Kubota’s M7 and M8 tractors now come auto guidance-ready with an open architecture system that allows for any third party GPS system.  |  Kubota photo

Kubota to expand in-house guidance

Open architecture allows farmers to plug in their familiar and favourite third-party systems with no restrictions

As Kubota continues to move toward being an ever more significant player in the agricultural equipment market, its two highest-horsepower tractor lines now come auto guidance-ready. The company recognizes many of the farms that use its tractors are also likely to have other major brand machinery and already use the auto guidance systems they provide. […] Read more

Investing in the ability to accept signals from multiple satellites could potentially reduce temporary disruptions in service due to solar activity.  |  File photo

More guidance outages possible

A solar storm cycle with electromagnetic-energy outbursts that disrupt communication signals will peak in October

Many producers temporarily lost GPS signals in early May, which interfered with field operations. The interruption, which was caused by intense solar flare activity, created widespread outages across most of North America. It may not be the only GPS interruption producers can expect this growing season. The U.S. National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tracks […] Read more