US Farm Progress Show Showcases Latest Technology

Hello! It was a steamy few days at Farm Progress Show last week. I was feeling hot-hot-hot in the near 100 degree F temps. But what a great opportunity to see all the new “stuff” that’s coming your way - and by “stuff” I mean TECHNOLOGY!

I always ask “What’s new?” when I enter an agribusiness tent. And I simply couldn’t get away because there was so much new tech to talk about. Most of the folks who were launching products would say, "but just wait for the next version… it going to be even better." A reminder that they are already working on version 2.0 before they release the original product.

Monsanto was talking about their new in-cab FieldScripts platform that helps farmers match the right seeding rate to the right section of their field.

Trimble launched their Connected Farm Dashboard, which allows farmers check the weather, markets, their farm operation data and their fleet plus more on most internet-enabled devices.

Bayer CropScience announced a new fluency agent that will take the place of talc and reduce potential dust exposure to bees during planting.

New Holland showcased improvements to its Genesis T8 420 tractor – it has the stability of the longest wheel base in the industry, yet it can turn really sharp, plus it has the highest horsepower auto-command transmission.

SFP shared details about its More Than Manure® Nutrient Manager, the first and only product to protect both phosphorus from lock-up and nitrogen from leaching, denitrification and volatilization in applied manure.

I also saw the largest corn combine head in the world – at 30 rows; it is made by Marion Calmer, Calmer Corn Heads.

I could go on and on, but I’ll stop now. My message to you – stay on top of this new technology. I really believe it offers you the opportunity to use the least amount of inputs for the greatest return. And in our world of growing more with less, this is important.

To view more Farm Progress Show coverage, click here. 

One additional completely unrelated comment… I went to see the new Disney movie Planes with my kids over the Labor Day weekend. Cute flick, but more important is that the star of the show is Dusty, a crop dusting plane. If you have children or grandchildren, it’s worth viewing just to see how Disney portrays agriculture. Even if you don't have kids, see it, rent it or download it anyway - you won't be disappointed. :)

Have a great week!