Author: Dave Alexander

  • Vive Crop Protection Hires New Western Regional Sales Manager

    Vive Crop Protection Hires New Western Regional Sales Manager

    Jonathan Adamson of Pocatello, Idaho is now Western Regional Sales Manager at Vive Crop Protection. Adamson is working with retailers and growers across the Pacific Northwest to develop and create market demand for Vive’s unique product offerings.

    He was recently a sales rep in Southeastern Idaho for Nutrien Ag Solutions and prior to that was a crop sales consultant for large-scale potato, sugarbeet, alfalfa, and small cereal crop growers. He also owned his own custom application business and has operated a biofuels business.

    “Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge to customers in the potato, sugarbeet and alfalfa growing regions of the Pacific Northwest. Adding Jonathan is a key part of Vive’s strategy to introduce our Allosperse ‘delivery system in a jug’ to retailers and growers across the US,” says Dan Bihlmeyer, VP Sales & Marketing  at Vive Crop Protection.

    Vive’s patented Allosperse Delivery System allows chemicals that were previously incompatible to now be mixed with liquid fertilizer, other chemistry or hard water and applied at the right time for maximum benefit to the crop. It also saves fuel, water, time and money while increasing crop yields. Allosperse is included in five Vive-branded products.

  • Nov. 21 Last Day to Nominate for Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee

    Nov. 21 Last Day to Nominate for Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee

    USDA is accepting nominations to fill vacancies on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. FVIAC provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on issues of importance to the produce industry.

    Since its inception in 2001, this Advisory Committee has met up to two times per year to develop recommendations for submission to the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting the U.S. produce industry. Agricultural Marketing Service officials ensure this Advisory Committee is administered according to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and plan Advisory Committee meetings.

    Nomination Deadline: November 21, 2019

    MORE INFO

  • John Deere Revamps 6M Series Tractors for 2020

    John Deere Revamps 6M Series Tractors for 2020

    The John Deere 6M Tractors, one of the company’s most versatile tractor series in the 110-195 hp range, is getting a significant makeover for 2020. The eight cab models of the 6M Tractors will feature improvements in comfort, visibility, maneuverability and technology not previously available in the mid-spec 6 Family Tractors, which are ideal for handling a wide variety of loader and PTO-driven operations.

    To start, John Deere has updated the cab comforts for all 6Ms to include new styling and a digital corner post display for improved visibility of machine functions, as well as options of a panoramic roof and more ergonomic controls. In addition, two of the more popular models, the 6110M and 6120M, have been redesigned with a 94.5-inch (2.4m) wheel base that’s 7 inches (17.8cm) shorter with a sloped hood that provides an 18-foot (5.5m) front view distance for improved visibility for loader work.

    Also, Deere has added the 140-hp 6140M model to the lineup, which addresses a sweet-spot in size, horsepower and capabilities that is most often requested by livestock producers and diversified ag operations.

    New technology also is available on the 6M models for customers who want the precision guidance, telematics and other features often found in larger or higher spec tractors. This includes factory-installed AutoTrac guidance, available for the first time on the small-frame models, which is a great productivity-enhancing feature for customers using front-mounted and side mowing equipment. Another technology option available is JDLink telematics for fleet management, service updates and maintenance alerts.

    The revamped and redesigned 6M Series Tractors can be ordered now and will be available later in 2020. For more information on the full line of 6 Family Tractors, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com.

  • New Compact Utility Tractors

    New Compact Utility Tractors

    Designed with the operator in mind, the new John Deere 3D Series compact utility tractors, including the 3025D, 3035D and 3043D models, offer a powerful, affordable and easy-to-use solution for a wide range of jobs. Equipped with a gear-drive transmission and available in three horsepower offerings, the 3D Series tractors are designed to tackle everything from pulling and hauling to cutting and tilling.

    The 3D series features three horsepower levels: 25HP (18.2kW), 35HP (25.5kW) and 43HP (31kW), a weight of 2,778 pounds (1,260 kilograms) and a hauling capacity of 4,000 pounds (1,814 kilograms).

    One of the most notable features on the 3D Series is the gear-driven transmission, with two ranges and four speeds each, offering a total of eight in forward and reverse. The location of the fender-mounted gear shift lever provides superior comfort and enhanced control by avoiding the awkward movement of shifting gears between the knees. The rugged drivetrain and heavy-duty components such as a large spiral bevel gear provide maximum durability and increase torque and power to the ground.

    A long wheelbase and wide stance increases machine stability and provides a smooth ride, even over the toughest of terrains. The 3D was designed to offer smooth and effortless steering, boasting a tight turning radius and hydrostatic steering system which allows for consistent maneuverability with minimal effort required by the operator.

    To learn more about the new 3D Series, as well as the full line of John Deere compact utility tractors, visit www.JohnDeere.com or contact your local John Deere dealer.

  • New USDA Ag Transportation Website

    New USDA Ag Transportation Website

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a new website that makes it easier to view, access, and download its data on the transportation of agricultural products by rail, truck, barge and ocean. Thanks to a new, interactive format, customers have an alternative to static PDFs and Excel versions of the data maintained by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which issues several transportation reports, including the weekly Grain Transportation Report.

    “Farmers, commodity analysts, elevator operators, shippers and other stakeholders rely on USDA data to make timely market decisions as they move agricultural products across the country and around the world,” said Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Greg Ibach. “Our new open data platform improves their customer experience and, ultimately, their competitiveness in the global economy.”

    “The White House estimates that open data could create hundreds of billions of dollars in economic value. We think the 30,000 subscribers to USDA’s transportation data reports will benefit, furthering Secretary Perdue’s goal of modernizing the Department’s information technology systems and ensuring USDA programs are delivered efficiently and effectively,” Ibach explained.

    This new platform meets the tenets outlined in the Open Government Data Act – it is easy to find, download, use and share. Customers can access the data at https://agtransport.usda.gov and will be able to use the data visualization tool to:

    • View up-to-date, interactive dashboards or major transportation modes and markets;
    • Access data in many different, open file formats;
    • Access data through automatically generated and maintained Application Programming Interfaces (API), which open the door to the development of cell phone and web apps built using the data;
    • Select and download data using easy filtering and aggregating;
    • Create a variety of visualizations from datasets, including maps; and
    • Save personalized dataset views and visualizations that are automatically updated to show the latest insights.

    More information about the tool is available at: https://agtransport.usda.gov.

  • Trump: $16B in Farm Assistance to Come From China Tariffs

    Trump: $16B in Farm Assistance to Come From China Tariffs

    President Donald Trump welcomed representatives from a number of agricultural organizations to the White House Thursday to talk about the $16 billion in trade assistance announced by the administration.

    “I have directed Secretary Perdue to provide $16 billion in assistance to America’s farmers and ranchers. It all comes from China. We’ll be taking in, over a period of time, hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs and charges to China. And our farmers will be greatly helped. We want to get them back to the point where they would have had if they had a good year.”

    CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO RECORDING

    SOURCE: AgNewsWire

  • Inn Foods and Seneca Foods Awarded Contract

    Inn Foods and Seneca Foods Awarded Contract

    The Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchased frozen diced carrots for distribution to the child nutrition and other related domestic food assistance programs for Fiscal Year 2019.

    The purchase, with a combined value of $419,931 is the result of offers received in response to Solicitation No. 2000006101 dated May 1, 2019.

    Inn Foods, Inc. of Watsonville, California and Seneca Foods Corporation in Janesville, Wisconsin won the solicitation.

    Deliveries are to be made from August 1, 2019 to December 15, 2019.

    VIEW FULL PURCHASE AWARD

     

  • UI Crops, Soils & Technology Field Day on June 7

    UI Crops, Soils & Technology Field Day on June 7

    The University of Idaho Crops, Soils and Technology Field Day at the UI Parma Research and Extension Center is June 7, 2019; 8:45 to 1:00 pm, followed by lunch.

    Field Day Schedule

    DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE HERE

  • New Deere Sprayers for MY 2020

    New Deere Sprayers for MY 2020

    John Deere is expanding the top end of its 4- Series Sprayers with the introduction of its biggest sprayer yet – the 1,600-gallon (6057 liter) capacity R4060 Sprayer with the new CommandDrive powertrain. In addition, the existing R4045 Sprayer will come standard with CommandDrive beginning with Model Year 2020.

    CommandDrive is a new hydrostatic all-wheel-drive powertrain that transfers more power to the ground while offering improved traction, fuel efficiency and a quieter ride for the operator.

    These two sprayers are designed for large, broad-acre cropping systems and high-volume applications. “This new powertrain will help farmers and ag service providers cover more acres quickly and efficiently,” Lindsey Pollock, product manager for sprayers for John Deere, said. “We know time is often the critical factor in most field applications, no matter the crop or season, with very tight application windows. The R4060 and redesigned R4045 can help operators traverse wide-ranging field conditions and hilly terrain in order to make accurate applications faster and more comfortably than before.”

    CommandDrive is an intelligent powertrain that uses a single hydrostatic pump to power all four variable-displacement wheel motors. If one or more wheels lose traction, the system adjusts to slow the slipping wheels and direct more flow to the other wheels with traction in order to power the sprayer over the terrain. The powertrain helps the sprayer more easily handle hills, soft soil, and other conditions where additional traction is needed.

    In addition, CommandDrive works in tandem with the engine and entire sprayer system to automatically increase RPMs when more power is needed and to maintain proper spraying. With the powertrain’s Auto Mode setting, operators can maintain selected ground speed and application rate at lower engine RPMs, while the Auto Idle setting reduces the engine’s RPM to 900 when the machine is stopped. Both functions help reduce fuel/DEF consumption and provide a quieter cab for the operator.

    Both sprayers come equipped with a multi-function hydro handle with six customizable control buttons, allowing the operator to easily select and control the most common operating functions. Headland Management System also is included, which takes the work out of making headland turns by resuming automated functions, such as AutoTrac and BoomTrac Pro, and stopping and starting spray applications.

    The R4060 with its 1,600-gallon tank and 120-ft. (36.6m) or 132-ft. (40.2m) carbon fiber spray boom can cover 33 percent more acres between fills than the R4045 with its 1,200-gallon (4,542 liter) tank.

    The new R4060 Sprayer and the updated R4045 Sprayer with CommandDrive can be ordered beginning in June 2019. For more information on these machines and the full line of John Deere and Hagie sprayers, contact your local John Deere dealer or visit JohnDeere.com.

    John Deere R4060 sprayer
    John Deere introduces its biggest sprayer yet – the 1,600-gallon capacity R4060.
  • Macro Plastics Offers Repair Classes in WA

    Macro Plastics Offers Repair Classes in WA

    Macro Plastics is hosting free classes with included lunch in Wenatchee and Yakima this month on how to repair Macrobins.

    Committed to reducing their impact on the environment, the company is teaching how to repair damaged bins and put them back in use.

    Learn how to:

    *Plastic weld bins using a hot air welder

    *Replace damaged feet / skids

    *Replace small parts

    *Safety steps and the proper use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

    *Determine whether a bin is repairable or should be set-aside for recycling (Macro Plastics re-uses recycled resins and gives credit toward future purchases).

    RSVP is required to determine head count.

    Wenatchee – Wednesday, May 22, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-plastics-weld-and-repair-plastic-macrobins-wenatchee-tickets-61047219878

    Yakima – Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-plastic-weld-and-repair-plastic-macrobins-yakima-tickets-60947490585