2010 is almost history, and overall things have been reasonably good on the agricultural front. Commodity prices aren’t too bad—although they could always be better. And depending on which expert prediction you read, there is a fair chance that will continue. Farm machinery manufacturers think so too. Here’s how John Deere’s fourth quarter financial report […] Read more
Merry Christmas
Deal or no deal?
Last wednesday, Reuters News Agency reported that AGCO’s chairman, president and CEO, Martin Richenhagen, publicly stated he wanted to buy CNH Global, the company that controls New Holland and Case IH. Mr Richenhagen reportedly revealed during an interview with an Italian newspaper that he had met with Sergio Marchionne, Fiat SpA’s chief executive, to discuss […] Read more
World’s first Tier 4A tractor
On December 1st, Case IH announced it had just shipped the first production tractor that meets the U.S. EPA’s Tier 4A emissions standards—a 180 Magnum, as it turns out. Officially, tractors over 175 horsepower manufactured after January 1st must comply with that regulation if they are to be sold in the U.S. Although Canada’s federal […] Read more
Cut Canola Seeding Rates At Your Own Risk
As air drill technology continues to improve, new designs are enabling farmers to get more accurate, even placement in the seed row than ever before. But should farmers use the advantages offered by these modern systems to cut back on seeding rates, particularly in canola? Purchasing canola seed can represent a relatively large input cost, […] Read more
Merlo Multifarmer Doubles As A Tractor
In the last few years, many mixed or livestock-only producers have found an economical source of used tractors in the 100 to 150 horsepower range dating from the 1980s or 1990s. Converting them to front-end loader use has been a relatively low-cost way to add to the farm fleet. But many of those older, long-frame […] Read more
How To Avoid Machinery Theft
Seeing a John Deere 6630 tractor equipped as a marked police vehicle isn’t exactly an ordinary sight. But farmers in eastern England have noticed one patrolling their neighbourhoods recently. It’s not chasing down speeders on local highways. Instead, the “crop car,” as it has been dubbed by Lincolnshire police, has been attending a variety of […] Read more
Let There Be Light
Gerald Oloske of New Sarepta, Alta., says he got tired of trying to unload grain in the dark holding a flashlight, so he decided to mount some permanent lights on his auger. “It was for safety and convenience,” he says. Oloske uses a 61-foot, Westfield swing auger to fill his bins at harvest time. By […] Read more
Expect To Pay More For New Emission Standards
Are you planning on buying a new tractor, combine or other self-propelled farm machine with more than 175 horsepower in 2011? If you are, be prepared for some serious sticker shock. Prices are set to jump significantly next year. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations, all new diesel engines over 175 horsepower installed […] Read more
New Options For Dry-Product Spreading
At the end of October, sprayer manufacturer Miller St. Nazianz, Inc. announced their Condor G40 and G75 models will now available with a factory installed dry spreader box. The company calls it their New Leader G4 dry spinner box. Built of 409 stainless steel, the box has a 255 cubic-foot capacity and includes a sight […] Read more
‘Tis almost the season
As I write this Anthony Calvillo is taking the knee to clinch victory in the 2010 Grey cup game. After the interception and the Alouette’s subsequent first down with six seconds remaining, I had to get up and grab the computer to take my mind off the second Rider loss in the final playoff game […] Read more