CONNECT MOBILE APP LETS YOU MONITOR PLANTER AND SPRAYER IN REAL TIME

Monitor, adjust, and learn about your planter or sprayer’s performance as it travels through the field with John Deere’s Connect Mobile app. 

“By using Connect Mobile, you will know you’re doing the best possible job with the investment you’ve made in your John Deere equipment,” says John Mishler, production and precision ag marketing manager for John Deere.

Know what’s happening in real time with your planter or sprayer in row-by-row and nozzle-by-nozzle detail to better understand what’s going on.

“It’s managing the job at a micro level to make macro improvements,” Mishler says.

By having the ability to visualize job performance, you can quickly and easily identify possible issues. In addition, multiple map layers across the production process add insight that you can consider to improve productivity and reduce operating costs.

Due to Connect Mobile’s common user interface, the app can be moved seamlessly from one John Deere machine to the next and from one production step to another.

“The result is a better understanding of the job being performed. Data is saved on the iPad so it goes where you go. At any time or in any location as the data is saved, you can quickly review past work,” Mishler adds.

The app allows you to also easily compare data layers from previous production steps with what’s seen when scouting fields. 

“This information can help you better understand what might have caused what you’re seeing in the field,” Mishler explains.

There are also more options to view data in the cab including the John Deere Gen 4 CommandCenter, which shows performance data averaged across the field, the boom, or the planter section.

“Connect Mobile takes this one step further and maps specific details at specific points – row-by-row or nozzle-by-nozzle,” Mishler adds. “You can use your iPad with Connect Mobile to monitor planter performance while using the Gen 4 CommandCenter for AutoTrac, Section Control, and other precision ag applications. Regardless the operation being performed, the application has the same look and feel.”

In John Deere 4 Series sprayers, you can view mapping of critical job-quality information that includes as-applied rates, rate deviation, spray pressure, and ground speed. In addition, Connect Mobile delivers high-definition documentation for ExactApply Nozzle Control and provides real-time visibility to estimated droplet size information. 

“This ensures on-target application, mitigating the risk of product drift and avoiding the need for reapplication. You can more quickly see and react to any problems and optimize job performance,” Mishler says.

John Deere Connect Mobile is available as a free download from the Apple App Store. Subscriptions are free in 2017. If you have been using SeedStar Mobile, the data stored on your iPad will migrate to Connect Mobile after the new app is installed.

In the future, John Deere plans to add other operations to Connect Mobile including harvesting and the ability to add more data – all to help you make better-informed decisions with greater confidence. 

3 BIG THINGS TODAY, FEBRUARY 23

SOYBEANS, GRAINS LOWER IN OVERNIGHT TRADING; NOPA CRUSH SHOWS STRONG DEMAND FOR BEANS.

1. SOYBEAN, GRAIN FUTURES LOWER IN OVERNIGHT TRADING

Soybean and grain futures were lower in overnight trading on favorable weather in countries with which the U.S. battles for exports.

The weather in central Argentina is expected to be “quite wet” for the next 10 days and then drier in the days after that, according to Commodity Weather Group. Brazil fieldwork is expected to accelerate in the next 10 days, and rain will benefit wheat production in Germany and Poland next week, according to the forecaster.

Prices also may be depressed on speculation that while Mexico won’t cut all U.S. corn imports as one senator from the country has suggested, it may seek supplies elsewhere. Marisa Bircher, the secretary of agro-industry markets in Argentina, told Reuters yesterday that it wants to increase exports of the grain and would like improved relationships with Mexico.

Soybean futures for March delivery fell 4¾¢ to $10.56½ a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Soy meal declined $1.20 to $345.70 a short ton, and soy oil lost 0.18¢ to 33.76¢ a pound.

Corn futures for declined 1¼¢ to $3.77½ a bushel in Chicago.

Wheat futures for March delivery were unchanged to $4.54¾ a bushel. Kansas City futures fell 1½¢ to $4.67¾ a bushel.

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2. DOMESTIC DEMAND FOR SOYBEANS STRONG AS NOPA CRUSH BEATS EXPECTATIONS

Domestic demand for soybeans was reported stronger than expected yesterday, following increased local demand for corn.

U.S. processors crushed just north of 160 million bushels in January, beating estimates by about 1 million bushels, analysts said, citing the National Oilseed Processors Association. The figure is almost 7% higher than the same month a year earlier.

Meal exports last month were reported at 891,143, and while that was down 6% from December, it’s up by almost a third from January 2015, analysts said, citing the report.

Allendale’s Paul Georgy noted in a report that even using a “mild” 2% increase in soybean processing from February through the end of the marketing year on August 31, crush will beat projections by the Department of Agriculture by 4 million bushels.

Facilities from which the NOPA crush data is derived, which account for 94% of U.S. production, have processed 776 million bushels of soybeans since September 1, he said.

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3. PARTS OF KANSAS, MISSOURI UNDER RED-FLAG WARNING, BURNS NOT RECOMMENDED

Much of eastern Kansas and western Missouri are in a red-flag warning this morning, meaning extremely dry conditions may lead to wildfires.

Winds are forecast from 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, the National Weather Service said in a report on Thursday morning. Humidity is pegged from 21% to 26% – extremely low – this afternoon, according to the agency.

“Any fires that develop will likely spread rapidly,” the NWS said. “Outdoor burning is not recommended.”

The weather in the rest of the Midwest and Plains looks quiet this morning, though residents on the East Coast and in New England are seeing another round of heavy snow today. Some lake-effect snow is also falling in the Great Lakes region, the NWS said.

RESOLVE TO 'AGCERCISE'

YOUR FARM MAY BE THE ONLY GYM YOU NEED TO ACHIEVE YOUR FITNESS GOALS.

Getting fit is one of the top New Year’s resolutions people make every year. Often, this means an expensive gym membership that ends up going unused after a couple of months. It’s hard enough to get motivated to go to the gym when it’s a few blocks away, but when you have to drive to town to work out, the chances are even greater that the resolution will fall by the wayside. That’s where a home gym comes in – or rather, a farm gym. Why just exercise when you can “agcercise” at home?

Sure, you can buy exercise equipment and set up a gym in your basement or a corner of the farm shop, but chances are, you already have everything you need to get a complete workout. Of course, before you begin any exercise routine, see your physician for approval and recommendations. 

FIND YOUR TOOLS

Take some time to establish an on-farm fitness routine. Go for a walk around the farm (also great exercise) and look for opportunities to work out. Then write down a plan and get your family involved. Following are a few ideas.

Every farm has a few old tires lying around. Take a page from the football coach’s handbook and flip a tractor tire several times, or place smaller tires in a zigzag pattern on the ground and run down the line.

Get your shoulders into shape with old-fashioned pull-ups. Grab the top of the kids’ swing set or install a pipe across the top of a doorway in the barn or shop.

If you don’t already have a rope hanging from the hay mow, tie one from a rafter in the barn and climb it. Add a few knots to get yourself started. You can also use hanging ropes for suspended push-ups. Or, place two heavy ropes on the ground, grab the ends, lift them, and slam them down for a battle ropes workout.

Write down a plan and get your family involved!

Use any long-handle tool to tone your obliques or side muscles. Place the handle behind your head, rest it across your shoulders, and steady it with your hands. Twist to the left and right several times. Just make sure you don’t hit anything!

Grab a yoga mat or horse blanket, find a peaceful spot by the pond, on the porch, or even on top of a hay bale, and practice yoga, tai chi, or meditation. Never mind the curious looks you will no doubt get from the livestock.

GET FARMER STRONG

While personal trainers offer all kinds of great advice, many of their workouts are actually inspired by agriculture. 

The farmer’s walk is a popular exercise in gyms, and the idea comes from farmers carrying buckets of water or feed. To do the farmer’s walk, pick up (carefully so you don’t hurt your back; wear a weight belt, if needed) something heavy in each hand. You can use dumbbells, of course, but buckets of feed or water work just as well and let you do some chores at the same time. Let the weights hang at your side and take small steps, moving as fast and as far as possible without losing control. Work on increasing your distance and the amount of weight you can carry. This exercise is popular in strongman competitions, where lifters will often carry up to 1½ times their body weight in each hand. 

OLD-SCHOOL CHORE WORKOUT

Nathan Eason of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension says doing chores the old-fashioned way every now and then can help replace some of the physical activity in farming that has been reduced by technology. 

Eason suggests walking to check property and livestock once in a while instead of always taking the four-wheeler. “You will be more in tune with the needs of your property, and you will burn calories and get fit,” he says. Likewise, use a shovel and wheelbarrow sometimes instead of automatically hopping on the tractor or skid steer to clean the barn. 

Keep track of the time you spend doing these chores and add them to your exercise tracker. Even though it’s part of your job, the exercise still counts!

Aregbesola launches “Ofada Osun Rice”

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has unveiled the locally produced”Ofada Osun Rice”, which places Osun among major rice producing states in Nigeria.

Aregbesola who  visited farmers at  Onilapa Rice Farm Ogbaagba earlier in the week,  reiterated his government’s commitment towards  ensuring adequate food production for self sustenance of Osun State, emphasizing  the need for Nigerians to feed themselves.

AgroNigeria recalls that Lagos and Kebbi  in December 2016  launched a rice  christened ”Lake rice”  which was jointly produced by the two states, nine months after  both governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to produce 70 per cent of Nigeria’s rice requirements.

DOGARA URGES YOUTHS TO EMBRACE AGRICULTURE

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has urged youths in the country to embrace agriculture to ensure sustainable self reliance.

Dogara made the call while speaking during an empowerment programme organised by member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Wayo (Benue-APC) for his constituents in Adikpo, headquarters of Kwande Local Government of Benue state.

According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Speaker on Media and Publicity, Iliya Habila,  the Speaker also urged the youths not to over-rely on white collar jobs which were difficult to come bye .

He also advised Nigerians to support the current policy of diversification by the Federal Government in order to enhance their incomes and boost revenue for development purposes.

“As citizens, we will rally around, engage in gainful ventures that will promote our economy and assume leadership in agriculture rather than just leave it for the older generation and my own generation.‎ The corpers (NYSC members) that I have seen here, some of them may think they can’t go back to the farm. But there is money in farming, there is dignity in labour and some of you may find honour in agriculture.”, he said.

The Speaker said the Federal government would soon embark on massive infrastructural projects especially roads and power as part of efforts aimed at achieving the objective of becoming one of the competing economies of the world.

“And then a lot of our citizens that were sent away from work because of the recession by most of these construction companies, will now go back to work and those companies that are owing will be able to pay.

“And through that we will be able to reflate the economy, we will be able to put a lot of money in the hands of our people and by that we will start the journey to exiting the recession together.”, he said.

Dogara however  urged Nigerians to ensure that they engage in jobs that will contribute towards stimulating the diversification of the economy.

“I like to call on all the citizens, especially the youths, those who believe that it is only white collar jobs that bring prosperity, as a matter of fact, jobs on their own do not bring prosperity, it is your work.”, he stated.

3 BIG THINGS TODAY, FEBRUARY 22

SOYBEANS, CORN LOWER IN OVERNIGHT TRADING; SALES OF WHEAT, BEANS HIGHER WEEK-TO-WEEK

1. SOYBEANS, CORN LOWER ON ARGENTINA WEATHER, TRADE CONCERNS

Soybeans and corn were lower in overnight trading, extending losses from yesterday’s trading session.

Prices are down amid favorable weather in South America that’s given crop prospects a boost, and on worries about exports as lawmakers attempt to rework the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Wet weather in Argentina is expected to improve conditions for soybeans corn in the country, while rainfall benefits wheat production in Europe, according to weather forecasters.

Investors also may be nervous as negotiations will likely begin on redrafting NAFTA, which some policymakers worry will harm agricultural exports. Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, told Successful Farming that he will let the administration know that farmers may be harmed in a renegotiated NAFTA.

Soybean futures for March delivery fell 6 ½ cents to $10.37 ¼ a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade. Soymeal declined $1.30 to $340.70 a short ton and soy oil lost 0.46 cent to 33.06 cents a pound.

Corn futures for declined 3 cents to $3.70 ½ a bushel in Chicago.

Wheat futures for March delivery fell 3 ¾ cents to $4.44 a bushel. Kansas City futures lost 3 ¾ cents to $4.54 ¼ a bushel.

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2. EXPORT SALES OF BEANS, WHEAT RISE AS CORN DECLINES WEEK-OVER-WEEK

Export sales of soybeans and wheat rose week-over-week while corn declined, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Soybean sales in the week that ended on Feb. 9 jumped 93% from the prior week to 890,000 metric tons, the USDA said in a weekly report. That’s also up 41% from the prior four-week average.

China was the biggest buyer, taking 262,300 tons, unknown countries took 175,600 tons, Germany bought 152,400 tons, Taiwan was in for 79,700 tons and Spain purchased 71,500 tons, according to the agency.

Wheat sales were reported at 569,100 tons, up 8% from the prior week and 10% from the four-week average.

Unknown importers were the biggest buyers, purchasing 149,000 tons, the USDA said. Mexico was next on the list at 99,600 tons, Nigeria bought 62,000 tons, South Korea purchased 61,700 tons and Yemen took 50,000 tons, the USDA said.

Sales of corn were lackluster week-to-week, falling 19% to 783,500 tons.

Japan was the biggest customer, purchasing 708,800 tons, Peru was next at 83,600 tons, Mexico bought 69,200 tons and Chile took 43,600 tons, according to the USDA

It’ll be interesting to see if Mexico will slow purchases moving forward after a senator from the country this week suggested importers seek supplies from other countries. Most analysts said the threat was idle, but not inconceivable.

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3. EASTERN NEBRASKA, WESTERN IOWA LIKELY TO SEE RECORD TEMPERATURES TODAY

It’s time to open the windows and `let the house out’ as a relative heat wave is rolling through the Midwest this weekend.

Record temperatures are expected in parts of eastern Nebraska and western Iowa today and tomorrow, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to hit almost 75 degrees today, cooling back into the 60s tomorrow before jumping again Sunday and Monday to nearly 70.

While it will give people a hint of spring and a chance to get outside, the NWS recommends burning be kept to a minimum.  

“The heat will combine with low relative humidity of 18% to 25% to create very high fire danger across most of the area this afternoon,” the agency said. “If fires develop, they may become difficult to control. Outdoor burning is discouraged during this time.”

NUMBER OF FARMS IN U.S. DROPS AS ACREAGE SIZE GROWS

The number of farms in the U.S. for 2016 is estimated at 2.06 million, down 8,000 farms from 2015, according to USDA data released today.

Total land in farms, at 911 million acres, decreased 1 million acres from 2015.

The average farm size for 2016 is 442 acres, up 1 acre from the previous year.

The number of farms in sales class $250,000 - $499,999 increased, while all other sales classes declined slightly.

The data shows that 50% of all farms had less than $10,000 in sales; 80% of all farms had less than $100,000 in sales; and 8% of all farms had sales of $500,000 or more.  

Land in farms, at 911 million acres, was down 1 million acres from 2015. The biggest changes for 2016 are that producers in Sales Class $250,000-$499,999 operated 1.29 million more acres, and those in Sales Class $1,000,000-or-more operated 1.01 million fewer acres.

Similar to the previous year, in 2016 nearly 31% of all farmland was operated by farms with less than $100,000 in sales; 41% of all farmland was operated by farms with sales of $500,000 or more.

The average farm size continued to increase in 2016 as the number of farms declined more than land in farms. The overall average size increased by 1 acre to 442 acres per farm. Average farm sizes increased in the $10,000 - $99,999; $250,000 - $499,999; and $500,000 - $999,999 sales classes and decreased in the others.

Average farm size by sales class are:

• Sales Class $1,000 - $9,999: 84 acres
• Sales Class $10,000 - $99,999: 309 acres
• Sales Class $100,000 - $249,999: 896 acres
• Sales Class $250,000 - $499,999: 1,296 acres
• Sales Class $500,000 - $999,999: 1,897 acres
• Sales Class $1,000,000 or more: 2,656 acres

A HORSCH PLANTER THAT APPLIES TWO DRY FERTILIZERS

Dry fertilizer fans, listen up. HORSCH created a planter that will let you apply your two favorite kinds of dry fertilizer without worrying about runoff issues caused by broadcast applications.

According to HORSCH, the Maestro SW Dry is the first bulk-fill dry fertilizer planter in North America and uses hydraulic down pressure to plant seed while applying two types of dry fertilizer simultaneously.

Compared with traditional planters, this HORSCH offering can go fast enough that planting speed is increased by 20% to 40%. A large product carrying capacity – 83 bushels of seed, a combined 5 tons of fertilizer – should keep growers in the field longer during planting windows.

Fertilizer can be applied 2 to 5 inches horizontally from the furrow and can also be placed 1.5 to 4 inches below the seed’s depth. Two fertilizer compartments carry the dry fertilizer that flows through large hoses to help prevent blockages. Each opener hose has a stainless-steel sleeved blockage monitor to keep the operator informed if a blockage does occur.

The planter’s unique design houses the seed and dry fertilizer on the cart, which doesn’t affect the row units. A weight transfer system keeps weight evenly spread across the full toolbar with curve compensation doing its part, as well. For seed spacing, HORSCH says an electric motor-driven seed singulator provides industry-leading spacing accuracy.

Growers can get this planter in three different sizes, but all have large-diameter cart tires. The 40-foot wide SW1630 can handle 16 rows with 30-inch spacing. Another 40-foot-wide model called SW2420 can plant 24 rows at a time with 30-inch spacing. The widest model, the 60-foot wide SW2430, plants 24 rows with 30-inch spacing. 

Each model has an ISOBUS control system, which makes integration of monitors and management software programs a snap. A HORSCH monitor can also manage variable-rate application.

All three models of the Maestro SW Dry planter will be available from Horsch dealers starting at $280,000. 

Rice Growers Scheme will create 16,000 jobs in Sokoto – Dangote

The Chairman of Dangote Rice Limited, Aliko Dangote, is confident that the newly signed agreement of the Rice Growers Scheme in Sokoto State, will create 16,000 jobs for farmers.

Dangote disclosed this at the signing of the Rice Growers Scheme agreement with state government and farmers in Goronyo, Goronyo Local government, in the presence of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

He revealed that the scheme would not only create jobs but also improve the lives of smallholder farmers while ensuring food security in Nigeria.

“Dangote Rice outgrowers scheme is committed to creating significant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of smallholders farmers and  ensuring food security in the country by providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practices to farmers”, he said.

He however stated that the main intention behind the scheme was as result of the huge foreign exchange losses on rice importation, as well as the federal government’s interest in reviving the agric sector. He promised that the scheme would revive the economy.

DANGOTE TO LAUNCH 25,000HA RICE PROJECT IN SOKOTO

Dangote Rice, a subsidiary of Dangote Group is set to launch on Wednesday 25,000 hectares of rice outgrower programme in Sokoto.

The project is expected to provide hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities for inhabitants of the rural communities, according to a press release from the African Press Organisation.

A pilot is set to begin with 500 hectares by Gonroyo dam, in Goronyo community.

Gonroyo dam is the second largest in the country, after Kainji.

Sokoto state governor Aminu Tambuwal is expected to flag off the project, and seedlings will be distributed to local farmers who will in turn plant and sell rice to Dangote for milling and final processing.

Sokoto is the second after Jigawa, one of 14 states where Dangote Rice plans to operate outgrower scheme to empower local farmers and create job opportunities for community dwellers and reduce migration to the cities.

Rice demand in Nigeria reached 6.3 million metric tonnes in 2015—with oly 2.3 million metric tonnes satisfied by local production, according to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Local production leaves a gap of 4 million metric tonnes currently filled through formal importation or illegal imports over land borders.

Dangote Group hopesto produce 225,000 metric tonnes of parboiled, milled white rice.

“This will allow us to satisfy 4% of the total market demand within 1 year,” said Dangote Group in a statement.

“Our model can then be successfully scaled to produce 1,000,000 MT of milled rice in order to satisfy 16% of the domestic market demand for rice over the next 5 years