Optics are great for SoilOptix

Dec 24, 2021

Learn how the oft-misunderstood role of soil mapping technology can increase your crop yield.

Where does soil fit into the precision agriculture technology system?

That’s the question asked and answered by Zachary Harmer, NA Sales & Global Support Manager with SoilOptix during his presentation at the recently-held 2021 Farms.com-sponsored virtual Precision Agriculture Conference & Ag Technology Showcase.

In his informative discussion, Harmer presented a neat outline of the technologies utilized within the precision ag industry, pointing out soil mapping is an oft-neglected function of this sector.

Needless to say, soil is an integral part of what SoilOptix is all about.

SoilOptix, per Harmer, is a unique, premium-level provider of a topsoil analysis system that provides accuracy and precision in agriculture—a much-needed, value-added layer that fits seamlessly into the everyday management decisions of growers.

For those looking for an intro into the world of precision ag technologies, Harmer’s presentation is as good a place to start as any, as he provided a generous overview of the technologies considered.

Precision ag, he said, is a management strategy that looks at inputs such as feed, fertilizer and water to determine how farmers can grow a more productive crop. Even with such stresses as climate or urban development.

“The farm tech landscape is massive,” he correctly stated for the audience, “so how do we even begin to bring it all together?”

He noted that farmers get application data in spades from a variety of tech, such as: sprayers/spreaders, planters, irrigation devices, tiling, scouting, and from the crops itself going in and out of the elevators, and of course, where most data tech is applied—from the combines machines.

While data is also found via drone usage and satellite imagery, soil seems to be the poor ignored cousin of the tech world.

To learn more about how SoilOptix can provide you with the exacting soil data required to increase your yield while saving you from wasting resources, view the video below:

Video: Dr. David Rosero: Fat Quality in Swine Diets

In this episode of The Swine Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. David Rosero from Iowa State University explores the critical aspects of fat quality and oxidation in swine diets. He discusses how different types of lipids affect pig performance and provides actionable insights on managing lipid oxidation in feed mills. Don’t miss this episode—available on all major platforms.

Highlight quote: "Increasing levels of oxidized fats in swine diets reduced the efficiency of feed utilization, increased mortality, and led to more pigs being classified as culls, reducing the number of full-value pigs entering the finishing barns."

Meet the guest: Dr. David Rosero / davidrosero is an assistant professor of animal science at Iowa State University. His research program focuses on conducting applied research on swine nutrition and the practical application of smart farming. He previously served as the technical officer for The Hanor Company, overseeing nutrition, research, and innovation efforts.