Product News
RICHARDSON RECOGNIZES 10 YEARS OF HEALTHIER OILS
A decade ago, three Canadian-based restaurants took a visionary role by recognizing two emerging trends – Canadians are dining out more than ever and that consumers are being driven by health and nutrition decisions.
At the end of the last century, abc Country Restaurants, Earls Restaurant and Kelly O’Bryan’s Restaurant partnered with Richardson Oilseed Limited by using Canola Harvest HiLo® for their fried menu items. Canola Harvest HiLo is an Omega-9 Canola Oil uniquely high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, with zero trans fat and the lowest amount of saturated fat among other commonly used frying oils.
“We knew consumers were continuing to seek healthier options and restaurants needed a solution,” said John Haen, Vice-President, Nutrition Division — Richardson Oilseed Limited. “The development of Canola Harvest HiLo was ground breaking from both a health and operational perspective — a cooking oil that was not only healthier, but also made economic and operational sense for the restaurant and hospitality industry.”
In the years since abc Country Restaurants, Earls and Kelly O’Bryan’s switched to this healthier choice, the rest of the restaurant industry soon followed by removing nearly 400 million kilograms of bad fats in the past decade. Healthier oils have replaced over 150 million kilograms of trans fat, and almost 60 million kilograms of saturated fat, both of which have been shown to increase the risk of coronary heart disease and other chronic health problems.
In addition to an improved health profile for fried foods, the switch to Canola Harvest HiLo has helped restaurant chains save time and money, as the unique features of the oil extends fry life by 50 percent longer than other commonly used oil, resulting in fewer oil changes and less oil disposal.
“Doing the right thing for your customers is often the right thing for your bottom line. The food service industry knows its customers and realizes they have to take steps to address the emerging trend of offering healthier options,” said Haen. “It has been very rewarding to collaborate with abc Country Restaurants, Earls and Kelly O’Bryan’s who were so far ahead of the curve ten years ago.”
Omega-9 Canola Oil is made from naturally bred canola seeds developed by Dow AgroSciences. These next generation cooking oils are being widely adopted across North America — delivering neutral taste and improved health and performance attributes.
(Richardson Oilseed Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Richardson International Limited. Formerly known as Canbra Foods Ltd., Richardson Oilseed Limited is one of Canada’s oldest and largest fully integrated crushing, refining and processing operations. Being one of the first companies in the world to market canola oil, Richardson Oilseed Limited has over 50 years of specialized experience in the production of canola-based products. For more information, visit www.richardson.ca/nutrition or www.canolaharvest.com)
Product News
DELAVAL SWINGING COW BRUSH SALES TOP 30,000
DeLaval announced July 13 that it has hit the 30,000 sales mark for its swinging cow brush, a self-grooming device that keeps cows happier, healthier and more productive.
“The swinging cow brush is very popular among dairy farmers thanks to its many customer benefits. Definitely a DeLaval success story,” DeLaval Vice President Business Area Aftermarket & Services Tim Nicolaï said.
Cows using DeLaval swinging cow brush SCB are cleaner, calmer and therefore more balanced. A study conducted by Cornell University <http://www.milkproduction.com/Library/Articles/Cow_comfort_effects_on_milk_production_and_mastitis_field_study.htm> in 2009 on
DeLaval SCB showed better animal health due to an increase in blood circulation. It concluded that clinical mastitis was 34% lower for cows in second and higher lactation using the SCB. The research team also reported increased milk production of up to +1kg per day (3.5%) for cows in second lactation in a pen using the swinging cow brush, compared to a reference group kept under the same conditions without access to the SCB.
“A cow that grooms herself with the swinging cow brush can produce more milk from the exact same resources and input. That is one of the reasons why it is so popular among dairy farmers. Improved general health leads to less treatment and culling costs so cow health is improved and farmers’ profits boosted,” DeLaval Director Portfolio Farm Supplies Barbara Strunk explained.
The SCB is one of the Sustainable Dairy Farming <http://www.delaval.com/en/About-DeLaval/Sustainable-Dairy-Farming/> (SDF) solutions. The swinging cow brush improves cow welfare and productivity. SDF is an initiative that aims to reduce the environmental footprint of farms while improving milk production, farm profitability and the well-being of the people and animals involved.
DeLaval SCB starts to rotate on contact at an animal-friendly speed. It swings freely in all directions, smoothly up, over and alongside the cow. The bristles have the right length and hardness to stimulate the blood circulation while helping the cow to keep clean and calm. The unique patented design is approved by the DLG (Deutsche Landwirtschafts- Gesellschaft – German Agricultural Society). Click on the following links: swinging cow brush images <http://picasaweb.google.com/104904702957937280867/SwingingCowBrush> and cow grooming herself video <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpjCQD8ynZE> .
New Product
GALLAGHER TO LAUNCH SMARTFENCE
On August 9-10 Gallagher will host a unique product launch, field demonstration and discussion forum at the Hyatt Place Airport in Kansas City, Missouri.
The company will launch a revolutionary self-contained portable fencing system: SmartFence.
It can be designed specifically for garden protection, predator control and wildlife management.
Dr. Grant Woods will address deer management, food plot protection, the explosive growth of the USA deer population and the problems the growth is creating.
Product managers and key management executives from Gallagher New Zealand will be on hand to talk about market trends, new applications and concepts in development.
New Product
MASSEY FERGUSON® INTRODUCES NEW RK SERIES ROTARY RAKES
In July, Massey Ferguson® introduced the new RK Series rotary rake in three models, each designed to help hay producers optimize hay quality.
These efficient high-capacity models sweep hay or forage into a uniform windrow to match any baling or chopping application. By gently sweeping, rather than rolling the crop to the center, the Massey Ferguson RK Series rakes maximize leaf retention for optimum protein content and more valuable hay. And since these rakes gather hay rather than roll it, there is better airflow within the windrow so hay can dry faster and more evenly.
The new high-capacity RK Series of rotary rakes includes three models, one of which is sure to fit the needs of any hay operation:
Model RK3824 -- Single Basket, 13.5 ft right delivery;
Model RK3855 – Twin Basket, 27.5 ft with either right side delivery or two single windrows, and
Model RK3879 – Twin Basket, 26.6 ft center-delivery
While the rakes are gentle on hay, they’re built tough to deliver years of reliable service. The Massey Ferguson RK Series rotary rakes feature a heavy-duty frame and are equipped with the exclusive ROTORFLEX™ Rotor Suspension system which lets the rakes closely follow the contour of your field through dips and over hills for a cleaner job of raking, without getting debris into the crop.
Heavy-duty, large-diameter tine arms and extra tough tines will handle the wear and tear of long hours in the field. In addition, the drive system features helical cut gears to provide more torque than straight-cut gears as well as to deliver longer driveline and rotor life.
Standard tandem wheels support the rotors as they travel across the field, allowing better ground contour, stability and flotation. The Massey Ferguson RK3855 and RK3879 feature a sturdy running gear with narrow transport and steerable rear transportation wheels which carry the chassis and also provide greater maneuverability in the field and during road transportation.
Sealed-grease gearboxes deliver smooth movement and minimize opportunity for damage. The main drive gearboxes automatically swivel when the machine is folding to prevent damage to the driveline. A simple hydraulic system and overrunning clutches help prevent operator errors that could damage the machine. Visit your local Massey Ferguson dealer or www.masseyferguson.com for more information.
Product News
REDUCE COSTS WITH TEEJET TECHNOLOGIES’ FAST BOOM SHUT-OFF
No one likes to waste money, but Bill French believed that’s exactly what he was doing when spraying crop protection products with standard valves.
“When I used to shut the boom off, the nozzles didn’t shut off immediately,” French said, who custom sprays about 50,000 acres of rice and soybeans in northeast Arkansas. “There was still product coming out of the tips, and that’s just wasting money.”
To overcome the frustrating problem of continued spraying after the boom has been switched off, French started using TeeJet Technologies’ Flow Back valves.
“The shut off time when the nozzles actually quit spraying went from 5 to 8 seconds to about 1 second when we started using the Flow Back valves,” he said. “This reduces chemical waste tremendously and saves our customers a lot of cost. There is no doubt it saves chemical.”
Sprayers with standard valves trap pressure in the boom when they are switched off. As a result, the boom continues spraying for several seconds before completely shutting off. The technology behind Flow Back valves includes an extra passage that allows boom pressure to be dissipated immediately – this passage allows spray solution to return to the tank to relieve that pressure, and is the key to fast shut off at the boom. The boom remains full of liquid and spraying resumes immediately when the valves are switched back on.
“Due to the rapid shut off of spray tips when the boom sections are shut off, Flow Back valves eliminate product waste and improve sprayer accuracy by reducing skips, overlaps and re-sprays,” said Pat Maney, wet products business manager with TeeJet Technologies. “Applicators can spray to the end of the row while minimizing the overlap that can occur in the end rows.” Without Flow Back valves, operators must try to compensate for shut off delays of five to 10 seconds or more, which can lead to over application or costly re-sprays.
Flow Back valves are compatible with all levels of sprayer control systems, from simple to sophisticated, and require no special wiring or plumbing. They also are an excellent companion to automatic boom section control systems. The compact, electrically-actuated Flow Back valves are available in three product platforms – 430 FB, 450 FB and 460 FB each rated for different pressures and flows.
TeeJet Technologies manufactures a comprehensive line of products including agricultural spray nozzles for various herbicide/fungicide applications, boom components, valves/manifolds, strainers, spray guns, speed sensors, lightbar guidance systems, sprayer control systems, ISOBUS compatible job computers/controllers, assisted steering systems and other precision farming products. In addition, TeeJet Technologies continues to invest in research and development to advance precision application and control technology.
News
AGCO CASH MAKES A COMEBACK FOR SUMMER PARTS PURCHASES
Earlier this month AGCO (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide distributor and manufacturer of agricultural equipment, announced the return of AGCO Cash. The AGCO Cash program, first offered this spring, was so popular among growers, AGCO Parts is making this cash incentive available again in its “Field Rewards” campaign. By purchasing a minimum of $250 in qualifying parts, growers will receive AGCO Cash* redeemable at participating AGCO Parts dealers between July 12 and August 27, 2010. The AGCO Cash may be used toward future parts purchases.
“AGCO Cash was wildly popular with customers and dealers, so we decided to offer this unique program again to help growers with their late summer repairs and fall harvest preparation,” says Jeff Terlep, Director, Sales and Marketing, for AGCO Parts. “This spring, many customers worked with their AGCO Parts dealer to purchase a pre-season supply of parts needed to keep their equipment performing at optimum levels. Throughout the summer, they’ve reaped the rewards of their pre-season purchases. Now they can earn more AGCO Cash to use for parts needs throughout the fall.”
Customers who make a qualifying purchase of AGCO Parts between July 12, 2010, and August 27, 2010, will receive a mail-in offer for AGCO Cash to redeem with their participating dealer. AGCO Cash is valid 90 days from issue date.
News
CANADIAN 4-H COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW COMMERCIALS WITH THE HOPE OF GETTING ONTO MORE CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY LISTS
Two new 4-H Canada TV commercials are premiering at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. During the 10-day event, two commercials entitled
“4-H what’s in it for you?” will run daily during the four-hour event.
Bayer CropScience, a major sponsor of the Calgary Stampede and of the Canadian 4-H Council, has developed the spots to help promote and raise awareness of one of the longest standing youth organizations in Canada – 4-H.
“We are very fortunate to have companies such as Bayer CropScience who not only recognize the value of 4-H, but who step up with new and creative ideas to help promote the 4-H program in Canada," said Mike Nowosad, CEO of the Canadian 4-H Council. "Bayer CropScience has been such a strong supporter of the 4-H program in Canada and these commercials are reflective of that ongoing support.”
4-H Canada is an organization that oversees the 4-H program in Canada. 4-H is made up of project-based clubs who run youth development programs throughout Canada in rural, suburban and urban communities. Activities include citizenship, leadership development, career choices and technology transfer, among others.
Not unlike other youth organizations, membership has declined over time and it is harder to attract 4-H leaders. The hope is to create greater awareness of the value of 4-H in helping develop outstanding citizens across Canada and showing what’s in it for them.
“As an extremely proud supporter of 4-H, we are excited to help share their story in a unique way,” said Derrick Rozdeba, Manager Integrated Communications with Bayer CropScience. “We hope these commercials will help generate as much exposure to as many rural families in Canada as possible to get 4-H onto their children’s activity list.”
You can watch these commercials at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo from July 9 through July 18 or right now on YouTube.”
(Search “4-H Canada Future CEO” and “4-H What’s in it for You?”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYHOVHIU6wc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQOByr-BLY
News
FIRST-EVER COMMERCIAL RECOGNIZES CANADA’S BEST YOUNG FARMERS SHOWCASES CANADA’S OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS
Premiering at this year’s Calgary Stampede Rodeo is a new commercial recognizing an important and proud, yet unheard of group of Canadians. Bayer CropScience, a major sponsor of the Calgary Stampede and of Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) program, has developed the spot to showcases OYF, a group who are among the most progressive, inventive and talented farmers across Canada.
“Bayer CropScience has been a valuable partner in our growth and we’re thankful for their support,” said Brian Newcombe, President of Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers’ Program. “As a small organization that focuses its efforts on Canadian growers, it’s nice to have someone else bring recognition to the program itself. We’re really looking forward to using this video to promote our program across Canada.”
This first-ever Outstanding Young Farmer’s 30 second commercial entitled “Getting the recognition that they deserve” will run daily during the 10 day Calgary Stampede Rodeo.
You can watch these commercials at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo from July 9 through July 18 or right now on YouTube.” (Search “Outstanding Young Farmers Recognition”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSL3bHBrf7A <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSL3bHBrf7A>
News
CLEAN BURN® LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE
Clean Burn® of Lancaster, Penn., manufacturers of energy systems that transform used motor oil into free heat, has introduced a new company website at www.cleanburn.com <http://www.cleanburn.com/>. The interactive site includes an innovative “Compare” feature that encourages visitors to compare the components of Clean Burn units to those found in converted fuel oil furnaces, factory-direct furnaces and blast tube furnaces.
“The ‘Compare” section of the site has callouts that identify different aspects of Clean Burn products as compared to those found in alternative machinery,” says Morris Mantey, president and CEO of Clean Burn. “You can physically see the difference in the heat exchangers, burners and pumps to gain a clear understanding of the components of these valuable pieces of equipment and how Clean Burn products are built to provide years of service.”
The clean, fresh design of the new Clean Burn site makes it easy to navigate between product information, tips on selecting the right furnace for the right setting, product manuals and environmental information. The site also includes sections with product warranties and registration details, a worldwide distributor locator and videos on using used motor oil furnaces and boilers.
Engineered to burn used motor oils generated by cars, trucks, heavy equipment, boats and other vehicles, Clean Burn furnaces and boilers are manufactured in the United States and can transform used-oil into free heat. More than 80,000 Clean Burn products located throughout the world burn millions of gallons of used-oils each year on-site, at the point of generation. This volume of used-oil would otherwise be transported on highway systems and pose a considerable risk to spills and/or contamination to the environment.
Clean Burn is an ENERGY STAR® partner. The company holds numerous industry certifications and works with the U.S. government, the Environmental Protection Agency and various associations to help coordinate the establishment of standards and regulations related to heat recovery and recycling efforts involving used motor oils. For more information on Clean Burn, visit www.cleanburn.com or call 1-800-331-0183.
News
FOLIAR-APPLIED NITAMIN® 30L FERTILIZER BOOSTS CORN YIELDS IN STUDIES
Results from two years of university research trials show a foliar application of Nitamin® 30L Steady Delivery® nitrogen applied with a foliar fungicide increases yields an average of 10 bushels per acre (bu/A). Georgia-Pacific Plant Nutrition, manufacturer of Nitamin brand fertilizers, reports the results were compiled from 22 comparison studies at three Midwestern universities in the 2008 and 2009 crop seasons.
The studies were conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri, Iowa State University and Southern Illinois University. The highest gains from the studies came from University of Missouri, where the fertilizer alone produced yield increases of 15 to 28 bushels per acre (bu/A) when applied at tassel (VT stage). When Nitamin 30L fertilizer was applied at one gallon per acre (gal/A) with Headline® fungicide, researchers recorded yield boosts of 23 bu/A in 2008 and 27 bu/A in 2009, compared to untreated checks.
“The foliage was greener on the Nitamin 30L nitrogen-applied corn compared to the control plot, so we could tell that the nitrogen uptake by the plant was occurring,” says Dr. Kelly Nelson, University of Missouri research agronomist.
Nitamin 30L fertilizer, an innovative blend of methylene urea, urea and triazone, contains 30 percent N, of which 60 percent is slowly available. The remaining 40 percent is a readily available N component. Nitamin 30L fertilizer has a lower salt index and biuret content than urea, reducing the risk of burn and making it ideal for foliar applications.
“The unique formulation of the Steady-Delivery nitrogen remains on the foliage longer than many other nitrogen sources, which expands the window for foliar N absorption by the crop,” says Bruce Prock, Georgia-Pacific Plant Nutrition senior technical service associate.
UNIVERSITY STUDIES
Studies at Iowa State University (ISU) have shown a continued, steady uptake of N by corn between 60 and 110 days after planting. This uptake averaged more than two pounds per acre (lbs/A) of N per day for 50 days. Therefore, an application of Nitamin 30L nitrogen at this stage can boost yield and crop quality.
“A foliar application of Nitamin 30L just prior to this phase of development can be ideal for plant growth and health,” Prock says. “It also coincides with most fungicide applications, so a tank mix combination of nutrients and crop protection products eliminates the need for extra trips across the field.”
Dr. Bryan Young, SIU research agronomist, says that one lb/A of foliar-applied nitrogen replaced up to eight lbs/A of the soil-applied nutrient in his research, but no more than 25 lbs/A of preplant N was replaced with foliar N application. He added that he is most excited about the possibility of a foliar application of nitrogen not only enhancing in-season vitality of the crop, but also how the practice might reduce some of the needed pre-plant fertilizer rates for greater environmental stewardship and profitability.
“There’s an opportunity to learn more about these controlled-release nitrogen formulations to learn how they fit into an overall crop management plan that leads to more efficient use of nitrogen,” Dr. Young says. “There’s a lot of value and potential for their use to enhance growers’ efficiency in using the nutrient.”
New Product
KUHN INTRODUCES NEW DISC MOWERS
In July, Kuhn North America, Inc., of Brodhead, Wisconsin, introduced two new additions to the GMD 1010 series of disc mowers, the 10' 2" GMD 3110 and 11' 6" GMD 3510. These disc mowers are designed for producers looking for superior cut quality and lower maintenance.
An exclusive “lubed-for-life” cutterbar reduces maintenance requirements and provides a more efficient, cleaner cut at varied speeds, especially in difficult conditions. The patented Lift-Control® system improves suspension, further enhancing performance. These models also feature a non-stop auto-reset safety breakaway, and externally removable disc bearing stations with heavy-duty gears and bearings for convenient, reliable operation and quick service. Hydraulic-folding, horizontal rear transport provides low and narrow positioning with effective suspension that reduces load and shock on the tractor.
For more information, contact: www.kuhnnorthamerica.com
News
FARMERS EYE GROU POLICY
The Grower Requested Own Use Import Program (GROU) has become a very valuable tool for farmers.
The Farmers of North America Strategic Agriculture Institute (FNA-STAG) wants to make sure if and when it becomes regulation that it continues to maximize the potential for farm profitability.
The current draft of the GROU policy that will eventually be considered for regulation has proven this spring to be very effective for many farmers. As an example, in early April, the price of Pursuit herbicide in many locations was around $1,200 per 3.8 litre jug. At the end of April, many farmers, including members of Farmers of North America (FNA), began importing Pursuit through GROU for $635 per 3.8 litre jug. In early May, the manufacturer of Pursuit in Canada, BASF, sent a note to its customers saying changing market dynamics. It is estimated that farmers using GROU for Pursuit saved over $3,500,000 in the short window it was used. While Pursuit represented a huge savings for farmers, it was only one of 25 eligible products for farmers.
FNA-STAG CEO Bob Friesen believes that the impact of lowering input costs deserves more attention. “During farm policy discussions, policy-makers in Canada need to continue to focus on input costs, building on the competitiveness policy work of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. Policies like GROU can save farmers millions and this spring is a perfect example”, he says. “FNA-STAG’s number one concern is farm profitability, and when farmers can save money through a program like GROU, we need to embrace that and protect it”.
Not only does this example demonstrate the effectiveness of the GROU program, but it demonstrates the impact farmers can have on the marketplace when they use tools that create competition. “Farmers want to be able to take control of their own profitability potential and not rely so much on government risk management programs”, says Virden, Manitoba area farmer Jason Hodson. “With some of the crises in the industry this spring, such as the low farm income numbers released by AAFC and the more recent flooding in much of the Prairie provinces, anything that provides the ability for farmers to take control of their profitability situation needs to be protected”. He continues, “Furthermore, policies like GROU help to level the playing field so we can be more competitive in international markets.”
Friesen adds, “Now that volumes of imports are increasing under the GROU policy, farmers are afraid that the pesticide company lobby could very well try to push it to the background just like they did when the Own Use Import (OUI) policy started to work for farmers”.
He warns that, “If the GROU program gets changed so it doesn’t benefit farmers anymore, you’ll know why”.
New Product
JOHN DEERE INTRODUCES SEEDSTAR XP MONITORING SYSTEM FOR PLANTERS
In July, planting operations just got more precise and easier to monitor with the new SeedStar™ XP monitoring system from John Deere. The SeedStar XP provides more real-time information about planter performance and seed placement to the operator in the tractor cab, making it easier for the operator to make on-the-go adjustments to the planter for optimal seed placement and increased productivity.
The GreenStar 2 compatible SeedStar XP system features a user-friendly, full-color planting monitor, or it can be integrated with a producer’s existing GreenStar 2 display to eliminate clutter in the cab. The system is supported by a series of row-unit sensor nodes and downforce sensors configured to the specific model of planter. In addition to the features of the original SeedStar 2 monitoring system, the SeedStar XP system includes these enhancements:
•Seed singulation and seed spacing monitoring
•Row-unit downforce monitoring and adjustment
•Row-unit ride quality monitoring
•Overall row-unit and planter performance monitoring
•Split-screen applications for planting and guidance (AutoTrac)
Chris Savener, project manager, planters, for John Deere Seeding, says the SeedStar XP system is designed with the latest customer needs in mind. “Everything that customers said they wanted in a fully integrated monitoring system for planting operations went into the SeedStar XP system,” Savener says. “This includes an easy-to-read, at-a-glance screen with seed skip information and data on row-unit ride dynamics, which are critical to monitoring and maintaining overall planter performance at the row-unit level. Ultimately, the SeedStar XP monitoring system helps ensure that every seed is planted to the correct depth and spacing within the seed furrow across the entire field. Tests show that the system helps producers save planting time and seed while maximizing yields.”
The SeedStar XP system is available on select model year 2011 John Deere planters, including the 1770NT, 1770NT CCS™, 1790 and DB Series planters, and is fully integrated and compatible with other Ag Management System products used for planting, such as Swath Control Pro for planters, GreenStar AutoTrac assisted steering and Apex farm management software.
For more information on the John Deere SeedStar XP monitoring system, see your local John Deere dealer or visit www.JohnDeere.com.
New Product
XLR REMOTE DISPLAYS DELIVER HIGH VISIBILITY AND SIMPLY CONNECT TO AGRICULTURE SCALE INDICATORS OR SERIAL DEVICES
In July, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Inc. of Fairmont, MN introduced the XLR Series Remote Displays, pairing high readability with plug-and-play functionality for simple viewing of agriculture scale data from a distance. The XLR Series Remote Displays quickly connect to Avery Weigh-Tronix or competitive indicators, as well as other serial devices, to simply and clearly convey gross/net readers or detailed message displays. Offered with either eight (XLR-8) or 12 (XLR-12) bright red LED, 3.5-inch characters, the XLR Series provides excellent visibility. These large alphanumeric matrix displays range from 26.75 inches (XLR-8) to 39.00 inches (XLR-10) in length, with a height of 10.25 inches. Beneath the alphanumeric message, the XLR Series delivers visual confirmation of loading status via a bar graph spanning the length of the display.
The XLR Series promotes efficiency through a combination of its RS-232 interface and Autolearn technology. The RS-232 interface enables XLR Series displays to efficiently connect with diverse indicators and serial devices used in agriculture scale systems, such as mixers, seed tenders, grain carts, livestock or platform scales. To make the XLR Series a truly plug-and-play solution, its Autolearn technology facilitates installation by automatically detecting the connected device’s baud rate and broadcast string—requiring no manual configuration.
To display information clearly at night or in dark areas, the XLR Series automatically dims to accommodate changing conditions. It additionally provides maximum intensity for viewing in sunlight, while its polarized lens improves visibility by reducing glare. With a rugged steel enclosure, the XLR Series is designed to resist harsh outdoor conditions, making it well suited for agriculture applications—mobile or stationary—in any season. A weatherproof exterior, combined with a wide operating temperature range, ensures these remote displays withstand extreme agricultural conditions.
The XLR Series comes standard with a transmitter/receiver that allows users to perform a standard key function on Avery Weigh-Tronix indicators or advance through ingredients during batching processes. Optional features available to enhance the XLR Series’ functionality and versatility include:
Sun/Debris Shield: To protect against airborne debris and direct sunlight, an optional shield surrounds the remote display.
Wireless Connection: Users can employ wireless communications, including Bluetooth®* wireless technology, to transmit data over short distances.
(Avery Weigh-Tronix is a pioneer in the agricultural design and manufacture of innovative precision electronic weighing devices and control systems. For further information, contact: Avery Weigh-Tronix, LLC, 1000 Armstrong Drive, Fairmont, MN 56031. Phone: 507-238-8253. Fax: 507-238-8258. Email: ag@awtxglobal.com. Web: www.agscales.com.)
News
BRILLION FARM EQUIPMENT LAUNCHES REDESIGNED WEBSITE
In July, Brillion Farm Equipment™ of Wisconsin, a division of Accuride Corporation, released its updated website www.brillionfarmeq.com, which includes many new features and capabilities in a user-friendly format. The website will serve to expand the online services Brillion provides to its customers.
“Our improved website features online tools that allow customers and equipment dealers to view photo galleries and videos of each tillage or seeder implement,” said Mike Irish, Brillion Farm Equipment’s general manager. “The site offers an abundance of information ranging from equipment specifications to servicing and proper maintenance of our products, all in a format that can be easily accessed via computer or mobile device.”
Brillon’s redesigned website makes it easy for visitors to navigate through the site to find comprehensive information about each product. For instance, visitors interested specifically in Brillion’s Food Plot Seeder can simply click on the product name and use the tabs at the top of the page to read product specifications and comparisons and view a video or photos of the implement.
Other site features include:
Operator’s and repair parts manuals that are searchable by keyword
Detailed product specification tables
Seed rate charts
Service tips
Event schedules
Contact information
Dealer locator that is searchable by ZIP code
Frequently Asked Questions
Nineteen tillage and seeder implements are featured on the site, and videos allow online visitors to view the equipment in action.
Visitors can also go to the News Room to stay up to date on Brillion equipment and look for new products, such as the Till & Seed and the Wing Float Pulverizer, that are expected to launch soon.
(Brillion Farm Equipment™, a division of Accuride Corporation, manufactures a full line of tillage, seedbed preparation and seeding equipment made for today’s top producers. Brillion equipment is designed to be durable, long-lasting and productive in a wide range of environments.)
News
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT RECOGNIZED FOR DROUGHT RESISTANCE RESEARCH
The American Seed Research Foundation awarded Anna Pranger, a master’s student at Colorado State University, with the Roger Krueger Memorial Scholarship during the American Seed Trade Association’s 127th Annual Convention.
The Roger Krueger Scholarship Endowment was established in 2008 by the American Seed Research Foundation to honor and remember Roger Krueger who devoted his professional career to seeds and advocating the role of science in feeding the world.
“Anna is very deserving of this scholarship,” said Marsha Stanton, who served on the selection committee and represents corn industry affairs for Monsanto. “Her research uses genetics to address one of the serious global issues in production agriculture, which is the lack of adequate water.”
Pranger works in the laboratory and in the field to incorporate drought-resistant genes from a wild, drought resistant cultivar in the background of an adapted Colorado cultivar using an advanced backcross breeding strategy.
She first became interested in soil and crop sciences during a semester abroad in Honduras, where she learned about their farming system.
“Honduras is a very rugged country and farmland is very marginal,” Pranger said. “Farmers there had difficulty because of the lack of water and poor land quality. They either could not afford or have access to quality seeds.”
After returning home, Pranger wanted to explore the development of drought tolerant crops that can survive water-limiting conditions. She also wanted to try breeding techniques that could increase plant productivity and provide for the needs of a growing world population.
Prior to her trip to Honduras, Pranger had never stepped foot in a field. Now she spends most of her time in the field with research trials and has learned the importance of production agriculture.
“Wheat is the third most produced crop in the world, behind rice and corn,” said Pranger, who earned her bachelor’s in biology and biochemistry from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich. “It is necessary to breed for drought tolerance because wheat is so heavily depended on by those in dry regions of the world such as the Middle East, Australia, China, India and even Eastern Colorado and the Great Plains Region.”
Pranger believes drought tolerance will be an increasingly important trait to breed for in the future, especially as water supplies dwindle.
“My research is designed to aid with the discovery of genes associated with drought tolerance,” the Colorado native said. “Crops with the drought tolerance trait will increase productivity on dry and marginal lands and where soil quality is poor.”
The scholarship winner anticipates graduation in December 2011 and intends to work with a major seed company.
“My main interest is plant breeding, but I’m also interested in researching the genetics of plants,” she said. “I enjoy being outdoors and working in the field.”
The American Seed Research Foundation was established in 1959 to encourage research in plant and seed biology and to facilitate the transfer of resulting technology to benefit the seed industry, farmers and consumers on a global basis. The foundation supports public research in plant and seed biology, applied research projects with broad or crop-specific applications, public-private cooperation in seed-related research, and educational opportunities in seed-related sciences.
