Farm4Profit Podcast

Spring Planting and Tillage Updates

Episode Summary

We get to talk to three experts on this show. To begin with we reveal the importance of germ testing as it relates to farm profitability with AgVenture. We then visit with Adam Gittins the GM for HTS Ag about the latest planter technology. After our conversation with Adam we join the Tillage Man Sam on a call all about the latest advancements in the tillage sector.

Episode Notes

Introduction

• We appreciate you taking your time to spend with us and for choosing to listen to our podcast.
• Thank you again for suggesting topics for us to talk about on the podcast and keep them coming.  Send those to farm4profitllc@gmail.com or find us all over social media.
• We greatly appreciate your help in growing our audience.
• Listener Review: - Ryan Vavroch – Hey Corey, Started listening to the podcast in the last couple of weeks……Just wanted to say I love the podcast and you guys are doing a great job!
• Reminder for BW fusion biologicals offer of an opportunity of access to their 365 program from last week

What’s Working in AG – (Ag Venture)  - Germ Testing –Vigor Testing and Hybrid Selection

• Introduce Guest
• Having an agronomy team you can rely on all year round matters why?
• Do you recommend to your clients to have their seed hybrids sent for germ testing or vigor tests?
  • What’s the difference between germination and vigor?
  • Vigor testing does not only measure the percentage of viable seed in a sample, it also reflects the ability of those seeds to produce normal seedlings under less than optimum or adverse growing conditions similar to those which may occur in the field. Seeds may be classified as viable in a germination test which provides optimum temperature, moisture and light conditions to the growing seedlings; however, they may not be capable of continuing growth and completing their life cycle under a wide range of field conditions. Generally, seeds start to lose vigor before they lose their ability to germinate; therefore vigor testing is an important practice in seed production programs.
  • It’s important to know
• How are these tests done?
  • Cold test
  • Accelerated Aging
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Anything else?
• Can this testing be done of the farm or does it need to go to a lab?
• How should we use these results?
  • Hybrid planting date
  • Hybrid population
  • Field selection by soil type or geography
• What if the Spring doesn’t show up like we had planned?
  • How can we use the data we have from germ testing to make changes?
• Any other suggestions to share with our listeners?

Planting/Planter Segment (HTS Ag)----What could farmers be doing to plant additional profit in to each acre this spring?

• Introduce the guest.  - Adam
• Here we are at the end of February.  If we haven’t put much thought into the planter yet, what are the most important things we should make sure to check before planting?
  • Worn out bushings and parallel arms
• What kind of planter technology and advancements are on the market today?
  • Advancements in downforce
  • High speed planting seems to be popular.  Are farmers upgrading to plant faster or for the better singulation?
  • Row Clutches
  • Advancements in variable rates and hybrids
• What are some tips, most already know, but we should cover about planting field conditions?
• What about in season service?  Have there been any advancements in helping a farmer out in the middle of spring?
  • Mobile/Virtual
• Know anything about Autonomous Planting?  Any opinions of where you think it will go?
  •  – Sabanto  
  • We see and hear about them but haven’t really seen much promise of it becoming widely adopted.
• Anything else you’d like to share with the listeners?
• Tillage Segment (Deere)---What’s new and available for producers spring?
  • Intro – Tillage Man Sam
  • What are some of the latest advancements in tillage equipment for seed bed preparation?
    • Vertical Tillage
    • Speed Tillage
      • Finishing with a harrow or rolling basket or something else?
  • John Deere-TruSet Technology
    • Late last year, Sunflower introduced the SF6830 Series high-speed rotary finisher. By adjusting the angle at which these blades engage the soil, the operator has more exacting control of the tool and can match soil conditions and ground speed of the implement to achieve a smooth, even seedbed with every pass.
    • The new tillage tools incorporate John Deere’s precision control, TruSet Technology, which lets you make on-the-go depth and down-pressure adjustments from the cab. You can fine-tune the implement with 0.1-inch adjustments with just the touch of a button.
    • And, the TruSet system provides the ability to execute prescriptions and document the tillage operation. So, you can run variable-depth tillage prescriptions to incorporate residue at different levels across the field or change the depth of tillage for different conditions such as lighter soils or areas of known compaction.
  • Alright, maybe we can’t go out and buy new.  What should we be thinking about this winter to get our tillage tools ready for Spring?
    • Bearings, sweeps, common wear points?
  • What’s next? – What have you seen coming down the pipe?
  • For a culture that is working to award farmers for no-til or minimum tillage operations through carbon credits….what makes it still necessary?
  • LSW vs tracks 
    • MFWD but with 4 tracks
  • What do you see your top producing or top tier of clients doing? 
• Summary
• Challenge
• BW Fusion 365 Offer reminder
• Submit questions and topic suggestions
  • Like, Rate, Review, Share
  • Be sure to check out the fundraising auction for Travis Burkhart Foundation