Equipment

Fendt, a worldwide brand of AGCO, will introduce fully redesigned Fendt 900 Series tractors to North American producers at the 2019 Farm Progress Show, Aug. 28-30 in Decatur, Illinois.

Five new Fendt 900 Series tractors range from 296 to 415 HP and are all-around workhorses designed specifically to meet the needs of producers in North America and deliver unprecedented fuel efficiency, uptime and agronomic benefits. These new Fendt tractors offer many of the cutting-edge technologies of the Fendt 1000 Series and are built upon Fendt’s 90 years of engineering innovation and manufacturing excellence for unequalled reliability.

They are powered by six-cylinder, 9.0L MAN engines with the low-rev engine concept working in unison with the Fendt tractor management system (TMS) and Fendt stepless VarioDrive continuously variable transmission (CVT). With this combination, the engine operates at a maximum engine speed of 1700 rpm, providing exceptional pulling power, using less fuel and reducing wear on the engine components.… Continue reading

The Miami County Agricultural Society received a big blue present last week from Apple Farm Service: a new tractor! A New Holland T5.110 was delivered to the Miami County Fairgrounds on  June 10 for the next six months. This 114 horse-power tractor will be used for numerous tasks around the grounds, such as mowing, raking the track, maintaining the barns, and anything else where a utility tractor can help.

“We’ve already had fun putting this tractor to work,” said Nick Shellenberger, president of the Miami County Agricultural Society. “We’re thankful that Apple Farm Service thought of us when they ordered this utility tractor!”

The Miami County Fairgrounds will be allowed to use this new tractor for six months thanks to a community involvement project between New Holland and their local dealerships.

“Apple Farm Service is glad to give back to the Miami County Ag Society,” said Bill Apple, President of Apple Farm Service.… Continue reading

GSI’s new 30-foot diameter Z-Series Bin with Flexwave Technology is now available from its dealer network, offering greater efficiency and improved safety for the 2019 harvest season. The new model allows up to 21 rings of 4-inch corrugation with up to 47,000 bushels of storage capacity.

Z-Series Bins offer a revolutionary bin cleanout system, utilizing large liners that alternately inflate and deflate to gently remove residual grain after a bin is emptied. This first-of-its-kind technology provides over 99% cleanout, eliminating the labor intensive and potentially dangerous current practice of farmers entering a bin to sweep or shovel out remaining grain.

Z-Series Bins, introduced last fall in an initial 24-foot diameter model, are a higher-capacity and more cost-effective alternative for similar-sized hopper tanks with cone bottoms. GSI also plans a 36-foot Z-Series Bin allowing up to 21 rings with 68,000 bushels of storage capacity that will be available from dealers during the fourth quarter of this year.… Continue reading

Ohio Ag Equipment announced its intent to acquire the Huron County AGCO dealer, North Central Ag, LLC, on the target date of June 22, 2019.

The acquisition of North Central Ag will strengthen Ohio Ag Equipment’s ability to service the ag industry by providing customers in north central Ohio with an exceptional line of equipment and product support.

“I have enjoyed working with the ownership group at North Central Ag, LLC. I am very impressed with the knowledge and passion of the team and am excited to welcome them to the Ohio Ag Equipment family,” said Mike Mampieri, General Manager for Ohio Ag Equipment. “Over the past decade I have enjoyed the experience of building the foundation of North Central Ag with its employees and customers,” said Rich Polen, Owner of North Central Ag.

“As my family transitions into the next season, I’m confident that Ohio Ag Equipment will continue to build a business that serves the community for the long haul.”… Continue reading

By Jenna Lee and John Fulton

What will sharing my farm data accomplish and what is the value?

Many farmers may find themselves thinking about this very question as they weigh the benefits and drawbacks of sharing their farm data. The potential to realize value from data can often stem from sharing it via digital technologies to service providers or other consultants. In many cases, it may be necessary for a grower to share farm data with multiple entities in order to obtain the largest return on investment possible. While many simple solutions have been presented to farmers that make it easier than ever to share data, the benefits and tangible value of doing so have not been clearly or accurately conveyed.

Sharing data for use in collaborative tools may result in benefits such as:

• Reducing the number of duplicate datasets generated or collected.
• Innovative digital tools allow for drawing of site-specific information and learnings.

Have you ever wanted to try out a new tractor, a new zero turn mower, or a new rtv? Apple Farm Service of Covington is giving you that chance with their second annual Kubota Field Event.

They will have over a dozen new Kubota machines to try. Join them at the Miami County Farigrounds from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 to test drive a new tractor, zero turn mower, or rtv.

“We had such a fun time last year. We can’t wait to host the second annual Kubota Field Event this April,” said Kent Holmes, marketing manager for Apple Farm Service. “We’ll be bringing our full line-up of Kubota tractors, zero turn mowers, rtvs, and plenty of attachments for anyone to play with! Mow some grass, scoop with a front loader, dig a hole with the backhoe, use a pto tiller, and speed down the road with a rtv!”… Continue reading

By Morgan McCollow, Contributing Writer, Journal News – Spencerville, OH

S.I. Distributing was started by a farmer who wanted innovative products and loved tinkering, and that’s what the company still does 40 years later.

In the late-1970s, Joe Whitney, a grain farmer, was the owner of Spencerville Implement — a John Deere and a short line dealership in Spencerville. As a farmer, Whitney always looked for innovative ways to improve his farm equipment, which led to the formation of S.I. Manufacturing in 1979. This new company manufactured tools that improved the current farm equipment.

As a result of the Farm Crisis of the 1980s that brought high-interest rates, low crop prices, and more negative effects to the John Deere dealership, Whitney made the decision to close the dealership in 1986.

Whitney kept S.I. Manufacturing going, continuing to add on new innovative products to sell. Shortly thereafter, S.I. Manufacturing became the first U.S.… Continue reading

By Matt Reese

The sun is out, the skies are blue and the spring breeze is blowing, but the fields are not quite ready. What are some last-minute things to double (and triple) check on the planter before heading out to the field for the first test run?

Some of the most-common panicked springtime farmer phone calls to dealers involve the technology and planter monitor set-up questions. Many monitors can run self-checks on things like the row clutches, sensor readings and seed tubes, but the key is getting a start on this before heading to the fields to kick off the planting season, said Jeff Garrabrant, lead technician for Evolution Ag in Plain City.

“It is still wet and we still have some guys trying to get some corn off in the area. A  week or two before you are ready to go plant, the biggest thing is to get the fields and the farms put into the monitor properly and make sure you have the seed meters, the overlaps and all of the calibrations set,” Garrabrant said.… Continue reading

By John Fulton and Trey Colley

Sub-surface placement of nutrients is a best management practice (BMP) in an effort to reduce off-site transport of P and N. There is variety of placement techniques and equipment which becomes important information as farmers decide a solution or suite of solutions to adopt. Frequently, it is unclear which types of implements are best suited to meet the nutrient management goals for a farm operation. Equipment capable of sub-surface placement can vary in horsepower requirements, placement options, and the level of surface disturbance. The “right” implement will vary from farm-to-farm based on the differing management strategies.

An Ohio State University Fact Sheet (Opportunities for Sub-surface Nutrient Placement in Ohio) has been developed to help review and understand specification of different implements for sub-surface placement of fertilizers. This publication can be accessed at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/fabe-56401. To help identify which implement(s) is best suited for your farm, the Ohio State Precision Ag Team compiled a list of sub-surface placement benefits and categorized available equipment options.… Continue reading

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The list of Ag-Pro Companies farm equipment dealer acquisitions in Ohio continues to grow with the purchase of Kuester Implement, a three-location John Deere dealership based in eastern Ohio.

According to the dealership’s website, the Bloomingdale-based Kuester Implement Company is a third generation John Deere Dealer that has served the tri-state area for more than 70 years. In 2003, Kuester Implement expanded operations by purchasing the John Deere dealership in New Philadelphia to expand in the areas of agricultural, turf, and small construction needs. In 2006, Kuester Implement opened up operations in St. Clairsville.

In January, Shearer Equipment signed a letter of intent to sell their company’s assets to Ag-Pro Ohio LLC, a subsidiary of Ag-Pro Companies. Prior to that, Ag-Pro bought the assets of JD Equipment in late 2018. With the newest purchase, Ag-Pro Companies will include 82 locations in seven states.… Continue reading

Another farm equipment dealer in Ohio has sold to Ag-Pro.

Shearer Equipment announced this week they have signed a letter of intent to sell their company’s assets to Ag-Pro Ohio LLC, a subsidiary of Ag-Pro Companies.

Ag-Pro recently made a name in Ohio by buying the assets of JD Equipment in late 2018.

The anticipated transaction date is January 30, 2019, according to a letter posted by Shearer Equipment on social media.

Ag-Pro is based out of Georgia and has over 70 John Deere dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Ohio.… Continue reading

JD Equipment announced the intent to sell its assets to Ag-Pro, Ohio, LLC, a subsidiary of Ag-Pro Companies. Ag-Pro Companies has 57 John Deere locations throughout the country.

“The choice to sell JD Equipment was not an easy decision. The Mitchell family has more than 36 years of history as a John Deere Dealer and has strong ties to all of the communities we operate in,” said Jeffrey Mitchell, CEO, and Don Mitchell, president, in a letter to JD Equipment, Inc. customers. “However, the sale of JD Equipment was the right decision for our employees and our customers, in order for the dealership to remain competitive and continue serving its employees, its customers and its communities long into the future.”

The anticipated transfer date in Dec. 12, 2018.… Continue reading

When Pickaway County farmers, Myron and Leo Metzger, outgrew their 3,000 square-foot farm shop, they decided to expand in a big way. Their new farm shop is nearly six times larger, providing not only the additional space they needed, but also greater efficiency.

“At the former shop, we were actually working on repairs outside, since it wasn’t big enough for the newer, larger equipment,” said Myron Metzger. “When the new shop was completed, everyone questioned the need for so much space, but we’re glad to have ample room.”

Metzger Brothers Farms, located near Circleville, was established in 1974 and the two brothers have continued to farm together since then. The recently added shop, designed and built by Morton Buildings, includes over 17,000 square feet of shop and equipment storage space, plus a 24- by 30-foot office with refrigerator and shower.

Metzger said the spacious shop allows a lot of flexibility. “It really gives us the ability to service one or multiple pieces of equipment at the same time,” he said.… Continue reading

By Ajay Shah, Mary Wicks and Ashish Manandhar

The bioeconomy is a challenging marketplace. Making products from plants requires ingenuity and perseverance; getting them to market requires similar skills. While a product may be a brilliant innovation and testing has demonstrated its potential, there is no guarantee that it can be successfully commercialized. Before acquiring financing and moving to the production stage, an evaluation of the product’s scale-up potential is the critical step. This evaluation answers questions about performance, economic viability and environmental impacts.

Process modeling

The first step in evaluating scale-up is to develop a comprehensive model of the engineering systems and processes required for production. Process data, such as feedstock production, operating conditions, and item size and number, need to be identified. Next, performance data, including yield, system efficiency and fuel consumption, as well resources, including equipment, chemicals, consumables and energy, must be estimated. Spatiotemporal data that will impact production, such as weather conditions, roadways and travel times, also need to be determined.… Continue reading

Ohio Ag Equipment announces its intent to acquire the Wyandot County AGCO dealer, Schmidt Machine Company, Ag division, on the target date of Dec. 17, 2018. The acquisition of Schmidt Machine Company’s equipment business will strengthen Ohio Ag Equipment’s ability to service the ag industry by providing customers in central Ohio with an exceptional line of equipment and product support.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with one of the longest standing Massey dealers in North America, Schmidt Machine Company,” said Mike Mampieri, General Manager for Ohio Ag Equipment. “They are a talented team, dedicated to providing exceptional customer support. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to be the preferred equipment supplier in Ohio.”

With an anticipated successful closing on Dec. 17, 2018, all equipment sales, parts sales and service will then be conducted out of Ohio Ag Equipment’s Upper Sandusky, Ohio location (1820 E. Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351).

“Our customers and their needs are important to us.… Continue reading

By Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility, and Charlie Landis, Rural Rehabilitation Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility

Farm equipment is often heavy, bulky, hard to move, and could require two people to safely lift or move items, or to hitch equipment to a tractor. A good alternative to back-straining lifting is a rolling lift cart. Rolling lift carts reduce the risk of injury from lifting and carrying heavy objects. A rolling lift cart allows you to lift an object from the floor, bench, or table with minimal manual lifting, and move the equipment to where you want it and raise or lower the height of the cart to allow easy attachment or transfer of the equipment. A lift cart can be used to unload heavy objects from a truck bed and move them where you want within the shop or barn. The lift table height is raised with a foot pedal and lowered with a hand release lever.… Continue reading

Ag Info Tech is proud to announce they will soon become 1 of 10 Smart Ag dealers in the United States. The Smart Ag innovative technology will allow farmers to automate their existing equipment and maximize its efficiency and capacity.

Smart Ag will improve farmer’s operational capacity by enabling them to use automation and driverless technology on their farms.

“My dad was born in 1911 and witnessed many great advances in agriculture first-hand, from pulling equipment with horses, to tractors to auto steer,” said Tim Norris, Ag Info Tech CEO and VP Sales. “I never imagined that I would be able to experience change on the level he has, but this advanced level of artificial intelligence (AI) with Smart Ag will rapidly change how agriculture operations are performed. In comparison, Smart Ag and autonomous equipment will be as big as the tractor was after the horse.”

Smart Ag, based in Ames, Iowa is an investor-backed technology company developing autonomous farming solutions for row crop agriculture.… Continue reading

The new Fendt IDEAL combine is the first “clean-sheet” design of an axial combine in the industry in 30 years. It sets a new standard for harvesting automation, blending Fendt’s tradition of engineering innovation with the most advanced operating technology, to deliver what producers around the world told AGCO they want in a combine — in-field efficiency, unfailing uptime, totally simple operation and better grain quality.

“We know harvest is a critical time, experienced operators can be hard to find and every bushel from every acre counts,” said Caleb Schleder, tactical marketing manager for combines. “The Fendt IDEAL is a game changer because it is highly automated, but easy to operate. We created this combine to bring our customers peace of mind that they can go to the field, run steadily all day long and get the crop harvested with great efficiency and minimal downtime.

“We’re backing that up with best-in-class customer support through the Fendt Gold Star Customer Care Plan,” Schleder said.… Continue reading