PRECISION AGRICULTURE DIGITAL DIGEST WINTER 2024/2025 ISSUE 4, VOL 5 CASE IH INTRODUCES ACTIVE IMPLEMENT GUIDANCE PTX TRIMBLE’S WM-FIELDFORM: REVOLUTIONIZING LANDFORMING SOLUTIONS TURNING THE OLD INTO NEW 10 06 24
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PRECISION AGRICULTURE DIGITAL DIGEST Farms.com’s Media and Publishing division is responsible for publishing Precision Ag Magazine. © 2024/2025 Farms.com Canada Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, it products or services, nor does Farms.com make any claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the unintentional omission of any scheduled advertising. PHOTOS: a-r-t-i-s-t/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images, hudiemm/iStock/Getty Images Plus COVER PHOTOS: Neustockimages/iStock/Getty Images Plus, hudiemm/iStock/Getty Images Plus, stefann11/iStock/Getty Images Plus, simon2579/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images, Frank Gärtner – stock.adobe.com 04 06 10 12 15 16 18 20 22 24 28 MANAGING EDITOR Ryan Ridley Ryan.Ridley@Farms.com CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Joseph Diego Flammini DESIGN Greg Marlow ADVERTISING SALES Andrew Bawden Andrew.Bawden@Farms.com 877.438.5729 x 5030 Jeff McKee Jeff.McKee@Farms.com 888.248.4893 x 917 MARKETING & OPERATIONS Denise Faguy Denise.Faguy@Farms.com 888.248.4893 x 293 FARMS.COM OFFICE 90 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 SUBSCRIBE HERE to receive email notifications when future issues of the quarterly Farms.com Precision Agriculture Digital Digest are published. AG LEADER INTRODUCES TWO NEW INCOMMAND GO DISPLAYS PTX TRIMBLE’S WM-FIELDFORM: REVOLUTIONIZING LANDFORMING SOLUTIONS CASE IH INTRODUCES ACTIVE IMPLEMENT GUIDANCE SOIL TESTING MADE EASY HYLIO BRINGS NEW DRONE TO MARKET PAG TECH CLIPS REINKE MANUFACTURING E3 IRRIGATION SYSTEM UNTETHER AI: HELPING REDUCE WEEDING TIMES BITS & BYTES TURNING THE OLD INTO NEW NEW HOLLAND’S NEW TECH FOR FORAGE HARVESTERS We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
04 Ag Leader is supporting farmers in the cab through two new display units. The InCommand Go 10 and 16 feature 10- and 16-inch displays, respectively, and have been upgraded to improve and simplify the user experience. “We’ve got fundamentally new hardware, new graphics, improved mapping features, and a better user interface on both of these displays,” Logan Handsaker, a product sales specialist with Ag Leader, told Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest. Customers who purchase the InCommand Go 16 receive the hardware, a cellular modem, to connect to the display . The cellular modem is an optional purchase for the InCommand Go 10. Both displays are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities to support customers who want to bring their own cellular hotspot into the cab for internet connectivity. “Our new cellular module directly connects to the display, so customers can easily stay connected to their operation when they move the display from vehicle to vehicle, which has a lot of value for our customers,” Handsaker said. Connecting the display to the internet and Ag Leader’s cloud-based data platform, AgFiniti, allows farmers to take advantage of additional features like DisplayCast, CartAce, and Remote Support. New for the InCommand Go 10 is some basic planting functionality. This includes clutches, hydraulic rate control, planter monitoring and variety tracking. “We’ve added more features to the InCommand Go 10 to fit the operations that want a more basic solution on the planter, but also want to put the display in the combine for yield monitoring,” Handsaker said. “The feature set of the InCommand Go 10 is a great opportunity for those operations to experience the fullfarm solution that they can add to as their needs grow.” For producers who choose the InCommand Go displays, not only will they be getting a larger screen, but they’ll be getting more functionality out of it. AG LEADER INTRODUCES TWO NEW INCOMMAND GO DISPLAYS The InCommand Go 10 and 16 Allow Farmers to See More and Enhance the User Experience DIEGO FLAMMINI FARMS.COM
05 This includes high resolution, high contrast maps that let farmers see what’s happening on every row and with every nozzle. “We knew it was important to present all the information in front of the grower as they’re operating so they can manage their equipment easily in the field,” Handsaker said. “Financially, there is a lot at stake when the equipment is not doing what the operator expects, so we wanted to make sure everything is crystal clear to the user.” And if a customer runs into an issue with his or her display in the field, Ag Leader’s Remote Support feature can assist. A dealer can log into a customer’s display and make the necessary adjustments to get the equipment up and running again. Producers with equipment of any color can make use of Ag Leader’s equipment. That compatibility is part of Ag Leader’s mission to be inclusive, Handsaker said. “As a company, we recognize the value for each operation to choose the right equipment regardless of age or brand and then upgrading it with the latest technology, Handsaker said. “Like a field, no two farming operations are the same so we strive to deliver products that are flexible and valuable for every customer.” Anyone interested in learning more about Ag Leader’s InCommand Go 10 or 16 display can connect with their local Ag Leader dealer or visit Ag Leader’s website. | pag “LIKE A FIELD, NO TWO FARMING OPERATIONS ARE THE SAME SO WE STRIVE TO DELIVER PRODUCTS THAT ARE FLEXIBLE AND VALUABLE FOR EVERY CUSTOMER.” PHOTOS: agleader.com, Dusan Kostic – stock.adobe.com
06 PTx Trimble has recently introduced its WM-FieldForm, a next-generation landforming solution that was created to enhance water management and improve crop yields. This innovative system is tailored specifically for complex landforming—landforming is the process of manipulating soil to create channels and embankments to manage water flow—grading, leveling, and terracing projects, offering farmers a comprehensive tool to optimize their fields. Ben Watkins, Product Manager, Water Management for PTx Trimble, told Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest his views on the WM-FieldForm, calling it a next-generation water solution. “The system enables farmers to control water movement into, out of, and within fields, promising impressive efficiency and crop yield benefits. It is a complete solution to improve and simplify each step of the landforming process, from surveying and design to execution and verification,” explained Watkins. Watkins said that the WM-FieldForm is the next iteration of the PTx Trimble FieldLevel II system and includes several new features, updated functionality, and tools to improve the accuracy and impact of landforming projects. “It (WM-FieldForm) moves landforming capability into Precision-IQ,” he pointed out. “The solution offers much of the functionality of FieldLevel II with a new feel, improved visualization, and enhanced features. Farmers need precision ag technologies that can help them be more efficient with their time and financial resources. Not only is there the bottom line for their own farms, but there is the need to contribute to the overall effectiveness of food security and provide enough crop yield. And this is what the WM-FieldForm can do for a farm business. It solves some of the biggest challenges facing farmers worldwide, including labor availability and added efficiency in leveraging natural resources. With yield-enhancing capabilities in mind, WM-FieldForm also delivers measurable ROI (return on investment) benefits. PTX TRIMBLE’S WM-FIELDFORM: REVOLUTIONIZING LANDFORMING SOLUTIONS This New Landforming Solution Can Perform Grading, Leveling, Terracing, and More to Develop Optimized Fields for Growing Crops ANDREW JOSEPH FARMS.COM
07 6 Key Features of the WM-FieldForm 01 Single-Scraper Control: WM-FieldForm provides precise control over single scrapers, allowing farmers to shape field surfaces into optimal configurations for efficient water movement. 02 Precision-IQ Integration: It is the first water management system to leverage the PrecisionIQ field application in the powerful GFX-1260. This allows for improved visualization and faster auto-design features. 03 Enhanced GNSS Accuracy: The NAV-900 guidance controller ensures high-precision GNSS positioning, enhancing accuracy and uptime for field operations. 04 Topographic Survey Capabilities: Farmers can create detailed topographic surveys using RTK measurements, enabling accurate field mapping and design. 05 Multiplane Technology: This technology allows for the creation of optimized field surface drainage designs, defining primary and cross slopes, prescribed orientations, and preferred grades. 06 Dirt-Balancing Algorithms: Industry-leading algorithms minimize topsoil disturbance, ensuring sustainable landforming practices. Benefits of the WM-FieldForm WM-FieldForm is a game-changer for modern agriculture, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and sustainability. It’s designed to help farmers achieve better water management, improve crop yields, and reduce maintenance costs, making it an essential tool for any modern farming operation. Importantly, noted Watkins, “There are cost savings realized from being able to form or maintain their fields on their own, without having to hire contractors to manage landforming projects.” WM-FieldForm helps control water movement into, out of, and within fields, reducing soil erosion and nutrient leaching. By optimizing field surfaces, Watkins said that the system can improve crop yields by up to 30 percent. As well, because the system streamlines the landforming process—from surveying and design to execution and verification—it saves the operator both time and resources. There are also savings to be realized thanks to the WM-FieldForm system, which is able to be utilized by existing tractor equipment, such as the GFX-1260 display and NAV-900. More on that below. PHOTO: PTx Trimble “THE SYSTEM ENABLES FARMERS TO CONTROL WATER MOVEMENT INTO, OUT OF, AND WITHIN FIELDS, PROMISING IMPRESSIVE EFFICIENCY AND CROP YIELD BENEFITS.”
08 While many people wonder if having to learn a new technology is just another way of developing a headache, the WM-FieldForm was developed to be simple to use. Featuring an intuitive workflow and step-by-step guides, farmers will be able to quickly master the intricacies of the system to achieve optimal results. Making it Work for You Regardless of water access, Watkins said that farmers who use the WM-FieldForm system have the potential to significantly impact their bottom line and that they will see improved yield performance (potentially) and cost savings in the first year from more effective and efficient water use. So how does it work? Well... INITIAL ASSESSMENT Farmers will need to begin by conducting a detailed topographic survey of their field using RTK measurements. RTK, aka Real-Time Kinematic measurements, is a satellite navigation technique that can provide centimeter-level accuracy. This will create an accurate map of your field’s surface, capturing all the elevations and depressions. Data collection of the farm’s soil type, existing irrigation system, and crop rotation patterns will help design the optimal landform. SYSTEM SETUP OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE Install the WM-FieldForm system—hardware—including the GFX-1260 display and the NAV-900 guidance controller, on your machinery. For the software configuration, integrate the Precision-IQ application on your display device. This software will help you visualize the field and create landforming designs. DESIGN PHASE Now comes the field design aspect. Use the topographic data and software tools to create an optimized field surface drainage design. Define primary and cross slopes, set prescribed orientations, and establish preferred grades. For dirt balancing, apply WM-FieldForm’s dirt-balancing algorithms to minimize topsoil disturbance and ensure sustainable landforming practices. EXECUTION Next, prepare the field by removing any obstacles that could hinder the landforming process. Then use the WM-FieldForm system to control single scrapers and carry out the grading, leveling, and terracing of your field as per the design. The high-precision GNSS positioning will ensure accuracy throughout the process. Verification and adjustment will be needed after completing the landforming process. Perform another survey to verify the accuracy of the new field surface. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal water management. Monitoring and maintenance of the field regularly will ensure the landforming design continues to support efficient water movement and crop growth. Perform maintenance as needed to keep the system running smoothly. The WM-FieldForm has been developed to be an effective water management toolset that will help farmers move forward using an accurate water management technology and landforming solution. Andrew Sunderman, the General Manager of PTx Trimble, had this to say about the WM-FieldForm: “We know farmers are looking for products and tools that can help them do more with less, which is why we’ve invested in WM-FieldForm to continue our legacy of water management innovation and development.” Sundermann continued, adding that PTx is hyped about the results achieved. “We’re excited to share new features, updated functionality, and, even more importantly, to advance our water management technologies and make them more accessible for farmers to improve the accuracy and impact of landforming projects and optimize water distribution across their fields.” Watch this video to learn more. | pag WATCH THE VIDEO
The AI Advantage with Untether AI Untether AI is developing the foundational technologies that will make AI in agriculture practical and economically viable. To the farmer, this means more crops harvested or fertilized per minute while using less fuel, fertilizer, and herbicides. untether.ai +1 (647) 483-2746 INFO@UNTETHER.AI Providing solutions for: CROP MONITORING WEEDING IDENTIFYING PESTS OR DISEASES AUTOMATING HARVESTING PROCESSES OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION MONITORING REAL-TIME WEATHER CONDITIONS MOISTURE LEVELS CROP HEALTH AND MORE
A new innovation from Case IH helps manage an issue many row crop farmers face: ensuring implements like planters trail directly behind tractors. “We add a receiver to our implement so we know exactly how that implement is tracking behind the planter,” Kendal Quandahl, precision segment lead with Case IH, told Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest. “In combination with a steerable hitch control, we can adjust the position of the implement.” This combination of precision tech helps actively move the implement back and forth to maintain the same guidance line the tractor is following. This can be especially helpful when farming in uneven terrain, where farmers could naturally see some implement drift due to gravity or while making a curved pass, Quandahl says. Controlling the implement allows for perfect passes with the tractor. Which can lead to more efficient and precise applications later in the season. “You can come back through later subsequent applications and maintain that sub-inch accuracy,” Quandahl said. “Being able to control exactly where your implement is causes less crop damage throughout the year.” PHOTO: Case IH This Innovation Helps Tackle a Traditional Challenge in Farming DIEGO FLAMMINI FARMS.COM 10 CASE IH INTRODUCES ACTIVE IMPLEMENT GUIDANCE
The receivers on the implement and the receivers on the tractor communicate with one another through Case IH’s display. Inside the tractor cab, operators then have additional flexibility. “The producer is really in complete control on how and when that system operates,” Quandahl said. “When we think about the needs of an individual corn plant, spacing is critical, whereas in other crops it’s less important. A producer could choose to use it while planting corn for example and not during other applications.” Farmers can use Active Implement Guidance on more than just planters and Case IH equipment. It is compatible with some Spudnik potato implements. And a generic kit is available for farmers to use with different brands of machinery. About 40 farmers are running Active Implement Guidance in 2024 to help ensure the systems, dealer training and other elements are in place. Case IH is looking at an early 2025 commercial release in Canada and the U.S. Anyone interested in learning more about Active Implement Guidance is encouraged to contact their local Case IH dealer. Those interested may also watch a video here. | pag 11 WATCH THE VIDEO “BEING ABLE TO CONTROL EXACTLY WHERE YOUR IMPLEMENT IS CAUSES LESS CROP DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.”
12 The biggest problem modern technology can have is that sometimes it gets so complicated that no one fully understands it but those who created it. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Precision Planting’s Radicle Agronomics, who have developed GeoPress and Radicle Lab, a purpose-built agronomic platform designed to simplify and streamline the process of understanding soil fertility and optimizing nutrient management. It consists of a suite of tools designed to improve the precision and efficiency of soil sampling. Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest talked with Adam Vaccari, Product Manager at Radicle Agronomics, to learn why this tech is worth utilizing. “In the field, GeoPress automates the process of sample blending and record keeping, eliminating the need for time-consuming labeling and organization of sample bags,” explained Vaccari. “But in the shop, samples are processed using the Radicle Lab—the world’s first fully automated soil laboratory.” Vaccari said that Radicle Lab provides a full automation of nutrient analysis and eliminates any possibility of any error-prone human touchpoints or the like during handoffs. PHOTOS: Radicle Agronomics SOIL TESTING MADE EASY If Simplicity Is a Radical Concept, Then Get Ready for the Radicle Agronomics Streamlined Soil Testing Platform ANDREW JOSEPH FARMS.COM
13 Nutrient results are automatically tied to the field data and immediately available through the company’s Radicle App to quickly allow for fertilizer recommendations to be made. Using the Radicle App, Vaccari said that users can easily create a sampling plan for their fields by importing existing sample locations or using built-in tools to define sample locations. The GeoPress is mounted to a vehicle and is wirelessly connected to the Radicle App. “When you are ready to start sampling the soil, it guides the user to each sample location,” related Vaccari. “The operator collects soil cores and loads them into the GeoPress, where the soil is thoroughly blended and mixed to ensure a representative sample,” he noted. “The composite sample is then loaded into the GeoTube, a reusable soil container and automatically associated with the location in the field.” He said that since sample record keeping is performed automatically by the GeoPress, the field can be sampled in any order or by multiple samplers at the same time without the hassle of managing and organizing traditional sample bags. “Radicle Lab is a fully automated soil lab designed to run in your shop,” he continued. “After returning from the field, GeoTubes can be loaded on the Radicle Lab in any order. The staging system can hold up to 400 samples. “Once loaded, simply press a button to start analysis, and the lab will begin automatically processing samples unattended,” said Vaccari, adding that quality checks and calibrations would automatically be performed, as needed, to ensure consistent results. The company said that by fully automating the process of soil analysis, opportunities for human error can be reduced, leading to more consistent and repeatable results. The patented MicroFlow technology removes all human touches that occur in a traditional laboratory process, which ensures that every sample is analyzed identically and therefore able to provide more repeatable nutrient results. Once the sample has finished being analyzed, results will be automatically streamed to the Radicle App, with such available analyses as pH, BpH, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, and cation base saturations. Because the Radicle App connects to both the GeoPress and Radicle Lab, it provides full visibility to your operation. Sample status and tracking are available in real-time, along with field reports, diagnostics, and software updates. Radicle Lab and GeoPress will be available for limited production in the US and Canada starting in 2025. GeoPress will be available as a one-time purchase, while Radicle Lab will have a yearly fee that includes full product support and a per-sample fee that includes product support. Access to the Radicle App software platform is included at no charge. “In addition to developing tools that improve the accuracy and repeatability of soil analysis, we are also looking for partners to participate in expansive crop response studies,” Vaccari summed up. “By connecting Radicle Lab soil test values to your yield response data from added fertilizer, you can help define the future of fertilizer recommendations with Radicle Agronomics in your field-specific environment.” To learn more about Radicle Agronomics products or its crop response trials, visit www.radicle.ag. Watch this video to see how the Radicle Lab works up close. | pag WATCH THE VIDEO “RADICLE LAB IS A FULLY AUTOMATED SOIL LAB DESIGNED TO RUN IN YOUR SHOP.”
15 A drone manufacturer has brought a new product to the marketplace. Hylio’s HYL-150 ARES is designed to handle heavy payloads and boasts the following specs: • A 13-gallon (50 L.) liquid payload volume with a swath width up to 40 feet, • A 21-gallon (80L.) solid payload volume with a spread distance up to 40 feet, • Productivity of up to 50 acres per hour at a 2 GPA rate for liquid applications, and • Productivity of up to 120 acres per hour at a 20 pounds per acre rate for solid applications. In addition, the drone’s spray system can be equipped with configurable hydraulic nozzles or rotary atomizers – which are interchangeable. The unit “checks all of the boxes and is a must have for any serious ag-drone operator,” Hylio says. Users would employ the Hylio GroundLink Controller to fly the drone. The drones can be flown autonomously or manually, and the controller allows one user to control multiple units at the same time. “It is an all-in-one, NDAA compliant ground station solution,” the company says. “Featuring a 13.3” Windows-based tablet computer and 2.4 gHz radio integrated into a rugged, ergonomic controller which lets you seamlessly access all autonomous and manual controls on one platform.” Multiple additional features are available for users when building an HYL-150 ARES. An RTK system, for example, can be added to help the drone reach centimeter-level accuracy. Customers can also opt for additional batteries and battery chargers. And Hylio’s Agrosol software platform helps users monitor the drone’s performance. Users can plan work boundaries, define treatment parameters and import/export data to other devices. Agrosol “is a one-stop shop that enables you to plan crop treatments, command your fleet of AgroDrones, analyze application data, and more,” Hylio’s website says. | pag HYLIO BRINGS NEW DRONE TO MARKET The HYL-150 ARES is Designed to Handle Heavy Payloads DIEGO FLAMMINI FARMS.COM PHOTO: Hylio
16 05 Smart Gator There are a couple new Gator models on the market from John Deere. Its new 845 and 875 models are equipped with precision technologies allowing you to boundary map and utilize AutoTrac. 03 World’s Largest Rotor Technologies recently introduced the world’s largest civilian drone, Sprayhawk. This UAV features 110-gallon capacity and can spray approximately 240 acres per hour. 01 Autonomy At Large Solinftec’s Solix autonomous robot can reduce your herbicide usage by up to 95 percent. This 100% autonomous and solar powered robot performs accurate scouting and target-spraying for low-impact, highperformance application. 04 One For All, All For One Precision Planting provides a rundown of its new planting system, CornerStone, which is available in 2025. CornerStone integrates several Precision Planting systems into one. TECH CLIPS WATCH 02 Seeder Upgrades John Deere chats about its portfolio of precision ag upgrades for air seeders. If you have a 2017 or newer C650 and C850 air cart, you are now able to upgrade to the latest precision ag offerings from John Deere. WATCH WATCH WATCH WATCH
17 07 Independent Control Retrofit precision ag technology has never been more popular, and Precision Planting is at the forefront of innovation in this space. Its innovative SymphonyNozzle enables you to independently control the rate and pressure on your sprayer. 06 Next-Gen from CLAAS CLAAS walks you through its new CEMIS 1200 steering solution as well as its new CLAAS Connect mobile application. 08 Major Updates PTx Trimble recently announced some major upgrades to its GFX displays including updated auto syncing, TeamViewer, guidance features and more. WATCH WATCH WATCH 10 Autodock and Air Blaster Fendt’s 8T combine is equipped with some neat tech. Autodock automatically couples your header within 5 seconds... you don’t even need to leave the seat of the combine, and its Air Blaster kit automatically cleans the feederhouse on the combine. WATCH PHOTOS: DS70/E+ via Getty Images, stefann11/iStock/Getty Images Plus, hudiemm/iStock/Getty Images Plus 09 Fleet Management Case IH recently launched its FieldOps mobile application to manage your fleet with real-time access to data, insights, equipment location and status, estimated job completion time, and more. WATCH WHAT’S NEW IN THE WORLD OF PRECISION AGRICULTURE? WATCH & LEARN TO FIND OUT
18 In the epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the phrase “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink” is noted. In the poem, it means that despite the ship sailing on that great big wet ocean, the water is unfit to drink due to its saltiness. In the world of agriculture, sure there could be a scarcity of water, but despite the abundance of soil, the soil may not be able to hold onto the water well enough for crops to use it effectively. Unsurprisingly, growers around the world all face a similar challenge regarding their use of water. Some of the top challenges are the aforementioned water scarcity, economic constraints, climate change, soil degradation, inefficient irrigation systems, and water management practices. While the weather is the weather, Reinke Manufacturing has recently unveiled its E3 irrigation system, a groundbreaking innovation in the world of precision agriculture. The E3 system is designed to address the top water efficiency challenges faced by growers today, offering what Reinke calls unmatched accuracy and performance. Features of the E3 Irrigation System The E3 system is the first precision series of center pivot systems, featuring several cutting-edge features that set it apart from other irrigation systems. Some of the key features include: • Uniform Coupler Spacing: The E3’s uniform coupler spacing in 30-inch and 60-inch intervals ensures a consistent water application rate across the entire length of the system. This uniformity exceeds previous benchmarks set by the USDA Center Pivot Evaluation and Design. • Customizable Configurations: Growers can customize the system with precision spans ranging from 80 to 220 feet in 20-ft. increments and precision inverted truss end booms from 10 to 110 ft. in 10-ft. increments. This flexibility allows for tailored irrigation solutions to meet specific field conditions. • Exclusive Reinke V-Ring Seals: Every pipe connection in the E3 system is equipped with Reinke V-ring seals, eliminating water flow reduction and ensuring precision watering. • Maintenance-Free Bearings: The system features maintenance-free bearings and durable materials and coatings to prevent corrosion, minimize maintenance, and eliminate the need for grease. • ESAC: The E3 system includes ESAC, a series of electronic swing arm corners designed to irrigate corners for full-field water application accuracy. • ReinLock Truss System: The E3 system includes a new anti-racking truss system designed for superior strength and tighter tolerance, maintaining a consistent span crown even in adverse environmental conditions and challenging terrains. The ReinLock Truss System is designed to provide superior strength, ensuring that the system can withstand adverse environmental conditions and challenging terrains. This anti-racking truss system maintains a consistent span crown, which is crucial for uniform water distribution across the entire field. With the consistent span crown, the system remains stable and level, even in uneven or sloped fields, ensuring that water is distributed evenly and efficiently. A reduction in wear and tear on the system is achieved via the truss system’s optimal retention and stress transfer. This gives a longer lifespan for the irrigation system and minimizes the need for repairs and maintenance. REINKE MANUFACTURING E3 IRRIGATION SYSTEM
19 As well, the truss system provides a new and improved way of spanning the field. By eliminating cross-bracing, it allows for easy access to the main control panel and other components of the system. This design also contributes to the system’s overall stability and performance. 4 Easy Steps The E3 irrigation system is designed for ease of use and efficiency. Here’s how it is typically used: 01 Installation: The system is installed by professional technicians who ensure that all components are correctly set up and calibrated. 02 Configuration: Growers can configure the system based on their specific field requirements, selecting the appropriate spans and end booms. 03 Operation: Once installed, the system can be operated using a central control panel, allowing for easy monitoring and adjustments as needed. 04 Maintenance: The maintenance-free bearings and durable materials reduce the need for regular upkeep, making the system lowmaintenance and reliable. Along with its ease of use, Reinke said that the E3 irrigation system offers several advantages over other similar systems in the market. Enhanced water distribution efficiency is gained thanks to the uniform coupler spacing and precision design. This reduces water waste and improves irrigation efficiency. Operators can customize the system to fit their fields’ specific conditions, allowing for optimization of their irrigation practices and the opportunity to achieve better crop yields. We’ve already discussed the durability of the ReinLock Truss System and its maintenance-free bearings. But the E3’s overall construction with durable materials and coatings minimizes the need for regular maintenance, saving time and resources for growers. Because true efficiency is gained when full-field water application is achieved, the E3e’s ESAC corners ensure that even the corners of the field receive adequate irrigation, providing full-field water application accuracy. With its advanced features, ease of use, and superior performance, the E3 is outstanding in its field. Providing maximum efficiency and yield while also conserving valuable resources, it works well for the small-scale farmer up to a large agricultural operation, providing the precision and reliability needed to thrive in today’s challenging agricultural landscape. | pag The E3 Has Been Designed to Address Water Efficiency Challenges ANDREW JOSEPH FARMS.COM PHOTO: Reinke
PHOTO: BlazingDesigns – stock.adobe.com An AI company introduced a product designed to support precision ag equipment and applications. Untether AI has built edge-optimized accelerators for AI inference, which can be installed in equipment like tractors, combines, drones and robotic laser weeders. But what does edge-optimized accelerators for AI inference even mean? It’s “a technical term referring to the chip technology used in farm machinery to make it faster, more precise and energy efficient,” said Bob Beachler, vice president of product at Untether AI. Traditional AI chip technology has limitations. It’s outdated and comes with higher costs, higher power usage, latency and general performance limitations, to name a few. “The ag tech industry is relying on the same chip technology that was introduced over 25 years ago to improve the PC gaming experience,” Beachler said. “It’s incredible to think the same chips used to play games like Doom and Grand Theft Auto all those years ago are the same ones used to eliminate weeds today.” In terms of robotic weeders, Untether AI’s accelerators can decrease the time it takes to weed a farm from weeks to days. These weeders, for example, use 24 graphics processing units (GPUs) to handle the task. A robotic weeder equipped with traditional AI chip tech on a 450-acre farm, roughly the size of about 343 football fields, needs almost three weeks to traverse the farm. But with Untether’s speedAI inference accelerator installed in the same unit, the weeding time on the same farm goes down drastically, from almost three weeks to around four days. “Our SpeedAI inference accelerator will deliver 2.3 times the performance from a single chip, at a tenth of the power of 24 GPUs,” Beachler said. “The higher AI performance allows for enhanced weeding performance, increasing productivity while lowering input costs.” Anyone interested in learning more about Untether AI and its family of products for ag tech solutions can visit the company’s website. | pag WANT TO LEARN MORE? Download Untether AI’s whitepaper, AI in Agriculture: Driving the Transformation of an Industry DOWNLOAD DIEGO FLAMMINI FARMS.COM UNTETHER AI: HELPING REDUCE WEEDING TIMES The Company Manufactured an AI Accelerator Capable of Supporting Precision Agriculture Equipment 20
STAY UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST IN AG TECHNOLOGY PRECISION AGRICULTURE DIGITAL DIGEST FALL 2024 ISSUE 3, VOL 5 SIRI, DRIVE MY GRAIN CART CASE IH’S AXIAL-FLOW SERIES NOW COMPLETE JOHN DEERE’S NEW T6 800 WALKER COMBINE 14 06 18 Subscribe to the interactive Farms.com Precision Agriculture Digital Digest and immerse yourself in the latest video and editorial content focused on precision agriculture, including technology, equipment, practices, data, soil mapping, and much more. Each quarter we will send you an email with a link to the latest issue of the Farms.com Precision Agriculture Digital Digest. SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TODAY!
01 Twinning Digital twin technology is transforming ag by creating virtual replicas of real-world corn fields. By using advanced computational techniques and high-performance computing researchers will be able to test what-if scenarios. MORE 22 BITS & BYTES 02 Lending a Helpful Hand OutRun by PTx Trimble is an autonomous grain cart solution addressing harvest delays caused by labor shortages. Launching in 2025, it enhances efficiency, reduces yield losses, and offers cost-effective solutions for farmers. MORE 05 Precision Partners PTx, a joint venture by AGCO and Trimble, integrates Precision Planting and Trimble Agriculture technologies to tackle farming challenges, optimize yields, and promote sustainable, innovative agricultural practices for every season. MORE 04 Spray Smarter, Not Harder Massey Ferguson’s 500R Series sprayers combine advanced features like the LiquidLogic system and smart all-wheel drive, offering improved crop coverage, minimized waste, and enhanced efficiency for better farm profits. MORE 03 Easy Steering Fendt’s ErgoSteer is a retrofittable joystick created to improve steering in FendtONE tractors. Its ergonomic design and adjustable sensitivity enhance precision, comfort, and efficiency for operators of 500 series tractors and larger. MORE
23 08 Cracking the Zn Code Researchers developed improved zincenriched fertilizers by enhancing solubility and plant uptake through pH adjustments and innovative coatings, addressing global zinc deficiency to improve crop yields and nutritional food quality. MORE 07 Next-Gen from JD John Deere’s new 2025 S7 Series combines merge advanced automation, enhanced fluid efficiency, and predictive technologies, to deliver up to 20% improved productivity during those tight harvest windows. MORE 06 Tech Meets Luxury Case IH’s 260 Series combines blend cutting-edge technology, FieldOps connectivity, and operator comfort, featuring row guidance and luxurious cab amenities for improved productivity and stress-free harvesting. MORE 09 Biotech Crops Are In The USDA revised biotechnology regulations, expanding exemptions for modified plants to streamline innovation, enhance sustainability, and support diverse biotech crops, fostering faster, safer agricultural advancements. MORE PHOTO: FluxFactory/E+ via Getty Images 10 Comforting Reliability Gleaner’s T Series combines, featuring the innovative Dura Drive system and ergonomic CVT-style handle, enhance productivity and operator comfort to ensure an efficient harvest. MORE
24 We all know that “nothing runs like a Deere,” but did you know that the company—Deere & Co.—offers a wide variety of core kits and features to retrofit and upgrade existing parts of one’s fleet of ag equipment? The John Deere Precision Upgrades give farmers with any size operation the option to retrofit existing parts of their fleet with the latest John Deere technology offerings to improve productivity and operational efficiencies. Examples of some of the upgrade solutions include ExactEmerge, MaxEmerge 5e, Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce, ExactRate, ExactShot, and FurrowVision. Kyle Barry is the Manager of Precision Upgrade Marketing at Deere & Co. In a chat with this magazine, he noted that farmers are constantly having to manage the rapid changes in technology. As such, the John Deere Precision Upgrades provide an opportunity for them to keep pace without having to trade or purchase new equipment. “John Deere is focused on meeting the farmer where they are at in their technology journey,” he related. “We have kits and options available for those who are beginning their technology journey or embarking on a deeper use of technology on their farm.” John Deere Precision Upgrades are new hardware kits that are installed on the planter. Said Barry: “We have three different options for installing kits, including customer install, dealer install, or John Deere offers a professional installation service.” ExactEmerge John Deere’s ExactEmerge is an advanced planter technology designed to improve planting accuracy and efficiency. Key features include: BrushBelt Delivery System uses a brush belt to deliver seeds directly into the trench with minimal disturbance, allowing for accurate seed placement at speeds up to 10 mph (16 km/h). “It offers a 20 percent improvement in population accuracy with curve compensation—as compared to a non-curve compensated planter—according to an internal study done by John Deere,” said Barry. ExactEmerge also features a high-performance vacuum meter, dual electric motors, as well as an active pneumatic downforce system. Increased productivity is achieved by being able to plant more acres per day and improving the seed survival rates and grain yields. “It’s a great upgrade for those looking to enhance their planting accuracy and efficiency,” mentioned Barry. TURNING THE OLD INTO NEW A Series of John Deere Kits and Features Brings New Life and Upgrades to its Planters ANDREW JOSEPH FARMS.COM
25 “The industry-exclusive BrushBelt technology from John Deere uniformly carries the seed from the meter to the trench, reducing seed roll in the furrow.” MaxEmerge 5e MaxEmerge 5e is a lower-cost option for electricdrive planter upgrades. The MaxEmerge 5e has fewer mechanical parts compared with ExactEmerge and is an option for planting up to five mph (eight km/h). Like the ExactEmerge, it can provide a 20 percent improvement in population accuracy with curve compensation—again as compared to non-curve compensated planters, according to the same John Deere internal study. Despite its lower price point, the MaxEmerge 5e is still an advanced planter row unit that John Deere designed to enhance planting accuracy and efficiency. It includes uses a single electric motor for seed metering, which improves population accuracy and reduces wear compared to mechanical drives. Other features include curve compensation, row-by-row shutoff, and individual row hydraulic downforce (IRHD). When it comes to compatibility, it can be used with SeedStar 3HP and SeedStar Mobile seed monitoring systems. This versatile upgrade for existing planters offers improved seed survival rates and grain yields. Individual Row Hydraulic Downforce (IRHD) Touched upon above, Barry said that IRHD “helps increase even plant emergence due to increased contact of the row unit to the ground. “It will consistently place seed at the desired depth regardless of soil conditions and is 58 percent faster than pneumatic systems,” he continued, citing the John Deere internal study. PHOTOS: John Deere MaxEmerge 5e
26 ExactRate ExactRate provides an average of 4.3 percent (up to 12 percent) reduction in fertilizer costs. Barry said that data was based on internal tests of a prototype ExactShot system (see below) that was performed across 21 farms in six midwestern US states. The technology is fully integrated into Gen 4 displays with the ability to do variable rate prescriptions. ExactRate offers row-by-row section control with turn compensation. In-furrow or 2x2 application methods are available. ExactShot Barry explained that the ExactShot upgrade kit can save farmers up to 60 percent of in-furrow input costs by applying nutrients directly to the seed. “With this technology, farmers can switch between dosing and continuous mode from the cab,” he said, noting that ExactShot is available as an in-furrow option only. “ExactShot is easy for the farmer to set up and monitor the seed and change rates on the go using a G5 display,” related Barry. FurrowVision FurrowVision provides a live camera feed into the actual planter furrow and is streamed to a tablet in the vehicle’s cab. It validates seed depth accuracy across planter sections and allows farmers to adjust the row cleaners and downforce without having to leave the cab. Precision Ag Essentials This kit helps farmers move forward in adopting technology on their farm by offering a base that includes a G5 display, StarFire receiver, and JDLink modem. The Precision Ag Essentials kit has two license options: essentials and advanced. In addition to the Essentials hardware kit, customers have the option to select one of the following license offerings: • The Essentials basic license includes a one-year license for the AutoTrac system, Section Control, and RowSense system. • The Essentials advanced license with SF-RTK includes a one-year Essentials basic license in addition to the G5 advanced license consisting of AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoPath software, In-Field Data Sharing, and Machine Sync. Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) Central Tire Inflation systems help reduce the overall footprint and compaction in the center section of CCS planters. CCS—Central Commodity System— is a seed handling and delivery system used in John Deere planters that helps reduce the time spent filling the planter with seed. “WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY, FARMERS CAN SWITCH BETWEEN DOSING AND CONTINUOUS MODE FROM THE CAB.” ExactShot
27 An ISOVT connection allows customers to change tire pressures from the cab, enabling them to inflate tires to road pressure in as little as four minutes and deflate tires to field pressure in as little as 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Frame Weight Distribution reduces compaction in the center section of CCS planters by redistributing weight to the wings, where it can be used to increase downforce on row units. ExactChem is a granular insecticide solution for electric meter systems, delivering precise, singleproduct rate control. The system dispenses at rates of 1.1–13.1 lb/acre at planting speeds of 1.2–10 mph, providing row-by-row section control. John Deere has available optional features that are primarily compatible with electric drive row units. These include: active pneumatic downforce; mechanical and pneumatic closing wheel systems; rubber, cast iron, or Yetter Twister closing wheels; a Central Commodity System (CCS) conversion kit; color-coded hydraulic grips; and more. “Our Precision Upgrades provide farmers with a unique opportunity to adopt the latest technology without purchasing new or used equipment,” Barry added. “This gives them a faster ROI (return on investment) while increasing the value of their current machine and improving operational efficiencies.” The John Deere Precision Upgrades are available for purchase through John Deere dealers in the US and Canada. At www.deere.com, there is a planter compatibility tool where customers can enter their planter serial number, and it will populate recommended upgrades compatible with their planter. Barry discusses some of the features in this video. | pag WATCH THE VIDEO “OUR PRECISION UPGRADES PROVIDE FARMERS WITH A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ADOPT THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT PURCHASING NEW OR USED EQUIPMENT.” PHOTOS: John Deere
28 New Holland is introducing multiple innovations for its line of model year 2025 FR Forage Cruiser self-propelled forage harvesters. “We’re doing our very best to bring new and innovative tech into the cab to increase operator efficiencies and comfort,” Brad Littlefield, precision product manager with CNH, told Farms.com Precision Ag Digital Digest. One of the more notable updates is a new crop stop technology blockage and detection system – the first of its kind in the industry. The system is based around a radar sensor mounted about four feet from the end of the spout that monitors the crop flow leaving the machine. “Blockages happen and they can be a real pain to get cleaned out,” Littlefield said. “We automated the system so if the crop flow gets below the threshold that the operator sets, the system will beep and slow down automatically. And if the crop flow gets too slow, the system will stop the feed rolls to keep you from having blockages.” New Holland’s internal data shows blockages can be reduced by up to 40 percent, Littlefield added. The manufacturer has also upgraded its IntelliFill system. This system detects the trailer edge and provides automated filling over a 210⁰ arc. The update provides equipment operators with increased visibility. “We’re excited about the addition of camera feedback,” Littlefield said. “Before you would set up the calibration without actually knowing what the camera was seeing. Now you get that instant feedback and can diagnose a problem or get it set up initially.” Another new idea for the FR forage cruiser lineup is Connectivity Included. This technology helps equipment support telematic data for the life of the modem. “Within FieldOps we can gather valuable machine metrics and performance metrics to figure out if we’re being as efficient as we can with every machine,” Littlefield said. “Whereas before that would’ve been an additional purchase, we’re now offering that free from the factory.” WATCH THE VIDEO PHOTO: agriculture.newholland.com The Blockage Prevention System is an Industry First DIEGO FLAMMINI FARMS.COM NEW HOLLAND’S NEW TECH FOR FORAGE HARVESTERS
29 CustomSteer is another option on the FR forage cruisers. Already available on other New Holland equipment, CustomSteer provides operators with steering control flexibility. “It’s an operator comfort feature that lets the operator choose the level of reactivity from the steering wheel,” Littlefield said. “Do they want it really tight where a quarter turn of the steering wheel makes a total turnaround, or do they want a little bit of play so every time they touch the steering wheel the wheels aren’t actually turning?” New Holland is also offering NutriSense technology as a factory-installed option and part of the new FieldOps farm management platform. This crop analysis system lets farmers view crop nutrients in real time. “We’ve come out with some additional calculations in the display to get immediate feedback to make sure we’ve got the right header height or the right length of cut,” Littlefield said. Farmers interested in learning more about these New Holland innovations are encouraged to contact their local New Holland dealer and watch this video overview. | pag “WE AUTOMATED THE SYSTEM SO IF THE CROP FLOW GETS BELOW THE THRESHOLD THAT THE OPERATOR SETS, THE SYSTEM WILL BEEP AND SLOW DOWN AUTOMATICALLY. AND IF THE CROP FLOW GETS TOO SLOW, THE SYSTEM WILL STOP THE FEED ROLLS TO KEEP YOU FROM HAVING BLOCKAGES.” PigCHAMP Online brings you all the features of PigCHAMP without the need for software installation or updates. Your entire database is securely stored and remains accessible via remote connection, allowing you the flexibility to manage your operation from anywhere you can connect to the internet.
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