Case IH will introduce the Speed-Tiller 465/475 high-speed disk to U.S. farmers in 2020. It’s further proof that major equipment companies are listening to what farmers tell them they need.
The Speed-Tiller disk sets itself apart because it can deliver deeper penetration and aggressive residue management, spokespeople say. It can run 3 to 6 inches deep. Yet if you want to use it in the spring before planting, it can run shallower and “finish the soil like a finisher,” reps report.
Case IH turned its engineers loose to produce this tool after acquiring an Australian company, K-Line Ag, a popular producer of tillage equipment in Australia. The rugged tool can be ordered with a choice of finishing options: a crumbler roller, spring conditioner or rubber roller. Visit caseih.com.
Colorblind data breakthrough
John Deere reports that sometime in 2020, farmers who operate several different brands of equipment can take advantage of the first cloud-to-cloud, machine data solution for the North American ag industry. It will be called DataConnect, and results from cooperation among John Deere, Claas, CNH Industrial and 365FarmNet.
If you operate Deere, Claas, New Holland, Case IH or Steyr brand farm equipment, you will be able to access and view basic machine data elements. Those include current and historical machine location, current fuel tank level, working status and forward speed — all through the portal of your choice. Those portals include John Deere Operations Center, AFS Connect, MyPLM Connect, Claas Telematics or 365FarmNet. Each company will roll out DataConnect later in 2020.
New seed treatments
Two new soybean seed treatments from BASF are now approved by U.S. EPA. They include Vault IP Plus and Obvius Plus. BASF claims it’s setting new standards for seed protection and inoculation with Vault IP Plus. It’s an inoculant combined with a biofungicide that contains two active biological ingredients.
Obvius Plus is geared toward faster emergence and healthier plants, spokespeople say. It delivers protection against phytophthora, pythium, fusarium and rhizoctonia. Visit basf.com.
Autonomous ag moves forward
Raven recently announced major changes. The company says it will support two platforms going forward: Raven Autonomy and Raven Composites.
As they say, there is nothing like “putting your money where your mouth is.” Almost immediately after its announcement, Raven made not one but two strategic moves to enhance its position in precision ag. First, Raven invested in Dot Technology, a company making noise this year for working on autonomous seeders, primarily in Canada. It will continue operating as Dot Technology.
Related: Ag autonomy company enters new agreement
Next, Raven purchased Smart Ag Inc., an Ames, Iowa-based company most well-known for working toward commercializing autonomous grain cart technology. Smart Ag currently offers aftermarket retrofit kits so growers can automate and safely operate autonomous machinery, including tractors pulling grain carts. Visit ravenind.com.
Boost for sustainable ag
Nutrien Ag Solutions recently launched Sustainable Solutions, a program that focuses resources to improve environmental outcomes. For example, Nutrien Ag Solutions and its growers in Cozad, Neb., partnered with a large food company to reduce greenhouse gases in the food supply chain for food-grade corn. Similar efforts are underway for rice in Arkansas and cotton in Texas. Visit nutrienagsolutions.com.