High-tech and higher-level training

High-tech and higher-level training

Moving your farm to high-tech solutions doesn’t mean safety can take a backseat

Technology has brought about so many advances in agriculture. Automation and computers allow us to do more than ever before. But high-tech doesn’t always equal high safety. Understanding what can’t be replaced with technology and how to use technology as a tool is a new area of farm safety that will only grow as technology advances. […] Read more

The RT 520 is built around the same basic threshing body used in the previous RT 490, but offers a few changes to improve threshing performance along with a much more comfortable cab.

PHOTOS: Versatile replaces the RT 490 combine

The brand makes improvements to the cab and interface in its RT 520 combine

In 2011 Versatile introduced the RT 490 combine. It was the first time the brand — under its current ownership — has offered one since combine production in Winnipeg ceased a few decades ago. Versatile’s parent company combine manufacturer Rostselmash of Russia built and supplied the RT 490 to the Winnipeg brand. Adam Reid, marketing […] Read more


The special livery on this 365 is to celebrate 25 years of front-wheel assist tractor production in Winnipeg.

Versatile’s 25th anniversary tractor

Versatile hasn’t been shy about its willingness to try new looks on its machines, especially when it comes to offering unique paint schemes. The “Legacy” look that saw limited production on 50th anniversary four-wheel drive tractors was well received by customers. Now, it’s thinking about doing something similar with its front-wheel assist tractor line. “We’re […] Read more

The best time to deal with a weed such as kochia is when it's small.

In-crop mechanical weed control

Controlling weeds mechanically can help overcome Group 2 resistant weeds in pulses

Group 2 resistant weeds are an annual problem for lentil producers. But there are a few outside-the-box methods that may give farmers better control than herbicide alone. University of Saskatchewan grad student Alex Alba led a study looking at three in-crop mechanical weed control methods, including: Tine harrows; Rotary hoe; and, Inter-row tillage. Alba used […] Read more


A new small seeds kit that includes a canola seed disc is now available for Horsch’s Maestro SW planters.

New Canola Ready Technology from Horsch

Small seeds kit lets Horsch’s Maestro SW planters handle canola with an easy conversion

Horsch has recently announced it now has a small seeds kit for its line of Maestro SW planters that will allow for an easy conversion to handle canola. It includes a stainless steel seed disc and quick-change meter components, which it says allows for fast planter change over. The brand also claims producers could see […] Read more

The TM420 will get heavier axles than the smaller 320 version the brand already offers.

New loader from JCB

Designed for farmers, new articulated loader gets more lift capacity

JCB has always had a prominent display at Germany’s Agritechnica machinery show. Last November it used that event to debut a new machine it thinks will be of interest to farmers on both sides of the Atlantic: the TM420 articulated, telescopic loader. “Currently we sell a smaller machine in North America, the TM320,” said Joe Eddleston, […] Read more


AutoTrac Turn Automation is one of four new applications John Deere will offer for 2018.

New AutoTrac options from John Deere

John Deere releases more advanced guidance and options for data sharing

In early December John Deere released three new advanced or expanded guidance features along with a new machine data-sharing application for its Generation 4 displays. AutoTrac Turn Automation, AutoTrac Implement Guidance, AutoTrac Vision for Tractors and the In-Field Data Sharing applications are now being sold as bundled activations for the John Deere 4600 CommandCenter and […] Read more

Management at CASE Construction believe their new 
G Series wheel loaders will appeal to many farmers.

New CASE G Series wheel loaders

CASE Construction offers seven new 
models with strong farmer appeal

In August CASE Construction, the partner brand of Case IH, introduced the all-new G Series line of wheel loaders, and brand managers think some of these new machines will appeal to agricultural producers. Spanning the 141 to 347 horsepower range, they have bucket capacities ranging from 2.1 to a massive 6.25 cubic yards. The design […] Read more


Build your own bale-spear loader head

Build your own bale-spear loader head

Working in the shop even with repurposed materials can result in a long-lasting bale mover


Much like the transitions other ranchers and farmers have experienced over the past 50-plus years, our evolution with hay handling here in rural Idaho has been a transition from loose hay, to small square bales, and now large round and square bales. Each transition was made with an attempt to increase efficiency and reduce waste […] Read more

The 1482 pull-type combine

The era of the pull-type combine: Part 2

A look at how the pull-type design evolved and production eventually ended

In the first part of the pull-type combine story in the January 23, 2018, issue of Grainews we looked at some of the earliest commercial offerings. Now, we pick up the story from World War II until last production in 1991. The war created a serious shortage of farm manpower, which accelerated the demand for […] Read more