Open source weed detection for sprayers or precision tillage is based on camera sensors identifying the targets
The design for a green on brown weed locator is now available to anyone who wants to build their own site-specific weed management tool. The OpenWeedLocator (OWL) is an open-source, low-cost image-based approach for fallow weed detection. Guy Coleman from the University of Sydney, Australia, is working on the project. He said the OWL is […] Read more
Robin Booker
Stories by Robin Booker
Farmer network puts the truth on the ground
Large-scale field trial locations are often tricky for companies looking to put their products to the test of scale
Access to data from large-scale field trials is a stumbling block many companies face when moving toward the end of the research and development stage of new cropping products. This is the space IN10T (pronounced “intent”) has targeted in the Canadian market, so that its clients can better understand both the user experience of their […] Read more
Aerospace know-how focused on seeding
System delivers corn seed tip-first into the row to capture more yield potential and improve weed control
Keith Strang and Mitch Dille had just finished a project in the aerospace industry and were thinking about starting their own company but they needed a problem to solve. Dille, also a farmer, discovered one at a local trade show. A world-record corn grower mentioned a need for a system capable of planting corn seed […] Read more
Rogator changes colour, adds features
The new Rogator lineup parts ways with Agco branding in favour of Fendt colours, but there are also a few new features beyond the facelift. For instance, the chassis now has a hydraulic lift that helps users spray both tall and low crops. Paul Haefner is an Agco Rogator marketing specialist, and he said the […] Read more
Nitrogen stabilizers prevent three forms of loss
Volatilization, nitrification, and denitrification are looking to rob the farm in more ways than one
Earlier this year, Verdesian Life Sciences began to offer a new series of nitrogen stabilizers for row and specialty crops. Trident uses a combination of a co-polymer and solvent blend with active ingredients NBPT and DCD to protect against all three forms of nitrogen loss: volatilization, nitrification, and denitrification. “The co-polymer acts as an exchange […] Read more
New tools right sized for operations
John Deere W200 series self-propelled windrowers were updated this summer with a new cab, a lower horsepower option and they can provide wider windrows than previous models. “Historically, we’ve had a W235R and a W260R. What we’ve done is we updated those two models, but we’ve also added a W200M and a W235M. So, 200 […] Read more
Massey Ferguson makes changes to tractors
The 8S series, which replaces the company’s 7700S large frame tractors, features improved transmission and quieter cab
Massey Ferguson launched its 8S tractor series that comes with an improved transmission and quieter cab. The 8S replaces the 7700 S large frame Massey tractors, and is offered in a 205-horsepower, 225-hp, 245-hp and 265-hp models. In the future, a 305-hp model is expected to be available. Adam Sills, a tractor specialist at Massey […] Read more
Float material onto the fields wet or dry
John Deere has a new floater on the market that’s more comfortable and easier to switch between dry and liquid application equipment compared its previous offering. Franklin Peitz, John Deere product marketing manager, said the 800R Floater can also cover more acres in a day compared to the model it replaces, the John Deere F4365. […] Read more
Farmers move to their own or local data for decisions
United States agricultural retailers doubled their use of pooled data since 2017, according to the precision dealer survey recently published by Purdue University. “For instance, with nitrogen back in 2017 about 40 percent of dealers said that there was some influence or major influence on a nitrogen decision. In 2021, 86 percent of dealers said […] Read more
Wheat and more wheat, multiple varieties in one field
Researchers have found that several wheat varieties mixed in the same crop offer disease and insect protection
Growing multiple varieties of wheat together can reduce disease pressure as much as a fungicide application does, according to research out of Pennsylvania State University. Julie Baniszewski led the research project that compared a wheat crop composed of four different varieties, to a single wheat variety that received a fungicide application, as well as a […] Read more
