming. It’s a great opportunity for the state of Alaska.”

New 2026 Balers and Hay Tools Launched By Case IH, John Deere, New Holland, And Vermeer

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 17:01:15 GMT

Case IH’s new RB6 series variable chamber round baler offers durability and less maintenance with triple seal bearings throughout the machine. This ensures contaminants stay out while lubricants stay in to maintain optimal operation.

The RB566 model includes several enhancement options:

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New double roller windguard increases compression and control for OSF pickups, allowing for increased capacity and ground speed.
The new Bale Weigh capability allows operators to monitor and record individual bale weight on an ongoing basis via in-cab monitoring. This capability weighs the bale in chamber without pausing the machine.
Pro 700 Plus display or Pro 1200 display compatibility.
FieldOps machine and telematics data via mobile and web apps have the ability to monitor individual bale data such as drop location, weight and moisture content.

“Another thing we’ve done is, on our pickup, we’ve went to a double roller windguard on the 566. Our customers who are bailing a lot of corn stalks, they’re dealing with some big windrows,” says Brian Williams, livestock product specialist, CNH Industrial. “And what this does is it pushes those windrows down and smashes them out and allows them to feed into the baler more fluidly so they can go faster.”

The RB6 series is manufactured in the U.S. in New Holland, Penn. , and order writing is open now. Orders signed this fall will begin shipping in March 2026.

John Deere intros V452M Round Baler with stepped-up automation features

(John Deere)

John Deere says its new V452M round baler provides enhanced productivity and precision ag tech integration for hay and forage operations.

The V452M headlines a newly updated lineup of VR and CR round baler models, introducing a new naming convention and advanced features purpose-built for heavy crop and silage conditions, while the current 1 Series round balers will continue to serve customer baling needs.

Expanding the versatility of John Deere’s round baler lineup, the VM, VR and CR lineup updates include variable-chamber and variable-wrapping combination models.

Key features of the V452M include:

Advanced Bale Chamber Technology: Three starting rolls and two belt drive rolls ensure consistent bale rotation.
Larger Bale Chamber: 4-by-5½ feet chamber width to maximize bale weight.
High-Density Silage Capability: Produces silage bales up to 11.7 pounds per cubic foot.

The full updated Model Year 2026 Deere baler lineup introduces several features to boost productivity (capabilities vary by model):

Industry-Leading Gate Cycle Time: As fast as three seconds for more bales per hour.
Moisture Sensors and Bale Scales: Seamlessly connect to the free John Deere Operations Center for near real-time bale documentation and yield insights.
G5 or G5e Monitor for in-cab adjustments and data-driven decisions.
High-Capacity Feeding System: A 7.2-foot-wide five-bar pickup handles heavy windrows with ease.
Baler Automation With New Unplug Assist automatically stops the tractor when the target bale size is reached and manages the gate cycle. When needed, Unplug Assist automatically stops the tractor and disengages the PTO when a plug is detected.

The VM, VR and CR balers will begin shipping in November 2025. For more information, contact your local John Deere dealer

New Holland rolls out Roll-Belt 1 Series Balers

(New Holland)

New for model year 2026, New Holland is introducing three updated Roll-Belt 1 Series models designed to work smarter, bale faster and ensure producers stay connected.

New Holland says feeding performance gets a boost with its Roll-Belt 451, 461 and 561 models. A newly designed single roller windguard now comes standard on all OSF (OverShot Feeder) pickup models. And a larger 8.4" roller — 60% larger in diameter than its predecessor — helps better compress the crop mat and improve feeding into the chamber.

For those baling larger windrows, a new dual roller windguard is available as an upgrade option on the 561 model. The front and rear rollers pivot independently, providing adaptive control in variable crop and ground conditions. Operators can also lock both rollers together when compressing loose or fluffy windrows.

“Each of these three models has a distinct fit. Take, for example, the Roll-Belt 561. In corn stalks, it truly shines,” says Alex Berwager, livestock and dairy business manager, New Holland. “We’re seeing a 16% improvement in feeding capacity thanks to the dual roller windguard, jumping from 43 to 50 tons per hour. That means less plugging from the controlled crop flow and greater productivity to tackle more when your time is short.”

Vermeer launches fleet of new baler and hay tools for 2026

(Vermeer)

Vermeer’s new model year 2026 baler and hay tool launch is led by the all-new ZR-2200 self-propelled baler.

The launch fleet also includes:

604 S series balers
605S Rancher baler
ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber
3 new models of carted wheel rakes.

“We’ve taken feedback from dealers and hay producers to build equipment that’s intuitive, durable and designed to deliver results,” said Shane Rourke, managing director of forage, Vermeer.

604S Premium Baler

(Vermeer)

The new 604 S series balers come in three models: Rancher, Signature and Premium (shown above).

Vermeer says the machines are built to help producers get more 6’x4' (1.8-m by 1.2-m) bales put up in a day.

The 604S Rancher is a reliable, straightforward option for value-focused producers who want durable components and convenient operation.
The 604S Signature features enhanced driveline capacity and rugged components, ideal for high-volume operations.
The 604S Premium pulls out all the stops with smart automation, comfort-focused features and productivity tools that help operators work faster, smarter and with less effort.

All three models share common components — including the camless wide pickup with a hydraulic pickup lift, a mechanical netwrap system and the Atlas Pro control system with in-cab density adjustments.

ZR-4S self-propelled baler.

(Vermeer)

Since the launch of the ZR5-1200 self-propelled baler in 2017, producers have consistently asked for a 4' (1.2-m) model that delivers the same level of automation, comfort and productivity.

Vermeer says it is answering that request with the new ZR-2200 self-propelled baler with the Z604S bale chamber (ZR-4S). The ZR-4S (pictured above) features zero-turn maneuverability, integrated automation and a premium cab packed with operator-focused features.

From auto tie and eject to real-time bale data and TempSense bearing temperature monitoring, the ZR-4S self-propelled baler is built to keep operators productive, informed and comfortable.

VRC Carted wheel rake

(Vermeer)

Three new carted wheel rakes — the VRC820, VRC1022 and VRC1224 — offer robust construction, updated hydraulics, and simple adjustments to help producers get the most out of every pass.

With raking widths ranging from 20' (6 m) to 24' (7.3 m), these rakes are designed for longevity and ease of use for operators of all sizes.

Full availability on these new hay tools is expected in Spring 2026.

Your Next Read: Less Work, Better Bales - John Deere Intros Weave Automation

Instead of Making Hay: 4 Profitable Alternatives For Cattle Producers to Consider

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 14:11:28 GMT

If you didn’t make hay, what could you do instead?

Carson Roberts, Missouri extension state forage specialist, says the consensus in the beef industry is making your own hay is the cheapest way to feed cattle through the winter.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth,” he explains. “Hay is expensive to make and expensive to feed.”

Encouraging producers to think outside the box, Roberts recently shared “ 10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay .” His point No. 6 suggests producers consider profitable alternatives instead of traditional hay production.

He recommends these four alternatives will often pay more per acre than producing hay:

1. Stockers

“Often, you’re lucky to break even on your hay enterprise — especially if you’re a small operation with a lot of overhead,” Roberts says. “With stockers, you’re looking at $766 per acre in gross revenue.”

He refers to research done by Eric Bailey, Missouri extension beef nutrition specialist, that found one acre can produce approximately 350 lb. of beef and with a $2.19 value of gain. If you add in the cost, it is about $200 more per acre than a hay crop.

He adds this approach can be nearly as profitable as crop production in some years. This year, crop production is not profitable at all, meaning that you would make approximately $200 more by running stockers than row crops, too.

2. Custom Grazing

“Custom grazing offers lots of flexibility with very little expense,” he explains.

Roberts says, on average, custom grazing rates are $1.75 to $2.50 per day per head.

“Let’s say a cow is consuming 30 lb. of forage per day. During that spring flush, you’re able to produce 1,000 to 3,000 lb. of grazable forage. Let’s be conservative and assume that we can harvest 1,500 lb. of forage. Divide that by 30, and you’ll see that you can graze 50 animals per acre for one day. At a rate of $1.75 you’re looking at $87 per acre or $116 per ton of forage during that 3-month spring flush.”

3. Grazing Home-Raised Cattle

He says this option is particularly effective for fall-calving herds using excess springtime forage when cattle can gain up to 3 lb. per day during spring flush, increasing their market value.

Home-raised stocker calves are a great low-hanging fruit. They are already adapted to your farm and management style. You can utilize the spring flush to put weight on weaned calves to sell them mid-summer.

4. Cull Cow Grazing

Roberts says cull cows may be the only class of animals that increases in per pound value as they get fatter. Traditionally, the cull cow market is at its annual peak during mid-summer, which is a perfect time to start destocking in preparation for stockpiling fescue.

He suggests purchasing or retaining thin cull cows in the spring and then grazing for a few months. You can then sell in July or August for a profit with a cheap cost of gain.

Roberts summarizes the goal of all these enterprises is to turn that cheap springtime grass into a high value product. These alternatives focus on maximizing land use, reducing feed costs and creating additional revenue streams beyond traditional hay production

“The key is matching cattle production cycles with forage availability,” he says.

He emphasizes these strategies are most applicable in the fescue belt but can be adapted to various regions across the U.S.

“You must have an open mind if you want to make a profit,” he adds. “Things are different now than they were 50 years ago. We can be far more profitable if we adapt.”

Your Next Read: 10 Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay

20 Phrases Every Farmer Actually Mutters About Rain

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:35:40 GMT

If there’s one topic that unites farmers across all sectors of ag, it’s rain. It’s more than just weather on the farm, it determines your profits, your schedule and your mood all wrapped into one frustrating package. And it doesn’t matter if it’s planting season, mid-summer or the final push before harvest, our entire lives revolve around what’s happening in the sky.

If two or more farmers are talking, you can bet rain will come up in the conversation within the first five minutes. Here’s a look at some of the most common phrases you’ll hear when farmers start talking about rain:

“We could use some rain.”
This is the go-to phrase farmers have said since the beginning of time. It’s a simple, familiar line heard everywhere from church parking lots to town meetings, starting at planting and sticking around through the end of harvest.
“It would be nice if it stopped raining.”
Ah, the full-circle moment. Just two weeks ago we were begging for a slight shower. Now it’s been raining cats and dogs for four straight days.
“How much rain did you get?”
This is more than small talk; it’s actually a competition between farmers, and there is a winner and a loser.
“How much rain did so-and-so get?”
Because we all know that one farmer magically got all the rain, again.
“Did you see the forecast for the week?”
This is a question that leads farmers to check five weather apps that all have five different answers.
“That cloud is looking pretty dark.”
If this phrase is said on any farm, everyone will turn to look and offer their opinion on if it’s actually going to rain or not.
“It always seems to miss us.”
Every time the radar shows a line of storms, somehow it splits, shifts or drifts just enough to leave you high and dry.
“We needed that.”
This is often said with a kind of relief that comes after waiting days or weeks, when even a small rain feels like a lifeline.
“It was just enough to settle the dust.”
This is farmer speak for: it looked better than it was, but we’ll still take it.
“The radar made it look like we’d get rain, but we didn’t get a drop.”
All the signs pointed to a downpour, but somehow the sky held back.
“It split and went north again.”
Of course it did. It always does. It never rains where it’s supposed to.
“The neighbor got an inch, and we got nothing.”
This can go one of two ways: You’re ticked that you didn’t get the rain, or you’re thankful that you didn’t get more of it.
“It’s too wet to get anything done now.”
Welcome to farming: Nothing goes according to plan, and every drought seems to end with a downpour.
“Hopefully it holds off ‘til we get this hay in.”
A tempting statement that all but guarantees a pop-up thunderstorm. Mother Nature never checks your schedule.
“At least we get a break.”
This is said when the rain slows work down but gives everyone a moment to catch their breath.
“We’re overdue.”
This is usually muttered out of practicality and frustration, recognizing that the dry spell has gone on longer than expected and something has to give soon.
“It was just enough to green things up.”
It wasn’t a drought-buster, but it was good enough to make everything look better.
“How long do you think this dry stretch will last?”
Asked like someone might have insider info. Nobody does, but that won’t stop the theories, calendar comparisons or 2012 references.
“You could see the rain line from here.”
Another version of “we missed it,” but with more drama and eyewitness testimony.
“I could be a meteorologist.”
Said when the forecast flips unexpectedly, reminding everyone that sometimes even the experts are just guessing.

Whether it’s not enough, way too much or the perfect amount, rain brings out every emotion in a farmer’s toolkit — hope, stress, gratitude, frustration, envy and relief. And no matter what the forecast says, one thing is always true: If you’re a farmer, you’ll never stop talking about rain.

From Omaha to Georgia: Inside the Farm Machinery Reshoring Boom

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:04:17 GMT

After releasing our “Where Farm Equipment Is Made” 2025 update in February , we circled back with farm equipment manufacturers to get a read on how tariffs will affect where machines are made.

Many companies across a wide range of industries are considering or even moving forward with plans to reshore production from overseas back into the United States. We’ve learned this process involves long-term, strategic investments in new facilities and/or expanding factories already established here in the States.

Although each manufacturer shared differing visions for how, when and where it plans to build out additional manufacturing capabilities in the years ahead, a common theme did emerge: farm equipment builders are investing big dollars into reshoring, and many have been for quite some time now.

Let’s hear what the machinery companies are planning:

AGCO Corp.

(AGCO Corp.)

The Duluth, Ga.-based equipment manufacturer says its dedication to American farmers and its own strategic investment plans are “key drivers of our overall growth strategy,” according to an AGCO spokesperson.

The rest of the statement from AGCO, which builds the Fendt and Massey Ferguson equipment brands along with its own AGCO machines, regarding U.S. expansion plans can be found below:

Since 2020, we have invested just under $3 billion in the U.S. across new and expanded manufacturing facilities, product innovations and the largest ag tech deal in the history of the industry. Our commitment has extended across our various brands, locations and Research & Development (R&D) efforts, including the notable 2024 joint venture establishing Colorado-based PTx Trimble, the inauguration of Fendt Lodge – the North American headquarters of Fendt – in Minnesota, a new precision ag production facility in Illinois, modernization of systems and technologies in one of our Kansas plants, and U.S.-based R&D for new sprayer and planter technology.

These investments, AGCO says, will not only enhance production at its U.S. facilities for years to come, but also ensure AGCO remains at the forefront of ag innovation around the world.

Claas

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Claas is still a somewhat fresh face to the North American farm equipment market, but the company has deep roots in Europe. It was founded over 100 years ago in a small German farming town, and today the company has global headquarters in Harsewinkel, Germany.

But you may not be aware that Claas has also built a significant manufacturing operation in America’s heartland. The company opened its Lexion combine production campus, located just south of downtown Omaha, Neb., in 1997. This year marks 10,000 Lexion combines rolling off the main production line inside the 120,000 sq. ft. facility.

(Photos: John Deere, Matthew J. Grassi, AGCO, Kubota)

Claas has significant expansion plans in place for its Omaha campus, including doubling its overall production footprint for the main manufacturing building as well as adding a new training and apprenticeship building.

Here is the statement Matthias Ristow, president & managing director of business administration – Claas Omaha, shared regarding the company’s expansion plans:

Claas is investing significantly in its production hub in the United States, and not only recently. Over the last five years, we have added to our production facility to provide a better location for our rework and reconfiguration areas, as well as a dedicated work area for our quality control department for the pre-delivery inspections each machine must go through before being shipped. This is part of our comprehensive quality assurance program.

We also have built a new service academy where we train all the technicians from our U.S. dealer network (we have a similar location in Canada) so we can keep their skills up to date and make sure they have the proper certifications to work on our machines. Technology updates and changes are trained there as well.

Furthermore, our new service academy houses our apprenticeship program where we train the future assembly technicians in a three-year rigorous training program, managed by the German Chamber of Commerce. The program has several advantages. Technicians receive a regular paycheck (“earn while you learn”), receive an associate’s degree from a community college we partner with, receive a certificate from the German Chamber and have a job when they graduate from the program debt free.

Farm Journal recently had the opportunity to tour Claas’ Omaha operation, where we learned the manufacturer is also expanding its partnerships with domestic material and component manufacturers. For example, it recently began working with a finished parts supplier local to Nebraska to fabricate the grain spout for each Lexion combine.

CNH Industrial (Case IH and New Holland)

(CNH Industrial)

Although short on specifics, CNH Industrial (Racine, Wisc.) confirms it plans to “continue to expand our footprint through capital investments in our U.S. facilities, partnerships with local suppliers and programs that strengthen the communities where we live and work.”

CNH adds it currently employs more than 9,000 people across 17 U.S. states, with 14 manufacturing facilities and 22 R&D centers active throughout North America.

And approximately 70% of the components used in CNH Industrial’s U.S. plants are sourced from domestic suppliers while 95% its steel is purchased from U.S.-based mills. It says this approach to domestic material sourcing supports thousands of suppliers’ jobs and reinforces its investment in American-made quality.

John Deere

(John Deere)

The farm equipment manufacturer with global headquarters in Moline, Ill., was first to share its future investment plans with Farm Journal. Back in May, the company announced a 10-year, $20 billion outlay plan for its U.S. production base. This year alone, Deere says it will pour $100 million into its U.S. operations.

John Deere says this initiative includes:

A 120,000 sq. ft. expansion of the company’s remanufacturing facility in Missouri.
Construction of a new excavator factory in Kernersville, N.C.
Expansion of its Greeneville, Tenn., turf equipment factory.
New assembly lines for 9RX high-horsepower tractor production in Waterloo, Iowa.

John Deere plans to invest a total of $22.5 billion into its U.S. manufacturing network once the 10-year project is complete.

Kubota North America

(Kubota North America)

Kubota Tractor Corporation (KTC) established its North America headquarters in Grapevine, TX., in 2017. The Japanese equipment manufacturer shared the following statement regarding U.S. expansion plans.

North America is critical for Kubota, and the U.S. is our largest market. We firmly believe in local production for local consumption and have made more than $1 billion in U.S. infrastructure investments in the last couple years to meet the growing needs of our dealers and customers. For example, we recently announced the opening of a new loader facility in Gainesville, Ga., (invested $190 million), a new Western Distribution Center in California (invested $72 million), and an R&D facility (invested $100 million) that’s also in Georgia. We have other network investment announcements in the works, and we plan to continue to invest over the next five to 10 years as we respond to market demands. Today, we are more than 7,000 American workers strong who market and sell, and fabricate, weld and assemble equipment with domestic and global parts.

Want to learn more about where your favorite farm machines are made? Check out “From the Factory to Your Fields: Where Farm Equipment Is Made”.

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All The Details: Inside John Deere’s New F8 and F9 Forage Harvesters

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 18:20:36 GMT

John Deere is rolling out two new forage harvesters for North American dairy producers and custom harvesting operations.

The brand new F8 and F9 Series feature three factory-installed operator cab options, a technology stack that will one day enable autonomous operation, and enhanced feed quality via an integrated inoculant dosing system.

How are F8 and F9 different?
The F8 Series (425PS to 645PS) is a narrow base model that takes the place of Deere’s 8000 Series forage harvester, while the F9 Series (700PS to 1020PS) replaces the 9000 Series. Within the F9 Series is the F9 1000, which is Deere’s largest forage harvest machine to date.

(Editor’s Note: “PS” stands for Pferdestärke, which is the German term for horsepower. PS to horsepower is not an apples-to-apples equal ratio. The F9 1000, for example, features 1020PS which equates to 1,006HP, according to the manufacturer.)

The F9 is available in two engine options:

John Deere 18X (no DEF required)
Liebherr V12 24L

It has five horsepower options, while the F8 comes with the JD14X engine and can be configured across six horsepower options.

The manufacturer last rolled out completely new forage harvesters in 2019.

How much will each new model cost?

The feed rolls on John Deere’s F8 and F9 forage harvesters have integrated metal detection to keep unwanted material out of your feed.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

John Deere is not sharing its pricing just yet, but the two new models are built at its Zweibrucken, Germany, factory. John Deere dealers will begin taking orders for the aggressively styled, technology-packed harvesters this fall, with final delivery in time for the 2026 forage harvesting season.

Deere representatives declined comment on what effect, if any, the still-developing U.S.and E.U. tariff situation could have on its launch plans.

Ahead of the launch, Farm Journal went to Madison, Wisc., to kick the tires and learn all about the new machines. The F8 and F9 harvesters we viewed and climbed into were the first finished production units off the factory line. Deere says several units will be field tested with U.S. customers ahead of the full fall launch.

“We’re really excited about the new cab and the technology we’ve added to these machines like central tire inflation, ground speed automation and the new kernel processing units,” says Bergen Nelson, go-to-market manager, combines and forage harvesters.

Here’s some of what we learned about the new forage harvesters:

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Cab Comforts: The same three operator cab options offered with Deere’s X and S Series combines — Select, Premium and Ultimate — are available on the F8 and F9 Series. A smoothly swiveling captain’s chair, as well as an all-new corner post display that shows real-time machine data, are among the additions. Operators who spend long hours in the cab will also appreciate integrated entertainment like SXM Radio and an optional mini fridge.

(Matthew J. Grassi )

Foundational Deere Tech Stack: Each new forage harvester in the series includes Deere’s baseline precision tech enablement stack — which consists of its G5 display, Starfire 7500 receiver and JDLink modem.

Central Tire Inflation System: A completely new feature (top left inset photo) within the G5 display allows the operator to adjust front tire PSI up or down from the cab.

John Deere Inoculant Dosing System 2.0

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Inoculant Dosing System 2.0: New on both the F8 and F9, a high-volume 85 gallon inoculant tank and integrated pump allow the user to accurately adjust silage inoculant dosage rates from the G5 display in the cab. The system is easy to pump and prime as well with the touch of a button located at the rear of the machine.

Ground Speed Automation: This cruise control-like option reads RPMs and throttles the harvester up or down based on crop conditions. For example, harvesting corn at higher moisture levels will increase power output, so the machine will automatically slow down to ensure it doesn’t plug up or do a sub-optimal job harvesting. This feature comes standard on all base models for both series and does not require a yearly subscription unlock or per-acre fee.

Pro Touch Harvest: Another new feature within the G5 display allows the operator to shift the machine from road transport mode to harvest mode in a single click. It can also be used to quickly engage AutoTrac and ground speed automation once the operator arrives at the edge of field.

This all-new XStream 305 Kernel Processing (KP) unit is built by Scherer in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New Kernal Processing (KP) Units: The new harvesters feature two completely redesigned KP units, the Ultimate 250 (also made in Germany) and the Scherer XStream 305, which is made in Sioux Falls, S.D. An integrated winch and internal rail mounting system makes switching the machine from corn forage to hay forage in the field quick and simple. The number signifies each KP unit’s roll diameter width in millimeters.

“Both KPs will go in both machines and have four different roll options depending on how aggressive the dairyman wants their end feed quality to be,” says Shane Campbell, product marketing manager, forage harvesters.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

Integrated Harvest Lab 3000: This on-demand constituent sensing module pulls over 4,000 samples per second with +/- 2% accuracy, and John Deere says it can save dairy operations time and money versus collecting and sending samples to a lab. The sensor tech (available as an add-on option) enables accurate measurement and documentation of dry matter, starch, protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber for both harvested forage and manure. The data can be stored, organized and shared via Deere’s Operations Center. Within Operations Center, users can take geo-referenced data and build out spatial starch content — as well as moisture and protein — maps for hybrid selection and fertility management. Because if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.

Active Fill Control 3.0: Using sensors and cameras on the grain spout, this tech feature automatically detects the trailer or grain cart next to the forage harvester and begins filling it with a preselected fill strategy. This reduces the number of times an operator has to adjust the spout manually and also lessens fatigue and neck strain, according to Deere.

(Matthew J. Grassi)

New Operating Modes: Several of the models within the F9 Series offer what Deere is calling its “Engine Power Plus” feature — which gives a sizeable horsepower boost when the machines senses it needs a little extra chopping power to the harvesting head. There is also an ECO mode that can be toggled on when the machines don’t need the extra torque.

Ease-Of-Access: Both models have side and rear panels that easily open to grant full access to the inner workings of the machines, making the new forage harvesters much easier to service and maintain without a lift or other heavy specialized equipment. The machine is setup so techs and mechanically-minded farmers will not have to climb underneath it to perform daily maintenance.

“At the end of the day, we know it’s all about the cow, and these machines will put out quality feed,” Nelson says. “We’ll have these out at the farm shows this summer, including Farm Progress Show, World Ag Expo, World Dairy Expo and the U.S. Custom Harvesters Convention.”

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Machinery News: John Deere Debuts Forage Harvesters, Ecorobotix Lettuce Algorithm, Kubota-Agtonomy Deal

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:50:04 GMT

John Deere has announced the launch of new F8 and F9 Series self-propelled forage harvesters, which the manufacturer says are built from the ground up with customer input to elevate forage performance and farm productivity.

Deere says the new F9 Series comes in two engine options — John Deere 18X and Liebherr V12 24L — with five horsepower options ranging from 700PS to 1020PS; the F8 Series comes with the JD14X engine bringing six horsepower options, ranging from 425PS to 645PS.

It also says the new machines offer improved automation with a higher level of comprehensive technology offerings compared with previous models.

The technology options include:

Ground speed automation — Deere also offers this feature on new S7 combines. The manufacturer says it helps maintain ideal load and prevent operator stress by adjusting ground speed in real time based on crop conditions.
ProTouch Harvest — A feature allowing operators to initiate multiple harvest-ready settings with the push of a button, while Active Fill Control ensures consistent truck fills even under the toughest harvesting conditions.

(John Deere)

“A higher-quality forage output with more power, more precision and more uptime, that’s the focus of the new forage harvesters for our customers,” said Bergen Nelson, John Deere go-to-market manager for harvesting equipment. “We’ve combined our strongest hardware with our newest and smartest precision ag technology to create higher-quality forage.”

More information on the new F8 and F9 Series SPFHs is available from a local John Deere dealer or deere.com.

Check out this test drive video from Farmworld_TV!

Specialty crop AI tech startup Ecorobtix unveils lettuce-thinning algorithm

Ecorobotix has announced the launch of its new lettuce-thinning algorithm, expanding the capabilities of its ARA Ultra High Precision (UHP) Sprayer to offer what it claims is one of the most advanced automated thinning solutions on the market.

The new functionality is available to ARA users via a software license.

“We’ve combined the power of AI with the reliability of ARA’s ultra-high precision spraying platform to eliminate one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks in the field: thinning,” said Katerina Lee, regional crop care manager for Ecorobotix.

Ecorobotix says its algorithm enables users to replace manual labor, grow crops with superior uniformity and cover fields faster than hand-labor crews.

Learn more here.

Kubota-Agtonomy join forces to develop autonomous specialty crop machinery

Kubota North America has announced a collaboration agreement with Agtonomy, an agricultural autonomy software provider, to commercialize autonomous operations on Kubota diesel tractors for spraying and mowing.

Kubota says the partnership reflects its commitment to pioneering solutions and equipping growers with smart technology.

“Our working relationship with Agtonomy represents a significant milestone toward commercializing our vision for autonomy by merging our expertise and technology with Agtonomy’s autonomous platform,” said Brett McMickell, chief technology officer for Kubota North America.

The initial phase of the partnership will focus on integrating Agtonomy’s capabilities with Kubota’s M5N specialty crop diesel tractor.

Learn more about Kubota’s vision for autonomous technology in farming here.

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Ag Meterologists Worry More Drought Lies Ahead For Spring

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:49:44 GMT

As Eric Snodgrass looks six weeks out to the end of March, he doesn’t like the weather pattern he sees shaping up for spring planting season – more dry conditions.

Varying levels of mild to moderate drought have dogged much of the upper Midwest, West and Southwest since last fall, and the outlook is for more of the same, according to Snodgrass, a leading U.S. meteorologist.

Check out the soil moisture deficit currently in the upper Midwest and West. At the opposite extreme, a broad band of soil moisture shows up in blue across much of the Ohio Valley region.

(Eric Snodgrass)

“I’m concerned about the way the central United States and the western Corn Belt, in particular, are going to be dealing with the risk of drought building into spring,” Snodgrass told farmers attending the Top Producer Summit in Kansas City earlier this week.

History shows that drought tends to beget drought. In six of the past 10 years with a really dry fall, Snodgrass says the spring to follow was also dry.

The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor echoes his observations. The Monitor released Thursday (Feb. 20) shows drought is impacting 45% of corn production acres, 36% of soybean production acres, 40% of spring wheat and 20% of winter wheat acres, respectively.In addition – of particular concern to beef and dairy producers – 49% of the U.S. alfalfa hay production acres are also experiencing drought.

Arctic Air Is Contributing To Drought Conditions
Snodgrass spells out what usually happens in late winter to create the moisture farmers need at planting time in the Corn Belt.

As the jet stream moves across the Pacific Ocean, it typically splits and sweeps into the West Coast from two positions – one from the northern North Pacific Ocean and the other from the southern North Pacific Ocean, close to Hawaii. The two portions of the jet stream usually then scream across U.S. western mountain ranges, picking up moisture they then deposit in portions of the Corn Belt before moving on to the East Coast and exiting the U.S. in Maine.

This year, the portion of the jet stream that normally comes from Hawaii has veered from its usual course and possibly even stalled. One indicator of that happening, Snodgrass says, is a drop off in ocean temperatures in the Baja of California and the Gulf of Alaska. The result is dry, arctic air has been moving into portions of the U.S.

In years when the Gulf of Alaska is in a warming trend, U.S. crop yields tend to be higher. The opposite is true when the Gulf cools.

(Eric Snodgrass)

For some parts of the U.S. the cold, arctic air has brought snow along with it. But the snow holds little moisture that would help alleviate the frozen dry soils. “We have some deep snow in areas right now, but it’s only got maybe two-tenths of an inch of liquid in it,” Snodgrass explains.

That’s bad news for farmers who need a full profile of soil moisture going into spring and don’t have one.

“If I’m in Iowa, Minnesota, northern Illinois, the Dakotas, even parts of Nebraska and Missouri, I’m going, holy smokes, that arctic air has prevented any sort of meaningful precipitation coming back at this point of the year,” he says.
Similar concerns were voiced by Drew Lerner, founder and president of World Weather, Inc., during the Top Producer Summit.

“If we continue bringing these cold shots of air through North America, we will have a below-normal precipitation bias [for the western Corn Belt] as we go forward through spring planting season,” Lerner explained during the taping of the U.S. Farm Report.

This map shows what the precipitation could look like in March. But remember, Mother Nature is unpredictable. It’s certainly feasible she could change course and bring moisture to the states west and southwest of the Mississippi River.

(Eric Snodgrass)

That’s not the meteorologists’ expectation for the eastern Corn Belt and portions of the Southeast. Lerner and Snodgrass agree those areas are likely to have plenty of moisture going into spring planting.

More Weather Trouble Brewing For Summer
If the current cold conditions continue through March, which Lerner and Snodgrass anticipate will be the case, what will likely occur is a knee-jerk reaction in the atmosphere: a warming trend will start in late March or early April and build through late spring and into early summer.

“If we warm up quickly in the spring, which is a high possibility, we could end up falling behind the eight ball a little bit more on soil moisture,” Lerner says.

While some meteorologists point to this year’s La Niña as a cause of the continued move to dryer conditions, Snodgrass and Lerner say that’s not the case.

“La Niña will be gone by the time we get into mid-March,” Lerner predicts. “This La Niña hasn’t lasted long enough to really have a big footprint in the atmosphere. As we get into April, it’ll be pretty much a non-event.”

Keep An Eye On The Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Lerner and Snodgrass believe a negative phase of what scientists call the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) could be a primary contributor to ongoing drought and higher temperatures by April. The PDO is a long-term climate pattern that affects the temperature of the Pacific Ocean and can influence weather patterns across the globe.

While the PDO has not had what Lerner calls a “tremendous amount of impact” in past years in the U.S., it’s looking more influential for the 2025 growing season.

“I’m seeing some additional cooling off the West Coast of North America that may end up leading us into a greater ridge building with all the dryness that’s in the soil and that negative PDO,” Lerner says. “I’m not ready to go all the way over with [that prediction], but that’s where I’m headed.”

The Surprising Solution To Drought
If Mother Nature continues on her worrying course, Snodgrass says continued low temperatures in the Gulf of Alaska would be a signal in early summer for farmers.

“If we get into June and it’s cool there, that is telling me that the atmosphere is not moving. And if it doesn’t move, well, all of a sudden we could find ourselves in a situation in late June into July with more drought and excess heat,” Snodgrass says.

The North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) is a seasonal forecasting system, showing this summer could be a dry one in portions of the West and upper Midwest and into Canada. However, summer is still months away, and Mother Nature could change course. However, being forewarned can help farmers plan ahead.

(Eric Snodgrass and NMME)

Another worrying sign he says to watch for is where the active spring weather pattern falls. If areas of Kansas and the Great Plains see an active tornado season, Snodgrass says that means the weather pattern is more favorable for rains to fall across the Corn Belt. But if tornado warnings blare across the Southeast, Snodgrass says that’s a signal drought could be a problem this summer.

There is a solution to the troubling weather patterns, he adds, one most farmers won’t welcome – a big, wet snow on the Northern Plains.

“The No. 1 thing I’m praying for right now is an April 4 blizzard. I want a foot of snow,” Snodgrass told farmers at Top Producer Summit, many of whom laughed.

Snodgrass laughed, too, and added, “You’ll hate me for about a week, and then love me through the rest of May.”

Your next read: ‘Stay Tuned, We’ll Be Right Back With Your Forecast’

Small But Capable: Is 2025 The Year of The Utility Tractor?

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:30:00 GMT

Several farm machinery companies are releasing new low-to-medium horsepower utility tractors for model year 2025.

Which begs the question: If 2024 was The Year of The Combine , is 2025 already shaping up to be The Year of The Utility Tractor? It doesn’t have the same ring to it though, now does it?

Many of these machines feature redesigned operator cabs and revamped engine transmissions. It seems tractor manufacturers are increasingly integrating technologies, such as in-cab monitors, LED lighting packages, and machine guidance and telematics, which are usually reserved for higher horsepower models.

Ease-of-use, versatility and operator comfort seem to be the common threads that tie all of these introductions together beyond engine output.

The following new machinery introductions were announced last week during the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Ky., and World Ag Expo in Tulare, Calif.

AGCO announces the launch of its Massey Ferguson 2025 compact tractor lineup, which includes a new Premium Series model and MF Economy and Sub-Compact Series models.

(Alex Visciotti )

AGCO’s Massey Ferguson brand has announced its 2025 compact utility tractor line, which is comprised of three distinct series.

Premium Series (24.8 hp to 60.3 hp) tractors designed for daily use and ideal for a variety of applications from snow removal and landscaping to fieldwork and property maintenance.
Compact-Economy Series (24 hp to 57.3 hp) tractors balance affordability with capability and offer a variety of configurations.
Sub-Compact Series (22.5 hp to 24.5 hp) tractors that Massey Ferguson says are perfect for hobby farmers and first-time operators.

Each utility series features updated ergonomics and operator comfort features, a wide range of compatible attachments and implements, and user-friendly options for enhanced ease-of-use.

RELATED: AGCO Launches Massey Ferguson 2025 Compact Tractor Series, New Double Square Baler

Case IH’s new Farmall C Series tractor

(Case IH)

Case IH has announced its new medium utility Farmall C tractor Series.

The four-model lineup offers a 12-speed PowerShuttle and a 24-speed Hi-Lo transmission alongside a suite of factory-installed technology updates.

The manufacturer says the Farmall C Series has a larger, reinforced front axle, boosted hydraulic flow, heavier gross vehicle weight and increased rear lift capacity. All models in the series feature fully integrated base telematics to geo-locate the tractor and monitor the machine for service.

Additional new features include an auto PTO function to automatically engage and disengage the PTO, and an advanced loader joystick in the cab to simultaneously lift and shuttle control for fast material handling.

Dealers are taking orders now, and Case IH says Farmall C will ship in the fall.

Kubota Tractor Corporation’s new MX4900 utility tractor.

(Greg Latza/Kubota)

Kubota Tractor Corporation has unveiled its all-new MX4900 utility tractor.

The company says it is designed to be a workhorse at a new price point. From transporting hay bales to grading a driveway, or performing general property maintenance, the sub-100 hp machine provides a capable solution that ranchers and farmers have been waiting for.

There are two types of transmissions available on the MX4900 and both models are equipped with a Kubota engine and Common-Rail System (CRS) with electronically controlled fuel injection.

The MX4900 also features both ROPS and Cab options with ergonomically placed controls. Some of the comfort features include a spacious operator station, optional suspension air ride seat with optional armrests on the cab model, and all-new optional dealer-installed LED lighting kits.

The MX4900 will be available at authorized Kubota dealers in spring 2025.

New Holland’s PowerStar Series utility tractor.

(New Holland)

New Holland’s brand new PowerStar Series offers four distinct utility tractor models ranging from 86 to 117 hp.

The company says the next-gen series offers new styling, greater operator comfort inside a refined VisionView cab with independent suspension, and a wide array of productivity-enhancing features. Underneath each hood is a FPT Industrial 3.6-liter four-cylinder engine, and the lineup complies with Stage V emissions standards.

The PowerStar series also offers all-new, factory-installed LU Series front loaders standard on all models. These loaders offer more lifting capacity, greater lifting height, faster cycle times, improved visibility, easier coupling and refined control.

The new PowerStar Series tractors will arrive in dealer inventory in Q4 2025.

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AGCO Launches Massey Ferguson 2025 Compact Tractor Series, New Double Square Baler

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

AGCO has announced the launch of its Massey Ferguson 2025 compact tractor lineup as well as a new double small square baler for hay producers.

The 2025 lineup offers solutions tailored to smaller agricultural operations and AGCO says its model year class empowers operators to achieve better results with better value.

Included in the 2025 Model Year Class of compact tractors:

New Premium Series (24.8 - 60.3 hp) tractors designed for daily use and ideal for a variety of applications from snow removal and landscaping to fieldwork and property maintenance.
New MF Compact-Economy Series (24 - 57.3 hp) tractors balance affordability with capability and offer a variety of configurations.
New MF Sub-Compact Series (22.5-24.5 hp) tractors that Massey Ferguson says are perfect for hobby farmers and first-time operators.

For more information about the Massey Ferguson MY2025 compact tractor lineup, visit https://www.masseyferguson.com/en_us.html.

Hesston by Massey Ferguson Double Small Square Baler

The MF SB.1436DB is designed to help producers meet tight harvest windows with minimal costs and maximum productivity, according to Massey Ferguson.

(Massey Ferguson)

AGCO’s new Hesston by Massey Ferguson SB.1436DB small square baler is capable of producing two rows of bales per field pass. Massey Ferguson says this enables double the output of a single baler producing 14-by-18-inch bales. By producing two rows of bales per pass, the new machine effectively doubles production capacity while reducing the need for additional labor, equipment and fuel.

Its 105-inch pickup width is also the widest configuration in the high-capacity small square baler segment, according to Massey Ferguson. This helps improve field efficiency and reduce labor needs by optimizing movement of hay into the baler.

For more information on the MF SB.1436DB small square baler, visit https://www.masseyferguson.com/en_us.html .

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Less Work, Better Bales: John Deere Intros Weave Automation

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:50:08 GMT

John Deere has launched weave automation for select round balers, according to a press release issued by the company.

Deere says this new feature helps streamline the baling process. The operator simply places the windrow between the front tires of the tractor and lets the baler do the work.

Today, round balers have gate and speed automation, which automates stopping the tractor when the bale is full sized - wrapping and ejecting the bale. The addition of weave automation allows less reliance on the operator skill to make a uniformed bale.

“Weave automation allows the baler to align with the tractor’s movements to effectively cover windrows of varying shapes and sizes,” said Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere go-to-market manager for hay & forage equipment.

A New Process
The weaving hitch system allows a +38-degree swing from left to right, allowing for enhanced feed system and bale feeding capabilities. Not only does the automation streamline operation, it also enhances feed quality by minimizing contamination of debris introduced by driving over windrows.

Deere also says the added maneuverability of the baler allows the machine to position bales in a way that reduces the risk of rolling on uneven terrain or hillsides, increasing operator safety, productivity and efficiency.

To learn more about the John Deere Round Baler weave automation, stop by John Deere Booth 2025 at NCBA’s CattleCon, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit deere.com.

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Operational Diversity Drives Success for a Colorado Ranch Family

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 20:26:00 GMT

As a kid, Dave Gottenborg loved to read Western novels. He dreamed of running a ranch. As a teenager, while working a summer job on horseback in Estes Park, Colorado, he met his wife, Jean, who shared his dream of ranching. In 2012, more than thirty years later, their dream finally came true when they purchased Eagle Rock Ranch, located 9,000 feet above sea level near the town of Jefferson, Colorado.

“We got here a little bit late, but we’re making the most of it,” Gottenborg tells Davis Michaelsen on the latest episode of Grow Getters , a Farm Journal podcast showcasing how ag producers are creating new businesses to help support their operations.
Having built a very successful career in law and in the energy sector, Gottenborg had no intention of playing cowboy on a hobby ranch. He approached stewardship of the 2,800-acre property — which dates back more than 150 years as a cattle and hay operation — with a strong commitment to making it a successful business. His daughter, Erin Michalski, her husband, Matt, and their three children, joined Dave and Jean in the enterprise.

He quickly learned that financial success required diversification. “It became apparent to me early on that farmers and ranchers need other sources of income to survive,” he explains on the podcast. “We need to look at our attributes and how we can monetize them to stay on the land.” They opened a store in nearby Fairplay, through which they sell their beef and other merchandise. They also set up an online direct-to-consumer business, which has found customers in all 50 states. Erin now offers classes to other cattle producers on setting up their own e-commerce businesses.

When customers started asking about ranch visits, the Gottenborgs added an agritourism business to their operation. Ranch tours, wildlife viewing, hunting and fishing now play important roles at Eagle Rock Ranch.

Their main focus, however, remains on growing their timothy-grass hay, which was voted Best in Show at this year’s Colorado State Fair, and on tending their herd of roughly 100 cow-calf pairs of pure-breed Black Angus cattle. In 2023, Dave was named Commercial Producer of the Year by the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.

As for how to start a new business, Gottenborg offers this advice: “Don’t be intimidated. We’ve learned there are a thousand ways of doing anything and none of them are the correct way. People say, ‘you think outside the box,’ but I don’t even know where the box is. We just try to figure out what’s best for us in this location with the resources we have.”

Watch the full interview on Grow Getters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3E45Hbl_dqk

Visit the Eagle Rock Ranch website: https://www.eaglerockbeef.com/

New Holland Acquires Danish Implement Manufacturer [UPDATE]

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:45:13 GMT

[UPDATE] New Holland announces the completion of this acquisition on Jan. 31, 2017.

According to a company statement: “New Holland Agriculture will extend its offering to include Tillage and Hay & Forage solutions under various brands, including Kongskilde, Overum, Howard and JF. The Kongskilde brand and sales organizations, dealers and importers will continue to operate with no disruption, ensuring continuity in its customers’ support. New Holland will gradually integrate the new agricultural implements into its own product offering.”

New Holland Agriculture has announced an expansion of its implement product lines by way of its acquisition of the Grass and Soil business of Kongskilde Industries, part of the Danish Group Dansk Landbrugs Grovvareselskab. Specifically, this business develops, manufactures and sells tillage, hay and forage implements under various brand names.

New Holland’s history of hay implements started in 1940 with the introduction of the first self-tying automatic pick-up baler for U.S. farmers. Since then, officials say the company is committed to developing a full lineup of hay equipment for cutting, tedding, raking, baling and stacking. The Kongskilde acquisition will further play into those goals, according to Carlo Lambro, brand president of New Holland Agriculture.

“The acquisition of the tillage and hay and forage activities of Kongskilde adds a key product range that will further broaden New Holland Agriculture’s product offering within the agricultural machinery sector,” he says. “In the meantime, the Kongskilde dealer and importer network will remain the reference point for their customers. This agreement will provide growth opportunities and create a strong platform to develop the Kongskilde business and its brands, and we will also gradually integrate their products in the New Holland portfolio.”

The acquisition includes two plants in Europe, located in Poland and Sweden, along with other facilities in EMEA, APAC and NAFTA regions. The transaction is subject to various closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Here’s a quick look at the history of Kongskilde.

Kongskilde Denmark from Kongskilde on Vimeo .

AGCO, CNH See Increased Tractor Demand

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 05:03:01 GMT

Demand for agricultural equipment in the first quarter of 2013 proved stronger than some expected, prompting an optimistic tone from executives at CNH and AGCO during earnings calls this morning.

“It has been quite the good start,” says Richard Tobin, president and CEO, CNH . The manufacturer reported 9% growth in total industry units for tractors in North America over the same period last year. Total combine units rose 51% over last year. Total unit growth for both equipment categories is projected to be between 0% and 5% for fiscal year 2013.

Overall, AGCO is “very optimistic and very positive” about the agricultural equipment market in the years ahead, says Martin Richenhagen, CEO. While global changes related to climate and finance programs will occur, he says, the market is big enough that multiple agricultural manufacturers will have opportunities for long-term stability and growth potential. The company reported March year-to-date tractor retail units were up 13% for the industry in North America and were up 52% for combines.

(See related: AEM Releases March 2013 Flash Report)

Orders at AGCO are up from where the company was at the end of the year, with order books filling up to between three and four months, depending on the region, says Andy Beck, senior vice president and chief financial officer.

Both companies are gearing up to implement Tier 4 Final standards to meet emissions requirements that take effect in 2014. The increase in pricing on Tier 4 Final tractors at CNH is expected to resemble the increase that occurred when moving from Tier 3 to Tier 4 Interim equipment, Tobin says. However, the final emissions requirements likely will have a larger impact on the pricing of lower-horsepower tractors than on high-horsepower tractors, he says.

AGCO anticipates a 15% increase in engineering expenses this year to meet Tier 4 Final emissions requirements and develop new products. The manufacturer projects inventory levels in the $125 million range for the year to meet those requirements, Beck says.

Tier 4 Final costs and other factors are prompting CNH to move forward with cautious optimism for the full year ahead, even as its agricultural business outperformed its construction operation.

“It’s a good start, but I don’t think we’re in a position … to say that the full year is going to keep at these levels,” Tobin says.

Unknowns include the wet spring preventing much corn planting in the U.S. and resulting volatility in commodity prices. The risk of a missed hay and forage season—once in 2012 because of drought and again this year because of wet weather—also is on people’s minds, Tobin says. CNH expects some liquidation of related equipment over the coming quarters because of weakened hay and forage production.

Click here for more details about AGCO’s Q1 2013 earnings.

Click here for more details about CNH’s Q1 2013 earnings.

Pests Proved Costly in 2021 with Grasshoppers and Fall Armyworms Wiping Out Entire Fields Across U.S.

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:05:54 GMT

As drought plagued the West and Plains in 2021, grasshoppers took over many pastures and crops, which demolished grasses and hayfields.

“It’s so widespread, that I’m afraid it’s going to be pretty devastating to the industry,” southeast Oregon rancher Bob Skinner told U.S. Farm Report this past summer.

Conditions were so dire, Skinner had to pull his cattle off of federal BLM land a month and a half early, which was a hard decision considering the land is vital for grazing and feed.

“There’s no pasture anywhere, period, around here,” said Skinner. “It doesn’t matter where you go, or how much you pay for it. You can’t find pasture. So, you couple that with the drought and the grasshoppers, the lack of hay, I just don’t see anything good coming out of this thing.”

Grasshoppers Demolished Hay

A swarm of grasshoppers was a common scene across parts of Oregon, Montana and North Dakota this past year.

AgDay and U.S. Farm Report affiliate KFYR spoke about the problem with Trevor Steeke, a rancher in North Dakota. As Steeke chronicled the grasshopper damage, he said it was the first time he had seen something that extreme in his 25 years of ranching.

“They’re eating it down to nothing,” Steeke told KFYR. “You can see my 300 acres of barley, all you can see is they’ve eaten it to the ground. There’s nothing left.”

In a normal year, Steeke would get 1,500 to 3,000 bales from a 1,000-acre field. This year, he baled 53.

“It’s going to be a tough year, a lot of tough decisions are going to have to be made,” said Steeke.

A First for Fall Armyworms

In the South, farmers and ranchers battled a different type of pest.

“This fall, the armyworm outbreak is the worst I’ve seen in my career,” said Gus Lorenz, Extension entomologist for the University of Arkansas system Division of Agriculture.

What are other “Unspoken Truth About Pests”? The Farm Journal team digs into more details here.

The fall armyworm outbreak in Arkansas was one for the record books, as Arkansas farmers and entomologists worked to battle pests, 2021 was the “perfect storm” in the worst way.

“It’s from one end to the state to the other. All four directions. It’s bad everywhere,” said Lorenz in early summer. “They don’t call it fall armyworm for nothing. It usually strikes us late but this year, it started early. I’ve never seen so many fall armyworms. Anywhere you go there, everybody’s got fall armyworms.”

“In soybeans, yield losses from it vary,” said Ben Thrash, Extension entomologist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture system. “A lot of times on late-planted stuff, it can range up to about 30% to 35% yield loss from defoliation on those small soybeans. Now you get later in the growing season in reproductive soybeans, and it can be a lot higher than even that.”

Ohio Farmers Faced with Unusual Battle

In early summer, Lorenz warned that the Midwest could face a similar outbreak, and that’s exactly what some areas saw. The infestation of fall armyworms was something farmers and entomologists in northern Ohio faced for the first time in their careers.

“We’ve never seen the fall armyworm really much at all before here in the fall,” Curtis Young, an entomologist and Ohio State University agricultural Extension educator for Van Wert County, Ohio, told U.S. Farm Report in early fall. “That’s what’s throwing everybody kind of for a loop.”

Since the area had never faced an armyworm problem, it was a pest they didn’t know to scout until it was too late.

“This is a 20-acre field, and they took it out in eight to 10 hours,” said Deshler, Ohio, farmer Nick Elchinger.

The Elchingers scouted an alfalfa field on Friday and saw no feeding. By Sunday, they said the entire field was gone.

“The armyworms just started along the edges of the field and then started to work their way in. And then this field, in particular, they started along the backside, and just within a matter of eight to 10 hours, they made their way across this whole field and wiped it out,” he said.

Young says by the time producers knew they had a problem on their hands, the caterpillars were too big for insecticides to effectively control.

“Suddenly, the caterpillars got large enough that they were stripping the foliage off of all kinds of plants in 24 to 48 hours,” said Young.

2021 was full of pest challenges as grasshoppers and armyworms robbed producers of crops and hay. It proved to be an unusual and costly year for pests. Now, producers are working to be prepared for pest issues in 2022.

What Happens If Cut Hay Gets Rained On?

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 16:28:25 GMT

Hay that has been cut and then rained on can lose quality in four ways. These include: 1) leaching of soluble carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, 2) increased and prolonged plant respiration, 3) leaf shattering, and 4) microbial breakdown of plant tissue.

1. Leaching of Soluble Nutrients: Carbohydrate, Vitamin, and Mineral Loss

Leaching of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is usually at its highest when the hay has dried somewhat and we then have a prolonged rain. Rainfall right after cutting usually results in less leaching of nutrients and a quick splash-and-dash shower normally doesn’t result in large losses of these nutrients on freshly cut hay.

2. Increased and Prolonged Plant Respiration: Loss of Forage Nutrients

Increased or prolonged respiration occurs when hay is not allowed to dry sufficiently to stop the plant’s metabolic processes. Hay must reach moisture content of less than 30 percent for respiration to be reduced to acceptable levels. Hay that is rained on when relatively green will continue to respire for longer periods of time, resulting in the loss of forage nutrients and dry matter yield.

Likewise, partially dried hay that is rained on can continue to respire for longer periods resulting in lower quality and yield of hay.

3. Leaf Shattering: Nutrient Loss from Increased Mechanical Handling

Increased leaf shatter is another problem associated with hay that has been rained on. Wet hay usually means more mechanical handling of the hay in order to dry it. Since leaves tend to dry quicker than stems, any increased raking or tedding tends to shatter leaves from stems. Since more of the soluble nutrients are in the leaf tissue, the loss of leaf blades while raking and baling can reduce hay quality substantially. Loss of leaf blades can also result in reduction of dry matter yields.

4. Microbial Breakdown: Fungi and Mold Consumption of Plant Tissue

Microbial breakdown of plant tissue occurs when fungi, molds and other microorganisms begin to feed on the downed hay. These organisms develop rapidly in warm-moist conditions and feed on the dead plant material. Hay that is lying on the ground and remains wet for long time periods becomes a perfect environment for these organisms to live and breed. They can quickly consume plant nutrients and destroy plant cell structure resulting in loss of dry matter yield, nutrient content and given time, will completely rot the hay.

What are the consequences of hay being rained on?

Research conducted at the University of Kentucky by Michael Collins indicated that we can lose up to 5 percent of the dry matter per inch of rain on cut hay. Digestibility can be reduced by 10 percent or more due to leaching of nutrients and leaf shatter. A similar study done at Iowa State University reported protein loses of 3 percent and total digestible nutrient reduction of 4.6 percent.

One fact seems to hold true, you still cannot tell what the actual quality of the hay is until you have it tested. Testing it is your best strategy for determining the nutrient quality you will get from the hay. Sampling rained-on hay will give you the information you need to design a supplementation program that will keep your animals in good shape during the winter feeding period. Your local county Extension Educator can help you with sampling techniques, hay probes, and testing. For a small investment of time and money, testing will pay off big in the health and nutrition of your herd.

Pencil Out the Peril of Precipitation Loss

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:42:25 GMT

If you depend on hay or pasture to feed livestock, now’s a good time to check out a program called the Rainfall Index (RI) Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) insurance program.

“If you make any significant business decisions based on livestock grazing practices, I would consider it,” advises Ray Massey, Extension Professor of agricultural and applied economics at University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

The program, subsidized by the U.S. government, is a risk-management tool designed to help farmers cover replacement feed costs when they experience a loss of forage or hay due to a lack of precipitation. In essence, it’s insurance that provides financial protection for inadequate rainfall.

How It Works
You must select at least two, two-month periods when precipitation is important for forage growth on your farm. You also need to decide the amount of insurance you want.

“Do you want to insure 70%, 80%, 90% of your expected rainfall? What months do you want to cover? Normally, you would choose those months when you’re actually going to have cattle out there or hay that you’re needing to harvest,” Massey explains.

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) then uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center data to determine whether you receive adequate rainfall during the two-month periods you selected. You won’t ever talk to an insurance adjuster or have one on your farm or need to consult your rain gauge.

“If you get below whatever you insured, they’re going to send you a premium,” Massey says. “If you are not below the percent you insured, then you’re not going to get a premium.”

What months you decide to insure is critical, and they may not be the ones you would initially think would be best. USDA-RMA offers this example for reference: A rancher has an operation in Virginia and has cool season grasses. July and August are normally extremely dry months when the vegetation normally becomes dormant (turns brown). Since July and August are normally dry, this may not be a good period to insure. This Virginia rancher may be better served by insuring months earlier in the spring that are important for cool season forage growth and months in the fall that would establish his cool season grasses for fall grazing.

The USDA-RMA provides some decision support tools to help you make the best decisions for months to consider for insurance purposes. In addition, here is a link to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the insurance program and USDA-RMA’s responses: https://bit.ly/3mEnFrn

Massey says farmers have until December 15 to purchase PRF insurance. “So, you’re going to be needing to make that decision here in the next month,” he says.

You can hear Massey’s complete recommendations in this AgriTalk segment, which aired on Monday:

Hay Moisture Levels: How Wet Is Too Wet?

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:39:34 GMT

By: Daniel Lima, Ohio State University, Extension Educator

We had a very wet June this year and baling hay has been a tough thing for most farmers in the state. Moisture levels have a direct effect on hay quality. What I have found to be a consistent number in the literature is 20% moisture maximum.

Maximum moisture levels in hay

Small squares to be 20% or less,
Large round, 18% or less and
Large squares, 16%

Hay baled at 20% moisture or higher has a high probability of developing mold, which will decrease the quality of hay by decreasing both protein and total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) AKA energy! The mold will also make the hay less palatable to livestock and could potentially be toxic, especially for horses. Even hay baled between 15%-20% moisture will experience what is known as “sweating”. Sweating, in regard to hay bales, refers to microbial respiration, which will create heat and result in dry matter (DM) loss. A good rule of thumb is that you should expect a 1% DM loss per 1% decrease of moisture after baling. As an example, hay baled at 20% moisture that is stored and dried down to 12%; will result in 8% DM loss.

Understandably, June was a double edged sword in regards to losing quality by not baling, or losing quality by baling with moisture levels that are too high. Therefore, my recommendation to ensure adequate livestock nutrition this winter is to have a forage analysis done on the hay baled this year. Once you have those results, develop a corresponding supplemental feed program, if necessary, based on the nutritional requirements of your livestock.

The short video below from Clif Little explains how to take forage samples for testing:

Weed Control in Pastures and Hayfields

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:19:36 GMT

Weeds can reduce the quantity and the stand life of desirable forage plants in pastures and hayfields. Weeds also impact the aesthetic value of a pasture. Therefore, producers may choose to initiate weed management strategies that reduce the impact of weeds on forage production.

The first step in effective weed control is to evaluate the pasture or hay field to determine the source of the weed problem. Soil testing to determine the current nutrient and pH status is the place to begin. After correcting fertility levels, the following things must be evaluated and corrected:

Stocking rate to eliminate overgrazing problems
Pasture rotation schedule
Need for additional grazing land
Prevent scalping and mowing-too-low
Correct the mower height in order to leave adequate stubble
Consider renovation where forage stands are very weak

First, a weed is defined as any plant growing where you don’t want it. Therefore, we must begin to think in a broader sense as to what weeds are. A weed can be Bahiagrass or Crabgrass growing in a Bermudagrass hayfield. These unwanted plants are often more aggressive than existing or desired forage species and compete for light, water, and nutrients. In latter stages of maturity, weeds can also reduce the quality and palatability of the forage available for livestock grazing. However, not all weedy plants are detrimental to pastures. In fact, some weedy plants provide nutritional value to grazing animals.

Grazing can be used as an effective weed management tool. Livestock will graze weeds when they are small. In the early vegetative stage of growth, many weeds have nutritive values equal to or greater than the desired forages. However, the forage quality of weeds decline rapidly as the plants mature.

Mowing is especially effective in reducing the amount of weed seed produced by established broadleaf weeds. The mower should cut as close to the ground as possible. Mowing may not completely eliminate weed seed production, since some seed could be produced by plants that regrow from tillers present on grasses below the height of cutting. Also, perennial weeds that spread by underground rootstocks, like thistle, are not effectively controlled by a single mowing.

Another control method includes various herbicides that are available to provide broad-spectrum weed control. When making your selection try to choose a product that will control as many weeds as possible. This reduces the use of herbicides and also minimizes cost by reducing the number of passes through the field. When applying multiple products choose products that can be mixed in the same tank and applied in one pass.

Two popular types of weed control products are pre-emerge and post-emerge herbicides. Pre-emerge herbicide must be applied before the weed seeds germinate. An example of a pre-emerge product is Prowl H2O. This herbicide is used to control Crabgrass in Bermudagrass hayfields. Post-emerge products are used to kill weeds after they have germinated. These herbicides must be used when the plant is actively growing and not simply green.

When using any herbicide, it is important to be aware of the surrounding crops. Drift from many of these herbicides are lethal to other crops like vegetables, shrubs and flowers. Pesticide spray drift is the movement of pesticide dust or droplets through the air at the time of application or soon after, to any site other than the area intended. They should choose a product that will not harm surrounding crops if drift occurs. Drift will vary with boom height, nozzle type, pressure, and wind.

Most herbicides have grazing and feeding restrictions stated on the label that limit the use of the crop for livestock feed. Producers should know and adhere to any grazing or haying restrictions. These restrictions can be anywhere from seven days to one year. Different products vary in their restriction guidelines. Many products that have no grazing restrictions for beef cattle will have grazing restrictions for dairy cattle. Most will also have a withdrawal period before slaughter.

Herbicides can be a useful tool for weed management in pastures and hayfields. They should be used where appropriate and when cost effective. A program that integrates several different control strategies is generally more successful than relying on only one method. Weeds present at the time of herbicide application may be controlled, but if the forage stand is not vigorous and actively growing, new weed seedlings will soon emerge and occupy the bare areas that remain. Thus, without proper use of mechanical control methods and good cultural practices, herbicide use will not be beneficial.

When is Hay Dry Enough?

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:54:24 GMT

Freshly baled hay with more than 20% moisture will heat up and actually reduce the energy level of the hay.
By: Dennis Hancock, University of Georgia, Forage Extension Specialist

There is a great misconception that once hay is “dry” and baled it is plain and devoid of life. The truth is that hay is never completely dry, and it is full of microscopic life. If the hay is not dry enough, those microscopic life forms can cause major problems. It’s Alive! Many microorganisms (mainly fungi species like Aspergillus and Fusarium, bacteria, and others) are ever present in hay (Figure 1). They feed on available carbohydrates on the surface of the forage plants and inside the stems and leaves. This feeding results in the loss of some dry matter (DM), reduces the quality of the hay, and also generates heat. The temperature of these hay bales, stacks, and barns can get very hot. In extreme cases, it can get so hot that the bales can catch on fire, even without a spark (i.e., spontaneous combustion). Even if the temperature does not reach these extremes, these microorganisms can also form spores. It is these spores that give the hay a moldy smell.

Figure 1. Summary of heating during hay storage, including recommended actions at various hay temperatures, what is causing the temperature increase, and what is happening as a result of the heat.

Nearly all hay goes through “a sweat” during the first few days after baling when the temperature rises. Figure 2 shows two cuttings of hay in a study I conducted while at the University of Kentucky wherein the bales’ temperature was tracked over time. Notice that the summer cutting, which was put up at 16% moisture, stayed relatively cool even during higher average ambient air temperatures. However, the fall cutting was baled a little wet (20% moisture) for round bales and it spiked over 140° F within just 3 days.

Figure 2. Temperature of round bale alfalfa hay from summer (16% moisture) and fall (20% moisture) cuttings relative to the ambient air temperature during the first few days after baling.

The heat that is generated when hay goes through “a sweat” is a side effect of the microorganisms consuming the most digestible portions of the forage, such as carbohydrates like sugar and starch. Consequently, a substantial portion of the hay could be used up during this process.

Wayne Coblentz, Research Agronomist at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service’s U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, has conducted several experiments on the impact that hay moisture and the resulting heating of the hay have on dry matter (DM) loss, hay quality, and heat risk. He recently found that for every 10° F increase in maximum temperature, the hay would lose up to 2% of the DM during storage.

Since these losses are coming from the most digestible forms of energy in the forage, hay heating comes at the expense of digestibility and the concentration of energy in the forage. Dr. Coblentz showed that the TDN of bermudagrass hay is decreased by more than 1 percentage point for every 10° F increase in maximum temperature over 100° F. In other words, a good bermudagrass hay crop that was just a little too wet when it was baled might have gone into the barn at 58% TDN, but it likely will come out of the barn with less than 54% TDN if it heated up to 140 °F or more.

What is “Dry Enough?”

Much of the original research suggests hay moisture content should be kept less than 20% for small rectangular bales, less than 18% for round bales, and less than 16% for large rectangular bales. These are still good “rules of thumb,” but there are exceptions. Consider, for example, the advances in bale package sizes and high-density baling systems that have occurred in the modern era. These denser bale packages enable the heat to build up to a higher degree. Other factors can also contribute to the extent of hay heating, including the amount of available carbohydrates in the forage crop, air circulation in the hay stack, relative humidity in the storage area, and the ambient temperature and humidity outside. Each producer’s situation will be somewhat different because of equipment, storage technique, and climatic differences. So, within the ranges provided in Figure 3, hay growers should allow for the effect that these factors might influence which target bale moisture is right for their farm.

Figure 3. The effect of bale moisture on the amount of damage that can be expected with different sizes and densities of hay bales, as well as other factors that affect hay heating.

Every year, I get 3-4 calls from folks who have had hay barns burn down. The calls almost always include the question, “Do you think I might not have gotten that hay dry enough?” It is truly tragic when it happens. The key is to control what you can control. For more information on hay molding and heating, visit our website at www.georgiaforages.com .

2017 Outlook: Hay Prices Rely on Basic Economics

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:52:46 GMT

If you’re a dairy farmer, the only thing keeping your business afloat may be the incredibly forgiving price of feed. Grains and alfalfa have been lower than average over the last several months. Barring a weather catastrophe next spring, analysts expect 2017 hay prices to remain in the same range they’ve been this year. Immense supply and lower than average demand will continue to put price pressure on hay, excluding premium alfalfa.

The June 2016 acreage report from USDA indicated 56.1 million acres of hay would be harvested this year. That jump in hay acreage, combined with near perfect growing conditions in most of the U.S., led to barns full of hay. Although this poses an upside for dairy farmers and hay tarp suppliers, it’s bad news for hay growers.

Use the slider above to see where alfalfa is grown, compared to where other types of hay are grown in the U.S.

“We have an incredible amount of hay,” says Dan Undersander with the University of Wisconsin forage team. “We had an above-average carryover, and we had tremendous yields. The supply is good.”

According to Western hay market expert Seth Hoyt of the Hoyt Report, there’s sufficient carryover in the West as well, with Idaho leading the pack. Evidence of this carryover appeared in the latest USDA hay price report, which quoted Idaho having one of the lowest prices in the seven Western states for “supreme” quality hay.

The huge gap in price between “supreme” quality hay and low quality hay, a trend that really picked up steam last year, will likely continue, according to Undersander.

“Quality hay has a good premium and that is likely to stay,” he says. “There will be opportunity to bring some hay in from the West, but of course the farther you go, the higher the transportation costs become.”

The drought the Eastern U.S. experienced this summer will help chew through the supply, but farmers in places like NY are also bringing in hay from Canada, according to Undersander. In addition, he says a long, cold winter has the potential to help reduce stocks as well.

Fortunately for livestock producers, corn prices have been down, too. However, Undersander warns that low corn prices throughout the winter won’t likely make the hay price go much lower.

“Usually when corn prices are down we put up more corn silage and that makes hay prices down,” he explains. “This year people didn’t put up as much corn silage because bunks were full of haylage.”

Undersander says the corn silage that was put up this year in the Midwest wasn’t as high quality as it should be, so farmers will feed more hay to make up for the lost nutrients.

Hay exports to China have increased compared to last year but fell sharply in September, Hoyt reports. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, hay exports to China were down 27% from August, but are still 51% higher than September a year prior. Hoyt credits the decline to the Chinese not being willing to pay exporters full price because of heavy shipments from June through August.

“According to sources, dairies in China were losing money due to low milk prices and were buying lower priced local hay,” he says.

Could the price bounce back?

“A hard winter will increase use as will the number of cows we feed through the winter,” Undersander says. “If we have an average to good growing season next year, prices will stay about where they are now.”

Barring a significant weather event next spring, demand won’t be able to outpace supply, and prices will remain relatively stagnant.

The editors at AgWeb.com are taking a look at experts’ projections for a variety of commodities in 2017 to help you succeed and be profitable in the coming year. Tune in periodically over the next six weeks as we add outlooks for corn, wheat, cotton, cattle, machinery and more. Read all the outlook pieces here.

Farmers Sharing Poor Crop Conditions On Social Media

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:30:00 GMT

With portions of the U.S. experiencing severe, extreme and exceptional drought conditions, farmers are posting photos showcasing just how much of an impact the lack of rain is having on their fields. Scroll down to see photos farmers are sharing.

One of the states most effected by drought has been Missouri, with the entire state facing dry conditions. At least 31% of Missouri’s corn crop is in poor to very poor shape. Soybeans, unfortunately aren’t much better, leaving some farmers having to make tough decisions like baling their beans.

.@USDA says 31% of Missouri’s corn crop is in poor to very poor shape. This is corn pm sandy soil in the Missouri River bottoms just south of Hardin, Mo. Fields go from stressed, but still green to this. The impacts of this year’s drought are real... and disheartening. pic.twitter.com/HE9h6K8VAz
— Tyne Morgan (@Tyne_Ag) August 1, 2018

How bad is the #drought here in East Central, MO? They are round baleing soybeans in Pike County right now. 1/2 the hay crop going into winter, farmers are making tough decisions. pic.twitter.com/qGkT97f8Hr
— Kyle Allen (@channelseed7) August 5, 2018

Similar dry conditions in the corn belt are leaving states like Iowa and Kansas high and dry. Lack of moisture has caused lack of pollination, causing many farmers to expect lower yields this harvest season.

Corn is cooking today in SE Iowa and not in a good way. #drought #corn pic.twitter.com/HnJorSwPfi
— john Dingman (@jdingman2899) August 5, 2018

In other parts of the country, heavy rainfall and severe storms have left crops oversaturated, blown down and shredded due to hail.

Miserable night to finish off and miserable year in Northeast Missouri... pic.twitter.com/siepSmrOQp
— Clete Miller (@clete_miller) August 7, 2018

Unfortunately have now experienced hail at every #corn & #soybean growth stage. Eastern York & good portion of Seward County-Hard dough/early dent and R6 beans. @UNL_CropWatch @HailKnowUNL https://t.co/j7OX78OwZe pic.twitter.com/TuEDLZ3FS5
— Jennifer Rees (@jenreesources) August 7, 2018

Well it was pretty corn. #hail. pic.twitter.com/ZfydUMoiLq
— GGF (@GoldenGrainFarm) July 30, 2018

Other areas have received too much rain, causing fields to flood and less than ideal drying conditions.

Wife just sent this from brother in laws, on south side of Sharon Springs. pic.twitter.com/OUFi2UYT4J
— Matt Jaeger (@mjaeger6) July 27, 2018

Despite the harsh conditions Mother Nature has thrown at farmers this year, many remain hopeful that recent rainfall could help turn bleak harvest conditions around.

Well after over 2” of rain, most of which came last week, this @Indigoag corn has made a surprising turn around. Too soon to tell if it’ll actually fill an ear but it’s giving it a shot. pic.twitter.com/Egr5scFyiF
— Sean Harkness (@harkness_sean) August 8, 2018

#SECOsoybeans looking good after last weeks rains. pic.twitter.com/gTBAeoVANS
— Sean Harkness (@harkness_sean) August 8, 2018

This is the reason to be planting beans at the same time as corn. Same bean planted 2.5 weeks apart on same soil across road from each other. I would say early beans make a difference. pic.twitter.com/ljiSrHO7VJ
— Beard Implement AFS (@Beard_AFS) August 8, 2018

Spring Allergies are in the Air, but Not for Some Farm Kids

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:30:00 GMT

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and people are sneezing everywhere. Sound like spring to you?

With the start of spring comes the start of allergy season, but not for some farm kids, researchers say. While allergists have long known that farm life helps prevent allergies in kids, research shows the benefit might even extend to adults who live near a farm, according to Health Day.

Compared to children brought up in the city, those with early life farm exposure typically had fewer cases of asthma, allergies and sinus problems, according to a Thorax journal article.

Scientists also found that women who grew up on the farm were shown to have stronger lungs than women with an urban upbringing.

Researchers remain unsure what drives the correlation between spending time on the farm and the development of allergies, but they speculate that exposure to certain microbes, air pollution and physical activity could all play a role, as reported in Time Magazine.

Too much cleanliness is an additional theory as to why children brought up in the city typically have a higher chance of allergies.

“It looks like with our modern conditions and cleanliness that we have fewer and fewer germs to fight off,” says Andy Nish, a physician with a private practice in Gainesville, Georgia, in an interview with National Public Radio. Our immune systems protect us by learning to fight off foreign invaders, whether they’re harmless or not. We can’t train our defenses if we don’t get exposed. And if you’re allergic to one thing, you’re likely allergic to a number of things.

Allowing children to grow up on a farm exposes kids to good bacteria, building up their immune systems and lessening their chances for getting sick or having allergies. However, it should be noted that if you suffer from allergies, spending more time on the farm will not cure them. Instead, seek help from a medical professional who can provide you with the proper medication that will help you endure exposure to your allergens.

For more on this, read:

Nonprofit Brings Flood-Stricken Nebraska Ranchers Hay Help

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:30:00 GMT

A farm aid nonprofit is launching an effort to deliver donated hay to ranchers in flood-stricken Nebraska, resurrecting a program first used nearly two years ago to help cattle producers facing drought conditions in the Upper Midwest.

North Dakota-based Farm Rescue is seeking volunteer drivers and donations of hay and money for what it calls “Operation Hay Lift” to help Nebraska ranchers dealing with widespread flooding after a massive late-winter storm.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with those suffering from this natural disaster,” Bill Gross, founder and president of Farm Rescue, said Tuesday.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau estimates that farm and ranch losses in that state could reach $1 billion. The amount of hay needed hasn’t yet been determined, according to the Nebraska Cattlemen rancher group, which also has launched a disaster relief fund .

“Some folks are still battling floodwaters and have not been able to access their hay to determine what was lost,” spokeswoman Talia Goes said. “However, we have heard from some folks that nearly 50 to 100 percent of their hay has been ruined or taken with the raging waters. Also, many folks will battle damaged hay and pasture fields from the water and the debris.”

The first Operation Hay Lift was launched in July 2017 in the midst of devastating drought in the Upper Midwest. The program lasted 10 months, with 75 volunteer truckers hauling nearly 300 semitrailer-loads of hay to 154 ranch families in the Dakotas and Montana. More than 10,000 large, round hay bales were hauled a total of more than 200,000 miles, according to Farm Rescue spokesman Dan Erdmann.

Farm Rescue provides free physical labor for farmers and ranchers dealing with an injury, illness or a natural disaster in six Plains states — North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota and Montana. The nonprofit’s services include crop planting and harvesting, haying, and livestock feeding. It has helped nearly 600 farm families since starting in 2006 and relies on volunteers from around the country, donations and corporate sponsors.

Help Drought Stricken Farmers in North Dakota

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:29:50 GMT

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture looking for trucking donations to move hay for their hay lottery to help livestock producers in the drought stricken state.

The hay lottery was designed bring some relief to cattle producers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, as they struggle to find feed supplies in the midst of a summer-long drought and wildfire recovery.

In order to participate, producers must be located in a D2, D3 or D4 designated county; own at least 25 animal unit equivalents of beef or dairy cattle, bison or sheep; and have a third-party verification contact person, such as a veterinarian or lending institution partner. Find the online application here.

“We have identified around 30 semi-loads of hay that have been graciously donated to the hay lottery,” North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “We are now in need of assistance to get the donated hay to the NDSU site for distribution.”

If you have capacity to help, call the North Dakota Department of Agriculture at 701-328-4764 or 1-844-642-4752 to get information about delivery to the collection site near the NDSU campus.

Preventing an Unwanted Baler Fire

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:29:50 GMT

Dry conditions this year in the Northern Plains have reminded many how quickly fires can ignite causing damage, destroying equipment, future feedstuffs and hopefully NOT injuring you in the process. We need to be cognizant at all times of the potential for fires to start while baling hay or straw and take measures to minimize the potential of a fire occurring.

Baler Maintenance Checklist

Before you head out to bale take the time to do the following maintenance checks on your baler with the objective of fire prevention:

Remove any trash or plant material accumulation on the baler and take time to blow off dust, leaves, and dry stems.
Keep the baler free and clean of oil, grease or hydraulic fluid accumulation, which also attracts and holds dust while baling and is highly ignitable.
Carry an “ABC” fire extinguisher on the baler or in your tractor at all times. Make it easily accessible and check it to make sure it is still adequately charged with fire retardant and not beyond its expiration date. (An “ABC” rating on fire extinguishers means that it is rated to control “A”-Trash, Wood, Paper; “B”-Liquids; “C” – Electrical).
Carry a minimum of 4 gallons of water to use if a fire would ignite.
It is also recommended to have a shovel or spade with you to throw dirt on a fire or pat out the “hot” spots.
Take time to inspect all moving parts for wear or friction before heading out to bale.
Do not over fill the fuel tank as the overflow of fuel can have a potential to become ignited. These spills should be cleaned up immediately. Shut off the engine and electrical equipment while filling the fuel tank. The fuel nozzle should be grounded against the filler neck to avoid sparks.
Immediately repair any hydraulic or fuel leaks and clean up any spills. Hydraulic fluid is flammable.
If welding repairs are required, take care not to weld near pipes, tubes or hoses filled with flammable fluid such as gas, oil or hydraulic oil.
Do not smoke near the baler or tractor as this adds to the potential for a spark to cause a fire ignition.
Carry a charged cell phone with you to make an emergency call if necessary.
Be able to give directions to your location in an emergency situation.

Other Considerations

Lastly, make sure that you communicate with others where you will be working so that they also will know where to locate you if an emergency situation would arise. Prevention and maintenance only takes a few minutes versus trying to recover from a catastrophic loss caused by a potentially avoidable fire.

Farmland Update Iowa Land Values Lead Stabilization Trend

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 21:29:50 GMT

Farmland Update Iowa Land Values Lead Stabilization Trend

Although spotty, there are signs of stabilization underway in portions of the Corn Belt farmland market. The state’s cropland rose values 2% in the six-month period ending in September and increased nearly 3% compared to a year earlier, according to a survey conducted by the Iowa Chapter of the Realtors Land Institute. That is the first increase in three years.

Other states, meanwhile, show steady to slightly lower declines. So why the gain in farmland values in Iowa?

First, note that the run-up in farmland values began in Iowa and then spread to other states a year later. Second, the downturn in farmland values also began in Iowa and then spread a year later to other states. So stabilization in Iowa farmland values while values are steady at best and mostly weaker in other states should not be surprising.

Third, the volume of farm properties offered for sale remains tight. That has tended to support prices for quality farms brought to the market. The number of properties moving to the market will likely rise seasonally this winter. But it does not appear a burdensome wave of supply is headed to the market in 2018. If sales volume remains subdued, the market in other states might also see signs of stabilization. —Mike Walsten

Hay Production Falls 3 Million Tons Amid Alfalfa and Grass Hay Issues

U.S. hay production will be close to 132 million tons in 2017, down 3 million tons from last year, according to estimates from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and reported by the Livestock Marketing Information Center. Alfalfa hay yields per acre will be down 5% from a year ago, and production is pegged to be down 4% despite harvested area growing by 1%. All other hay production is down 1%, the center says.

Total hay supplies for the 2017/18 crop year are down almost 2% from the previous year. The decline comes amid a 2% increase in roughage-consuming animals in the U.S. Hay prices have been tracking above year-ago values since spring with less hay and more livestock.

Grass hay values were weak in August, due in part to a 25% price decline in Oklahoma, the third-largest non-alfalfa hay producing state. Grass hay prices fell 5% in Texas, the largest producer of non-alfalfa hay, according to information the center publishes. —Nate Birt