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THE NATIONAL Farm Machinery Show held February 15-18 in Louisville, KY, had a record-setting attendance year, with more than 312,000 people visiting the exhibits. NFMS official Harold Workman credits the big crowds to an expansion of exhibit space and a healthy ag economy. Here's a look at some of the new products exhibited at the show.
Predator series sprayers
Spray-Air Technologies offers the model SP2010 Predator series of sprayers with 80- to 120-ft. boom options. The sprayer features a 1,000-gal. tank and buddy seat cab. The Raven SCS4000 CANbus Auto Rate Controller gives the operator the ability to manage up to three products at one time. The sprayer has a Cummins 5.9 diesel engine and air-over-hydraulic disc brakes.
The SP2010 Trident series booms are available with Spray-Air's patented Shear Guard Plus nozzle with dial-a-drop technology that allows the optimum droplet sizes to be dialed in on the go. The Shear Guard Plus nozzle can produce the most suitable droplet size ranging from 125 to 500 microns, while traveling at the same speed and with a constant water flow rate.
The Triad is a full-hydraulic, three-bin granular application system manufactured by Barron and Brothers International, Gainesville, GA. The Triad is configured to apply standard-rate or variable-rate prescription programs. The unit is capable of up to 90-ft. swath widths for fertilizer and up to 60-ft. swaths for ag lime. A Mid-Tech Legacy 6000 CANbus control system and lightbar and a moving map display aid in guidance and field monitoring.
In addition to three-product channel control, the unit has hydraulics and sensors for spinner speed control. An operator can dial in the spinner speed that best fits the blended material being used, in addition to selecting the spreader width. The system will then maintain the ideal spinner rpm as the ground speed and product rates vary across the field.
To learn more, call Tennessee Farmer's Coop at 615/793-8400, ext. 8503, or Barron and Brothers International at 800/282-3570.
Soil insecticide protects
A new corn soil insecticide called Defcon 2.1G offers both root protection and root growth enhancement. Helena Chemical Company developed the insecticide that controls all corn rootworm larvae, cutworms, wireworms, seed-corn maggots, seed-corn beetles and white grubs. It also includes a dual-mode active ingredient system that promotes a stronger, healthier root system allowing good utilization of nutrients and moisture. As a result, the plant is better able to tolerate crop stress, according to Helena.
The Asset Formulation Technology in Defcon 2.1G is exclusive to Helena. The company says it developed the technology to help improve the performance of granular, soil-applied insecticides. The product is labeled for field corn, popcorn, sweet corn, seed corn and corn grown for silage.
For more information, contact Helena Chemical Co., 7664 Moore Rd., Memphis, TN 38120, 901/752-4414, www.helenachemical.com.
Amphibious utility vehicle
The Bush-Whacker Revolution utility vehicle floats fully loaded in water above 23 in. deep. Propellers give the Bush-Whacker Revolution speed in the water of 5 to 10 mph. The vehicle has four-wheel independent suspension, with 11-in. ground clearance. A diesel engine provides convenient fueling. The vehicle has a 10-gal. fuel capacity. Several optional features are available.
For more information, contact Hall Mfg., Box 5652, North Little Rock, AR 72119, 501/945-7550, www.bush-whacker.com.
All-terrain work vehicle
Power over and through thick mud, deep snow, sand, rocks and shallow water with the RangeRunner all-terrain work vehicle from TerraTrack. A single T-handle controls the vehicle's speed, turning and brakes. The RangeRunner uses a fully hydraulic drive system that does not use gears, chains or pulleys. The 1,580-lb. vehicle is supported by 1,650 sq. in. of track surface. Durable, reinforced rubber tracks are designed to provide years of off-road operation. Choose from 31- to 34-hp gas and turbo diesel engine options.
An optional front and rear auxiliary hydraulic system allows hydraulic attachments to be added. Additional accessories, including winches, cargo carriers, sprayers and grooming equipment, can be attached to either the front or rear of the vehicle through quick-pin receiver hitches.
For more information, contact TerraTrack Inc., 514 W. Crawford, Clay Center, KS 67432, 800/523-6993, www.terratrack.com.
Next-generation pump
CDS-John Blue Company introduces the Next Generation Pump (NGP) line of piston-metering pumps. The new pumps feature a single valve cap to allow a user to access the check valve easily without removing the hoses. Service inspection and maintenance can be done in the field.
The NGP 6055, at 21.0-gpm maximum flow, and NGP-7055, at 34.2-gpm maximum flow, are single-piston pumps. The NGP-8055, at 42.0-gpm maximum flow, and NGP-9055, at 68.4-gpm maximum flow, are both double-piston pumps. All four of the pumps are designed for 120-psi maximum pressure.
For more information, call CDS-John Blue Company at 800/253-2583 or visit www.cds-johnblue.com.
All-steel buildings
SenTrus all-steel buildings are pre-engineered and pre-fitted according to a computer-guided system. The buildings are made using an all-steel truss that serves as the backbone of the building. The two structural members of the truss are bolted together on-site, using grade 5 bolts and steel connector plates. All structural members, including upper cord, lower cord, and vertical and horizontal braces, are made of steel. Accessories and options are available to give the finished building its own unique look and feel.
To learn more, contact Sentinel Building Systems, Box 348, Albion, NE 68620, 877/878-7755, www.sentrusbldg.com.
First-class delivery
SPRAYER AIR technologies have been around for more than 20 years, but until recently, retailers and growers didn't use them much. That has changed, due
Droplet size control
CONTROL OF spray droplet size is critical for minimizing the risk of drift, says Scott Bretthauer, University of Illinois Extension specialist in application
Super sprayer
MODERN Flow Equipment reinvented its big sprayer line from the ground up. Built for high-acreage growers and custom applicators to service both large
Precise ag chemical injection
CHEMILIZER says its new CP33 injector adjusts easily to a range of water volumes and helps to deliver chemicals quickly and accurately into the water
Optimal application
NOT EVERY expert agrees on how best to boost a sprayer's effectiveness, but few would disagree that the ultimate objective of a crop protection application
Pro-Chute helps fill the planter
Snap the new Pro-Chute discharge chute onto a bulk seed box and watch seed slide smoothly into a planter or planter fill equipment. The Pro-Chute, from
Computers don't get tired
The sole purpose of Tri-State LLC, located in Fairmount, ND, is to supply either raw or blended fertilizer for other retailers. For that reason, it has
PRODUCTS
New fertilizer grades Honeywell has launched two new grades of Sulf-N ammonium sulfate (21-0-0-24S) and improved quality specifications and supply for
Software developers and suppliers 2005
AGRIS Corporation 800/795-7995; Fax: 770/238-5205 E-mail: info@agris.com; sales@agris.com Web site: www.agris.com What's new: AgroGuide is an agronomy
One up on Wal-Mart
AN IMPORTANT part of the success of Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, is attributed to its sophisticated inventory management systems. In the world
Inoculant application system
PIONEER HI-BRED International says silage producers can save time and wear and tear on their choppers by using its patented Appli-Pro Super Low Volume
Pollen blocker
HOEGEMEYER HYBRIDS, a regional seed company based in Hooper, NE, appears to have found a way to prevent cross contamination of pollen from genetically
Wireless grain
COMMODITY Resource Corporation (CRC) based in Caledonia, NY, is one of a growing number of operations that are working to bring bulk commodity handling
Grain aeration system
BROCK GRAIN Systems has developed the Parthenon support system specifically for use with the Brock Tri-Corr aeration and drying floor. The new floor system
State-of-the-art facility
SYNGENTA SEEDS recently celebrated renovations to its Phillips, NE, corn production facility. The $4.7 million project increases the plant's seed-conditioning
A boom in control
AUTOMATIC BOOM section control is emerging as one of the most popular features on high-tech sprayers. As controller manufacturers have added this option
Aerial detective
DEALERS INTERESTED in applying variable rates of crop inputs based on current crop conditions have another service option in 2006, courtesy of John Deere
Friends of the environment
THE DECISION to invest in new storage and handling facilities in the last few years has reaped rewards for Eastern Farmers Co-op and Farmers Elevator
Spiral stairway
BROWNIE'S NEW Safe-T-Max spiral stairway system is made of all-galvanized steel and modular construction for easy installation. Smooth, circular, 1-in.
Signal interrupted?
THE TEMPORARY loss of a base signal on a guidance system no longer means lost work time. John Deere Ag Management Solutions (AMS) recently received a
Be your own weatherman
Dynasen For remote monitoring, Dynasen's custom-built Sens-Alert systems offer three choices: a radio-controller interface unit (RCIU), digital cell phone
Buy big, run hard, work smart
In an era of higher costs and increasing competitive pressures for custom application services, Meadowland Farmers Cooperative has relied on a three-pronged
Next level of guidance
When lightbar guidance systems came on the market a few years back, agricultural retailers and custom applicators quickly saw their potential to improve both application quality and the quantity of work that could be accomplished in a day
Mobile office pro
When Mark Hinze began operating a computer-based office out of his pickup truck in the mid-1980s, he was among the first agronomists to adapt delicate computer electronics to the harsh field environment
BREAKING NEWS
Low Foam Technology Syngenta announces that new Touchdown Total herbicide with Low Foam Technology reduces foaming during mixing and tank fill. Low Foam
CROPS
Arrow herbicide Makhteshim Agan of North America (MANA) introduces Arrow herbicide, the first generic clethodim, which can be used for eliminating the
Stacks flood seed market
SEED COMPANIES recently announced the release of their new 2006 corn hybrids and soybean varieties. Technology traits continue to dominate the market,
Atrazine adjustments
FOR GROWERS concerned with using atrazine to control weeds on sensitive watersheds, management alternatives are plentiful, says Bill Johnson, Purdue University
Q&A
DAN TOWERY created Ag Conservation Solutions, an ag consulting business, in January 2005, after working 25 years with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation
New products from Garst
GARST SEED Company, based in Slater, IA, offers 31 new corn hybrids and 18 new soybean varieties for 2006. Nine of the new hybrids contain Agrisure traits,
Less chemistry, more biotechnology
BY NOW, it's no surprise to most agricultural retailers that few new herbicides are entering the corn and soybean marketplace. Because new product development
Interactive Web site
DOW AGROSCIENCES has developed an interactive Web site to help show corn growers how soil-applied herbicides can benefit corn weed-control systems. Visitors
Grain storage spillover
LIKE MANY grain-handling businesses, Buckingham Cooperative, near Waterloo, IA, needed to react quickly last year to find enough storage space to accommodate
Smart nitrogen advances
If David Hodges' experience with marketing Agrium's ESN (Environmentally Smart Nitrogen) fertilizer in 2006 is any indication, sales of the polymer-coated
The well-appointed Seed portfolio
Not Unlike clothing stores attuned to the latest fashions, ag retailers will be carrying certain must-have seed and seed accessories for spring 2007.
Sensing direction
Dryland corn farmers looking for a way to protect water quality and optimize nitrogen (N) applications can now find help through a variety of commercial
Climate change winners
If climate changes that are predicted as a result of global warming turn out to be true, the U.S. Corn Belt will be one of the winners in a world where
BT breakdowns
Corn growers may never find a method to control corn rootworms with 100% effectiveness. Even Bt rootworm hybrids sometimes stumble in their attempts
Questions about seed treatment
High-Rate Insecticidal seed treatments typically perform poorly where corn rootworm populations are plentiful, warn extension entomologists from several
Environmental protectors
Agricultural businesses and individuals must project a positive image by promoting environmental stewardship of the crop protection industry to receive
Natural disaster preparation
LAST YEAR'S hurricanes and flooding made many stop and think about what they would do if they, too, were hit by such a natural disaster. Not long after
Strong track record
In Wyoming County in upstate New York the state's top dairy county farmers are looking for good silage hybrids as well as good hybrids for grain. Tom
The first impression
Finding reputable home remodeling and repair companies is never easy, but after we decided to replace all the windows on the front of our 30-year-old
Managing what you know
What do we know? I might say I know my customers, but what does this mean? Do I know these people socially, and do I have deep knowledge of their business
A fresh approach
We need to look from the outside in to step back and reassess how we are conducting business, says retailer Tim Sanders of the DeLong Company, Clinton,
Value and profits
Although retailers across the country specialize in helping growers produce a wide variety of crops from rice to soybeans to peppers, retailers have one
BREAKING NEWS
New corn herbicide American Vanguard Corporation announces that its subsidiary, AMVAC Chemical Corporation, entered into an exclusive multiyear agreement
More E85 at the pump
CHS ANNOUNCES it will provide a Cenex-branded E85 fuel to 22 terminals in Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska and South
Healthy beans
ANOTHER soybean processor has joined the list of companies that plan to contract for Monsanto's Vistive low-linolenic soybeans. CHS announced it will
Design inspiration
AN EXCELLENT company Web site is much more than a billboard in cyberspace. Instead, it creates an inviting and easy-to-use environment where prospective
Company merger
CROMPTON Corporation and Great Lakes Chemical Corporation recently completed an all-stock merger to create Chemtura Corporation, the fourth largest publicly
3 steps in creating a company brochure
WHEN YOU create a brochure for your company, the act of identifying the benefits your customer receives from your service is, in and of itself, a valuable
The great (driverless) race
IT TOOK two tries over two years and a doubling of the prize money from $1million to $2 million, but in October 2005, the DARPA Grand Challenge found
Highway safety reminder
DURING THE spring application season, it is important to remember highway safety and to ensure your employees have received up-to-date training on the
More accurate guidance
THE TILT Compensation Module is designed to detect and correct GPS position errors caused by sloping conditions. When the module is mounted to a solid
Tough pumps
THE NEW Diamond series 5500 roller pumps from Delavan Ag Pumps are made of a special alloy body and end plate to help them tolerate harsh agricultural