Equipment

9 Steps to Calibrate your Sprayer

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:31:00 +0000

Source: Ohio State University

Now is the time to check the accuracy of your sprayer. One can determine if the chemicals are applied at the proper rate only by carefully calibrating the sprayer. While applying too little pesticide may result in ineffective pest control, too much pesticide wastes money, may damage the crop and increases the potential risk of contaminating ground water and environment.

Prevent Sidewall Compaction When Planting Corn this Spring

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Source: DuPont Pioneer

With the potential for wet soils in some areas of the country this spring, compaction may be an issue during planting. Sidewall compaction in wet soils can be a problem, especially if the crop is “mudded-in” and a dry spell occurs after planting.

2013 Custom Farming Rates Up Slightly from 2012

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:01:00 +0000

As would be expected with increasing fuel costs, average 2013 custom rates for farm work have a1so increased, compared to 2012 custom rates. Most custom rates for farm work in 2013 are 3-5% above the rates for similar operations in 2012, with an average increase of about 4%.

Focus on Ag

Planter Adjustments for Dry Soil

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:05:00 +0000

By Mark Hanna, Iowa State University

Many planters allow seed depth to be adjusted 3-4 in. Actual depth should be checked, however, to ensure penetration of seed openers and accurate seed placement. Row cleaners may be used as an aid for deeper planting, but subsequent rainfall can create soil sealing or erosion. Greater down pressure than normal may aid seed-to-soil contact.

Cover Crop Interseeder

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:12:00 +0000

One pass seeds cover crops, sidedresses the corn crop and sprays weeds, at least in State College, Pa. Penn State’s cover crop experimental interseeder potentially increases profits by $100/acre in corn yields, reduced N requirements and glyphosate applications costs.

Sidedress Yields Big Returns | This Simple Rig Helped Slash N Use, Reduce Runoff Concerns

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:55:00 +0000

For Jason Sheehan, cutting input costs was the main impetus for moving to variable-rate fertilizer application and N sidedressing. Reducing the potential for any off-site movement was a close second.

Switch to Drip Irrigation

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:32:00 +0000

Subsurface drip irrigation systems reduce net irrigation needs by nearly 25% while maintaining yields.

Using subsurface drip irrigation, Nebraska farmer Don Anthony has maintained big corn and soybean yields while improving his watering efficiency by 35% or more. Like many western Corn Belt and southern High Plains growers with limited annual rainfall, Anthony has counted on irrigation as a staple for his corn, soybeans and other crops.

Propane Farm Incentive Program

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:19:00 +0000

Source: Propane Education & Research Council

Participants can receive more than $4,000 for providing feedback and performance data on qualifying propane-fueled irrigation engines and other farm equipment.

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) announces the release of the Propane Farm Incentive Program, a nationwide research and demonstration initiative in which farmers can receive more than $4,000 toward the purchase of new propane-fueled irrigation engines. Farmers who participate in the program will receive a $400 incentive/liter of engine displacement, up to 10.3 L, or $4,120, toward the purchase of a new propane-fueled irrigation engine. Qualifying equipment must be new, original propane-fueled engines and equipment that have obtained the proper EPA and/or California Air Resources Board Certification.

Vertical Tillage Not a Yield Driver

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Do improved planting conditions following shallow vertical tillage result in higher crop yields? “Fine-textured soils and early planting are the two conditions where shallow vertical tillage may provide a yield benefit, compared to no-till,” says Mike Staton, Michigan State University Extension soybean agronomist,” in reference to studies from Michigan, Indiana and Canada.

Custom Rates, Machinery Cost and Bin Checks

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:18:00 +0000

An increased number of farm operators are now providing some type of custom work to other farmers during the growing season. Many times, the farmers involved in custom work arrangements wonder what a fair custom rate is for the various faming practices that were performed.

Focus on Ag