Drought humbles the Mighty Mississippi

The 2012 drought has already wreaked havoc on the agriculture industry and shows no signs of stopping. Now, the industry prepares for another drought-inflicted blow.

Due to the decrease in rainfall over the past year, the Mississippi River is on the verge of shutting down for nearly 200 miles spanning from Cairo, Ill. to St. Louis, Mo.

Currently, the Mississippi River is holding at 13 feet deep and near record level lows, but if the water level drops below nine feet deep, it will be forced to close to barge traffic. Shallow waterways prevent barges from moving up and down the river. Andrew Walmsley, American Farm Bureau transportation specialist, estimates on Newsline that at the current rate, the river will shut down in the middle of December. The National Weather Service, on the other hand, predicts the water levels won’t possibly drop below nine feet until January; either way, a halt in barge traffic in December and January could affect the movement of approximately $7 billion in cargo.

Source: http://stltoday.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=42849928&event=1503554&CategoryID=38578

The United States Department of Agriculture estimates the potential economic damage from a shutdown of the Mississippi River could range from $60 billion to $100 billion, meaning the damage could be more costly to the economy than that of Hurricane Sandy. Additionally, this would affect more than 20,000 U.S. jobs across industries including agriculture, transportation and manufacturing just to name a few.

The Mississippi River is essential to the agriculture industry for transportation of grain and fertilizer. The American Farm Bureau projects approximately 300 million bushels of grain and oilseeds would be delayed with the shutdown.

"It would be difficult to transport grain to ports for shipment overseas, get road salt upriver and deliver fertilizer to the Midwest for spring planting. Putting fertilizer on trucks or trains instead of cheaper barges would increase farmers' prices," said Rod Weinzierl, the Executive Director of Illinois Corn Growers Association, in a USA Today article.

Kathy Mathers, a spokeswoman for the Fertilizer Institute, shared in a New York Times article that about half of fertilizer sent to the Midwest for the spring travels up the Mississippi River. Other transportation options such as trucking and rail cars don’t have enough means to ship the large quantities that will be needed.

Last chance to take advantage of Section 179

Tax incentives that allow for generous savings on the purchase of new and used equipment will end January 1, 2013. 

Capitol Hill
Source: http://www.geoglance.com/photos/DC/1/capitol-hill

As the year comes to an end, so does the ability to take advantage of the increased tax credit offered by Section 179. The stimulus acts have greatly expanded the limits of the Section 179 deduction and have also added a one-time “Bonus Depreciation” on equipment that exceeds the deduction limit.

According to Section179.org, this deduction was intended to boost spending among small and medium sized businesses; it allows a company to deduct a significant portion of the purchase price of equipment bought in 2012 as opposed to just normal depreciation over several years. In addition to the tax credit, new equipment purchases also qualify for a bonus depreciation.

Once January 1 rolls around, the deduction amount is drastically decreased from $139,000 to $25,000 for 2013. Additionally, 2012 is the last year to take advantage of the bonus depreciation making the end of 2012 the perfect time to buy equipment.

Breakdown of purchasing an Apache in 2012 versus 2013. 

In accordance with Section179.org, a few rules go along with the Section 179 deduction and bonus depreciation. To utilize the $139,000 tax deduction, the company must purchase, finance or lease less than $560,000 in new and used equipment during the 2012 tax year. If the company purchases more than $560,000 in equipment, the deduction is decreased dollar for dollar for any amount over $560,000.

Beyond this, companies that purchase new equipment qualify for the added bonus depreciation which allows an additional 50 percent depreciation deduction on new equipment.

To calculate the total deduction, the Section 179 deduction is taken before the bonus depreciation. Amounts not deducted by Section 179 or the bonus depreciation can be depreciated using normal depreciation.
The exception to this rule applies to businesses without a taxable profit for 2012. In this case, Section 179 does not apply, and the business is allowed to carry the loss forward while still deducting some of the cost of new equipment. The rules that apply to the Section 179 deduction can be found at Section179.org.

This is the time to jump on the Apache Early Buy Incentive Program and save on a 2013 Apache.

Get out your woolly socks and sweaters; it's going to be a cold one

A time honored tradition for many, predicting the coming winter’s forecast using woolly worms or persimmon seeds has been around for years.

The woolly worm is thought to predict the harshness of the coming winter based on the thickness of the insect’s middle band. Black bands on both ends of the woolly worm are connected by a reddish-brown middle band.

According to tradition, if the reddish-brown band is narrow, it means a harsh winter is coming. On the other hand, if a thick middle band is present, a mild winter is in store.

  

Mild Winter Prediction
Source: http://www.woollyworm.com/about-woolly-worms

Harsh Winter Prediction
Source: http://blog.beechmountainbliss.com/2010/10/wooly-worm-weekend.html

Upon closer examination of the woolly worm, it is noted that woolly worms have 13 segments which coincides with winter lasting roughly 13 weeks long. Each black band is thought to represent a week of bad winter weather.

Woolly worms are known scientifically as Pyrrhactia Isabella, and they are the larval form of the Isabella tiger moth. They have many other nicknames such as woolly bears, black-ended bears and banded woolly bears.

While there is no scientific evidence to prove that woolly worms can predict the winter forecast, it is still a fun, timeless tradition for many.

Persimmon seeds are also a well-known way to predict the oncoming winter weather. To predict this winter’s weather using persimmon seeds find persimmons grown in your area. Using locally grown persimmons are supposed to be more accurate for predicting that area’s winter.

The persimmon seeds will take on one of three familiar shapes: a fork, a knife or a spoon. A fork-shaped seed predicts a mild winter, while a knife forecasts a cold, icy winter. The spoon-shaped seed foretells an extremely snowy winter.

Source: http://www.hoosierweather.com/weather_lore.php

Kevin Covey, the Director of Service and Parts at Equipment Technologies, predicted this year’s winter based on 9 persimmon seeds he gathered from his own persimmon tree.

“Each persimmon normally has two or three seeds,” Covey said. “We found eight spoons and one knife.”

Here at Equipment Technologies, we are predicting a snowy winter based on persimmon seeds, and our woolly worms are forecasting a harsh winter.

Depending on the area you live in, there may be other traditions of predicting the winter weather.

Other ways to predict the coming winter include the Farmer’s Almanac and the National Weather Service. The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting colder than usual temperatures and more snow east of the Rockies and warmer, milder weather west of the Rockies.

On the other hand, the National Weather Service is predicting a generally milder winter based on El Nino and La Nina.

Expired Farm Bill causes uncertainty

As the end of the year is quickly approaching, many questions regarding the country’s legislation, that has expired or is set to expire soon, still remain. The election results have done little to move issues along.

Even though President Barack Obama won both the popular and electoral votes, many in the American agricultural sector are concerned what this will mean for the industry.

According to an Agri Marketing magazine post-election poll, over two-thirds of the individuals polled believe that the reelection of President Obama will have a negative effect on the country’s agriculture industry.

One of the most pressing agriculture issues facing the government is the expired farm bill.

Industry concerns:

Congress is back in session in the time known as lame duck session, when historically not much is accomplished; however, this lame duck session is expected to be more active than in years past due to the farm bill and “fiscal cliff”. Expectations are hopeful among the agriculture community for Congress to address the farm bill during the lame duck session, but it is still unclear if they will agree on some sort of resolution, either short or long term, in order to avoid resorting back to antiquated agriculture laws.

While the Republicans are pushing hard for deeper cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Democrats are holding strong on smaller cuts to the program. The government keeps pushing the farm bill back and much of the controversy lies in the SNAP program; however, looking at the entire budget for the next ten years, the farm bill only accounts for a projected estimate of 2.15 percent of the total budget.

Despite the fact that SNAP is the largest chunk of the farm bill, it still is not a significant amount of the overall federal budget. At the end of the day, the amount being argued over is trivial when compared to the lack of farm bill that exists and how much it affects America’s farmers.
At this point, a large majority are losing faith that a new farm bill will be passed before January 1.

Government Concerns:

Along with the expired farm bill, the House is working on other negotiations to avoid the “fiscal cliff” at the beginning of next year. The “fiscal cliff” controversy is creating a strong push for budget cuts.

When looking at the farm bill, a major concern is the amount of money that is spent each year on SNAP and how much this amount has increased since the program started. Since many of the policies in the farm bill don’t expire until the end of the year, Congress is not seeing the immediate effects of the expired bill.

While both producers and the government are facing concerns with the expired farm bill, each side views the issue differently. Producers fear the uncertainty for next year’s planting season, while Congress is arguing over what can be cut from the budget.

The lack of a farm bill creates uncertainty and instability in the agriculture industry which trickles down to every part of the industry including application in general and equipment manufacturing – obviously top of mind for us. Without the federal government acting in interest of production agriculture by way of a farm bill that includes proactive measures in the areas of crop insurance, conservation and disaster assistance, the industry faces the potential for major setbacks. 

Five must-dos to prepare your Apache for winter

As harvest finishes in the majority of the country, the time of year has come to put most farm machinery away, including your Apache, until spring. One of the keys to keeping your sprayer in working order for next spring is proper winterization before the freezing temperatures settle in for the season.

1. Clean your Apache
Cleaning the sprayer includes both the inside and outside of the machine. While it is important to thoroughly rinse the wet system, it is equally important to give attention to the exterior of the sprayer. Proper cleaning will help prevent premature rust and corrosion. Using a pressure washer, clean the outside of the sprayer including the booms, frame and undercarriage. Additionally, remove all filters, screen tips and check valves to wash them, and then reinstall all parts to keep moisture out during the winter.

To clean the inside of the sprayer, completely rinse the entire system to ensure any chemicals aren’t left from the last application. Here is a video with a few reminders on properly flushing the wet system. 

2. Inspect the sprayer
After washing the sprayer, check it over for any cracks, chips or scratches in the paint and touch up these areas to avoid corrosion. While inspecting your Apache, take this opportunity to grease all service points on the sprayer. If any leaks are found inside the spray tank, repair them before storing the sprayer.

3. Winterize the wet system
After cleaning the sprayer’s exterior and rinsing the inside of the system, it is important to circulate antifreeze through the entire wet system to keep it from freezing during the cold months. Recreational Vehicle antifreeze is recommended since it is less toxic to animals and may be sprayed on the ground.

To start, put approximately 30 gallons of RV antifreeze in the product tank, although more may be required depending on the boom length. Following which, put an additional 5 gallons of RV antifreeze in the rinse tank. With your Apache running, turn on the product pump to circulate agitation of the antifreeze. While the pump is running, turn on each boom section until RV antifreeze comes out of the nozzles. If you are operating a 2011 or 2012 Apache model, turn on the flow back rinse switch to winterize the flow back line.

To winterize the rinse tank, turn the fill station control valve to rinse-to-pump and the agitation valve to rotoflush. After circulating for a few seconds, turn the product pump off, the agitation valve back to agitation and the fill station control valve back to product-to-pump.

If the sprayer is equipped with an eductor, put the eductor in the operation position and turn on the product pump. Open the eductor safety valve, the main eductor valve and the red tank valve. Following which, open the lid rinse valve and let the antifreeze circulate in the eductor for a few seconds and finish by closing the valves and turning off the product pump.

To run the antifreeze through the entire wet system, don’t exclude any components such as the lines that connect to the agitation and pump pressure gauges. Make sure they have antifreeze in them as well to avoid frozen gauges. Finally, open the strainer drain valve to ensure RV antifreeze is present in the strainer.

Check out this video for a more detailed step-by-step guide on winterizing your Apache’s wet system. 

4. Winterize the foam marker system 

If your Apache sprayer has a foam marker system, don’t forget to include it in the winterization process. Start by draining the foam tank and disconnecting the hoses from the foam chamber. Next, replace the strainer bowl. Then, add two quarts of windshield washer fluid, and finish by running the foam markers until windshield washer fluid comes out of the hose at the foam chamber. RV antifreeze can be used in place of the windshield washer fluid, but depending on the size of containers, the windshield washer fluid may be easier to handle.

5. Store the sprayer
The best place to house a sprayer during the winter is in a dry, storage building. Cover all openings on the sprayer to keep insects and dirt out of the system. If the sprayer is stored outside, take the time to remove all hoses. To complete the winterization process, remove the fully charged battery and any consoles from the cab and store them in a warm area. Finish by filling your Apache’s fuel tank to reduce condensation and moisture build up.

By taking good preventative practices with your Apache sprayer this fall, you will save time and repair costs in the spring. 

Apache owner building remote control AS710 model

Nathan Rowings (far right) shows off what will soon be his hydraulically-powered remote control Apache AS710 to employees at Equipment Technologies.

Nathan Rowings, an Apache AS710 sprayer owner from Greencastle, Indiana, has taken his appreciation of Apache sprayers to a whole new level.

For the past three years, Rowings has been in the process of building a scaled replica of his AS710. Not just one he can put on display, but one he can operate. His plan is to have the model sprayer hydraulically-powered by remote control and install a functioning wet system. That's right; it will actually spray water out the booms.

"I've just always been into models and RC cars growing up," said Rowings. "This is the first one I've built myself. I think it's going to turn out great."

The model is nearly identically scaled to the sprayer's engineered design. The most important tool Rowings says he is using is a jewelers blowtorch to help him weld the different pieces together. In the end, the model sprayer will get a fresh coat of Apache red paint and decals will be stuck on. Rowings says he will keep us posted on his progress and will bring his RC sprayer back to the factory when it's complete.

"I've been working on it off and on for some time, but hope to have it finished by August 2013," said Rowings.

Keep up the great work Nathan!

Enhance Your Bottom Line with Section 179

2013 AS1220 Plus II tackling 40% grades in eastern Washington.

If you've been on the fence trying to decided whether to buy new or used equipment for your operation, this is definitely the year to buy.

Section 179 is a generous tax deduction of $139,000 available for most new and used capital equipment. However, the big savings won't last. Once the calendar turns to 2013, the annual deduction limit will drastically reduce to its pre-2003 level of only $25,000. Needless to say, the savings are now!

To give you an idea of the difference in savings for when you buy, here's a breakdown comparing 2012's Section 179 deduction to the deduction change beginning January 1, 2013:

Visit ApaceEarlyBuy.com to start saving today.

When at odds with Mother Nature, bet your chips on a sure thing

This is not the growing year any of us wanted to see. Fields are dry, brown and some growers are already considering insurance relief and calling it a year. This is not a time to panic, but rather a time to focus cashing in on the facts.

If you look at precipitation totals for the year, they are below average. The Corn Belt saw stretches of over 100 degree temperatures with barely 0.10” of rain. But as you can see in the map below, you can’t say it isn’t raining. It’s just not raining where many need it most.

Courtesy: NOAA

This map provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows the amount of precipitation 14 days prior to July 18. Much of the Upper Midwest saw at least 1.5” and the South experienced as much as 6” in some places.

A lot can happen in a few weeks’ span. It was at the end of May when Illinois farmers were reporting “80% of their corn was in good to excellent condition,” in a Peoria Journal Star article [link]. There is still plenty of time for rain to make a difference. In the hardest hit areas, this is especially true for the soybean crop. When that time comes, growers will then have to turn their attention and watch for three perils before harvest: fungus, bugs and weeds. Perils all too familiar to applicators.

The combination of extreme heat and minimal rain has increased certain insect populations, making conditions ideal for eggs to hatch. Spider mites, podworms and others are out in droves during this unusual season. Then when a little rain does come, fungus begins to develop. Finally, weeds in the field absorb any moisture that falls away from the stressed crop. The best line of defense in saving yields and protecting your investment from the terrible trifecta of fungus, insects and weeds is a self-propelled sprayer.

Looking at the NOAA map above, a typical Corn Belt farmer, for example, would be relying on corn and/or soybean harvests along with crop insurance as generated income this year. Projected corn yields in June dropped 12% from May, which seems like a significant downturn. In general, a 12% drop is pretty common as seen in the chart below. This yield decline is packing a larger than usual punch to growers because we haven’t experienced a significant drop in yield in more than 10 years. The positive side to this story is that the past years have put the grower in a favorable financial position.

Courtesy: USDA

Soybean prices through the middle part of July, however, are dancing around $16.00/bushel with experts predicting the price to hold until after harvest. That is if any rain falls. One soybean agronomist was recently quoted as saying that from water deficit stress during the reproductive growth stage, the soybean plant is vulnerable to “reduced pod numbers, reduced seed per pod and small seed." [link]

Adding crop insurance into the mix, it’s clear a farmer’s net income this year will have to be spent wisely. Risks exist every year. When playing the odds with Mother Nature accompanied with declining income, it’s assuring to not only have a low risk financial investment sitting on the farm, but also a machine that increases yield potential for seasons to come.

Already identifying the importance of owning a self-propelled sprayer, the clear choice among all competitors is the Apache sprayer. Whether it’s an off year or not, cost of ownership and return on investment are two critical points of concern when purchasing any farm equipment. The Apache leads the way on both fronts.

When you compare the Apache to competitors, there are numerous factors giving the Apache the lowest cost of ownership in the industry:

     - Service costs are lower
     - Replacement parts cost thousands of dollars less
     - More efficient fuel economy
     - Factory-installed state of the art precision options
     - An industry best 5-year warranty saves money on parts and labor
     - Purchase price is $25,000 to $75,000 less than comparable hydrostat sprayers

In addition, the Apache offers the highest resale value in the industry. Based on a statistical analysis by a Indiana University school of business professor, a five year old Apache has an average resale value of 72% of its original purchase price.

That’s making a sound financial decision based on consistency in an inconsistent world. 

Weed control tips for dry conditions

Extreme and severe drought conditions continue to spread across much of the United States, increasing the potential for ineffective weed resistance for growers.

We all know weeds grow more rapidly in soils where it has recently rained, especially for the usual suspects of weeds we see every summer. When this occurs, get back into your fields and scout how much growth has taken place a few days after it rains. This will determine if your application rate should be altered.

Dry soils can cause headaches for growers when it comes to postemergence weed control. The part of the plant above ground toughens and thickens in these adverse conditions. This change greatly reduces the amount of herbicide the plant can absorb, offering little weed control.

While no absolute solution exists, there are things you can do to increase the likelihood you applied postemergence herbicide is absorbed. The simplest advice we can offer is to slow down when spraying. With dry soil conditions, you generate more dust driving through your field. This dust kicked up lands on the crops and keeps what you're spraying from getting to the plant. Running your sprayer at a lower speed will reduce the amount of dust and help the postemergence herbicides attach to your crops.

In addition, using a full rate when applying postemergence herbicides in dry conditions will help. Always read the labels of your postemergence herbicides, but typically applying the full recommended rate will support weed control for adverse conditions.

Conditions now aren't nearly as bad as previous droughts of record proportion, however long-term forecasts call for continued high temperatures and little to no precipitation. At least 19 states have already seen temperatures reach 100 degrees, and we're not even into July yet.

Equipment Technologies opens the ET Ag Center

The ribbon is cut officially opening the ET Ag Center.

Equipment Technologies, home of the award-winning Apache sprayer and the largest independently owned manufacturer of agriculture self-propelled sprayers in North America, expands its operation by opening the ET Ag Center adding 56 new jobs by 2015.

“Equipment Technologies has seen a growing trend of growers searching for knowledge and thought leadership when it comes to precision farming and application in general. The ET Ag Center is built to share our application knowledge and train the next generation of precision growers,” said Equipment Technologies CEO Matt Hays.

In the fall of 2011, Equipment Technologies split into two divisions: one to focus on its award-winning Apache line of self-propelled sprayers, and the other to focus on parts distribution, service and training. The ET Ag Center is the logistics, service and knowledge backbone of SpraySmarter.com, ET’s e-commerce, online sprayer parts sales website. SpraySmarter.com also has a parts sales counter inside the ET Ag Center for local customers to pick up and purchase sprayer parts.

The ET Ag Center is also responsible for wholesaling both Apache sprayer parts and other best-in-class precision and application sprayer products to retailers throughout the United States, Canada, Ukraine, and Australia.

The ET Ag Center will lead the way in training and instruction, with a focus on sharing precision agriculture education to the grower. Included in the ET Ag Center are multiple precision agriculture classrooms for spraying clinics, commercial applicator license renewal classes and simulated precision training utilizing field computers from the top two manufacturers in precision agriculture, Raven and Trimble. Having all of these offerings under one roof will uniquely benefit growers from around the world as they seek to expand their application-focused education and hands-on training. 

“From a training standpoint, we have grown leaps and bounds with the creation of the ET Ag Center. We are increasing the number of training and service events with the added classrooms and resources to better educate the grower,” said ET’s director of parts and service Kevin Covey. “From a parts standpoint, we can better serve the local applicator with the addition of an in-house SpraySmarter.com sales counter. Online orders can also be ship within 24 hours with a brand new logistical infrastructure, thanks in part to the additional space.”

Throughout the planning of the ET Ag Center, the emphasis was on research and development of the Apache, ET’s award-winning self-propelled sprayer. Included in the construction are a test track and proving grounds located behind the ET Ag Center with the sole focus of product development for the Apache sprayer. The track encompasses a 45-foot high hill with varying grades ranging from 10% to 40% and multiple terraces, representing different topographical land conditions Apache customers maneuver over.

“This testing track and proving grounds are significant for our continued success,” said ET’s director of engineering Chad Ringer. “ET truly prides itself on listening to our customers. We can now experiment and implement the ideas of our customers, fine tune a quality product, and let our customers enjoy the additional benefits.”

Aligning with ET’s dedication to continuous improvement and constant innovation for the Apache is sales and service training support. These training efforts will cater to our over 200 Apache customers residing in Indiana and nearly 3,000 more around the world.

Equipment Technologies, employing 97 Indiana residents with 52 living in Morgan County, was able to proceed with this necessary expansion from state, county and city government support. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation provided $550,000 in performance-based tax credits and $25,000 in training grants based on Equipment Technologies’ job creation strategy. The Mooresville Town Council provided infrastructure assistance abatement to property tax per the request of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation.

"It's great to know local government saw the need for our growth and responded the way they did. Equipment Technologies is grateful to have the support from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Morgan County Economic Development Corporation and the Mooresville Town Council for this expansion of our research and training facilities,” said ET’s materials manager Jeff Goodman. “Throughout construction of the ET Ag Center, Equipment Technologies solely focused on using as many local vendors, contractors and subcontractors as possible.”

Equipment Technologies is the largest independently-owned manufacturer of self-propelled sprayers in North America. Operating from its 168,000 square foot complex in Mooresville, Ind., the company distributes its sprayers and sprayer parts throughout North America, Ukraine and Australia through a network of independent dealers.

The ET Ag Center is located at 455 Merriman Road, approximately 0.5 miles south of ET’s manufacturing facility in Mooresville, Indiana.

Practice Sprayer Safety

We've noticed in the news recently a growing number of incidents involving sprayers. Some of which have taken place in a field, others have taken place on the roadways.

It's important to be cautious when operating large farm machinery, including your sprayer. Below we've listed some general tips to ensure you practice sprayer safety:

• Know your sprayer and operate it properly
• Review your safety precautions in your owner's manual
• Never operate your sprayer after consuming alcohol
• Wear your seat belt in the cab of the sprayer when in use
• Be sure to unfold your sprayer booms away from power lines
• Be aware of where power lines cross or border your field
• Always turn your hazard lights on when driving on roadways
• Have a slow-moving vehicle (SMV) sign displayed on the back of the sprayer
• Look before pulling out on to a roadway or backing up in reverse
• Turn off the sprayer before leaving it unattended

To learn more safety tips avoiding risks on the farm, visit the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.

Three critical tips when applying postemergence corn herbicide

In some parts of the Corn Belt, the plant is already towering to two feet tall. This has much of the crop in the northern region far enough along to be in V3 growth stage. As early as corn is growing, farmers need to remember these three strategic tips to remember when applying their postemergence corn herbicide.

Size is significant

All postemergence corn herbicide labels spell out the usage at different growth stages of the crop, typically by the height of the crop or by leaf stage. Aaron Hager, Associate Professor of Weed Science at the University of Illinois, recommends following the most restrictive usage instructions to avoid crop injury.

"Corn plant height is commonly used on many herbicide labels, but height is not always an accurate indicator of a plant's true physiological maturity. Determining plant height may seem relatively straightforward, but using different benchmarks for measurement can lead to different plant heights," said Hager. "Generally, height of a corn plant is determined by measuring from the soil surface to the arch of the uppermost leaf that is at least 50% emerged from the whorl (a circle of three or more leaves at the same joint of the stem). Be sure to measure several plants in a given field and average the numbers. plant height is obviously influenced by many factors, including genetics and the growing environment. Adverse environmental conditions, such as cool air or soil temperatures, hail, and others, can greatly retard plant height and result in corn plants that are physiologically older than their height suggests."

Hager says farmers should accurately count leaves on the crop and determine the crop's height before applying. To count leaves, start with the short first leaf and end with the leaf at least half emerged from the whorl. Remember that some leaves may have been lost from hail or frost.

Critical timing creates better yields

Applying postemergence herbicide at the proper stage of growth, as we stated above, can make or break a corn crop's full yield potential. The longer weeds sit in the field among the crop, the greater the risk of a reduced yield. Weeds sitting in a field are more likely to absorb moisture necessary to the crop's development. In addition, the weed's root can damage the corn's root, causing the plant to become "floppy" and inadequate to continue proper growth.

"Weed scientists generally suggest an interval, based on either weed size (in inches) or days after crop/weed emergence, during which postemergence herbicides should be applied to avoid crop yield loss through weed interference," says Hager. "A sommon recommendation is to remove weeds in corn before they exceed about two inches tall."

Smaller weeds are easier to control than larger ones. In addition, Hager states it's been proven that herbicide absorption is more effective in younger weeds than older ones.

Apply when conditions are right

Mother Nature plays such a vital role with everyday duties around the farm. The same can be said about applying postemergence herbicides to corn.

"High air temperatures and relative humidity levels favor rapid absorption of postemergence herbicides, and environmental-induced crop stress can enhance injury from herbicides. Cool air temperatures and wet soil are examples of environmental conditions that can induce crop stress. Crops under stress often cannot metabolize herbicide rapidly enough to preclude injury symptoms," says Hager.

Tips to minimize spray drift

Courtesy of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Univ. of California

Although spray drift is something that will be a constant when it comes to liquid application, it is a problem well within the realm of making more efficient applications. Controlling spray drift not only saves the environment, but can save your pocketbook from retaining precious herbicide.

"Spray drift needs to be minimized to avoid any crop injury and adverse effects on areas outside the spray target area," said Dallas Peterson, Department of Agronomy professor at Kansas State University. "Minimizing spray drift is not only important from and economic and legal standpoint, but also from a public relations standpoint."

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind before heading out into the field:

Wind Speed

"There is no absolute right answer to the question regarding when is it too windy to spray. Labels will provide maximum wind speeds that can't be exceeded to remain in compliance with the label. However, it still may be too windy to safely spray at lower wind speeds if a highly susceptible crops is downwind of the application," said Peterson. "In that situation, the only safe time to spray is when the weed is in the opposite direction. Common sense has to be a major factor in determining when and where it is safe to spray to avoid herbicide drift problems."

Spray Pressure and Spray Speed

The smaller the droplet, the greater odds of creating drift. In addition, smaller droplets are created by higher spray pressures. Pressure shouldn't exceed 40 psi.

"The appropriate spray pressure is critical to produce a good spray pattern and droplet size," said Peterson. Increasing spray pressure reduces spray droplet size and increases the number of fine spray droplet particles that are most susceptible to spray drift. The appropriate spray pressure to optimize performance and minimize drift will depend on the type of spray tip being utilized."

Booms and Nozzles

Position the booms as close to the crop canopy to ensure application reaches the ground. Nozzle tips and pressure is determined by the individual herbicide. Read the label of each chemical to learn proper resistance specifications.

"Spray nozzle selection can have a big impact on the potential for spray drift because of the effect on spray droplet size and spectrum," said Peterson.

Droplet Size

Small microns, 100 to 200 for example, will create a greater risk of spray drift. Larger droplets won't be a susceptible to drift.

"Smaller spray droplets are more susceptible to movement by wind, especially the very fine droplets that can stay suspended longer and moved longer distances," said Peterson.

Prepare for severe weather in the field

Courtesy: Georgia Farm Bureau

Severe weather can pop up in the field with minimal warning, leaving little time to prepare. High winds, severe thunderstorms and tornados are all things farmers need to keep a watchful eye to the sky for while working in their field.

“Thunderstorms can form quite rapidly, within several minutes. Tornados usually come about after strong storms have formed and organized into "supercells". This organizational process can occur over tens of minutes but can sometimes take up to an hour or more,” said Greg Carbin, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center.

While the central plains of America are nicknamed “Tornado Alley”, these deadly twisters are not limited to any one region. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the United States average over 1,200 tornados each year. A distant second on the list is Canada, averaging 100 tornados per year. Tornados most commonly form from April to July; however they can occur at any time of year with the right conditions.

“If shelter is unavailable, persons should attempt to move away from the storm. Know where the storms are in relation to your position and be prepared to leave any open area without adequate shelter in the event a tornado is spotted,” said Carbin.

If you find yourself in an open field, stop the machine you’re operating and get out. Lie in a low area or ditch away from the machine. Cover your head and neck with your arms to protect from flying debris. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your machine. A tornado’s speed and direction are deceptive, shifting constantly. Know which buildings near your field can offer the best protection, such as a building with a basement or a sturdy interior space in a barn. It’s important to stay away from the outside walls of the shelter you seek.

While thunderstorms are less destructive, NOAA reports an average of 54 people die in the United States from a lightning strike. Carbin says farmers should watch for increasingly warm, humid and cloudy conditions when anticipating a thunderstorm.

“If lightning is observed, head for better shelter. Lightning will not pose much of threat if you can remain in a vehicle,” said Carbin.

In an open field, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place is not subject to flooding. If you are in the woods, take shelter under shorter trees. If you have no shelter, make yourself the smallest target by squatting low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Minimize contact with the ground, and place your hands on your knees with your head between them when your skin tingles or your hair stands on end. If you are in a tractor or other vehicle during an electrical storm, stay put. Vehicles often provide better protection than lying exposed in open fields.

Have a plan when severe weather is possible. Check weather reports before planning work activities. Make sure you have a way of receiving weather information while you work, especially at remote locations. You can download weather apps for a smart phone or use a weather radio band inside your machine.

“If tornados are expected, then the plan should include more than a vehicle for shelter. Seek a sturdy building and stay away from windows,” said Carbin.

Self-propelled Sprayer ROI - Part II

Self-propelled Sprayer ROI Part II: Performing a Cost-of-Ownership Calculation Navigating the purchase of a self-propelled (SP) sprayer can be intimidating. You may be asking yourself such questions as: "Can I afford it given the acreage I farm?" "I know it is a good investment, but how long will it take to pay for itself?" "Is it better for my operation to buy or lease?" "Are there tools out there to help me justify the investment to a lender?" "Can government tax incentives help defray costs?" Our Cost of Ownership tool answers all these questions and more, including the simplest question stopping you from owning an SP sprayer…"Will it make me money?" Understanding Inputs and Costs In all business decisions, you need to understand the costs associated with an investment in order to understand the benefits. Over the years, with the help of our customers and dealers, we clearly defined the inputs and costs of various application methods to show you an apples-to-apples comparison between your current method and an SP sprayer. The calculations often include current ownership of a pull-behind (PB) sprayer, hiring custom applicators, or both. In other words, to calculate the cost of owning an SP sprayer you have to factor in all the costs associated with your current application method to make an apt comparison. Our cost-of-ownership tool does just that. We begin by looking at the inputs… Acres versus sprayed acres – Unlike planting and harvesting, application often requires going over the field multiple times. Therefore, in considering application methods we calculate acreage not by the planted acre, but by the sprayed acre. Custom application labor – If you hire custom applicators, you no doubt know what they charge by the acre. You also know what they charge for chemicals. Pull-behind costs – Our calculator includes worksheets to help isolate the costs associated with operating a PB sprayer. In reality, most PB owners also hire custom applicators, so we need to account for both costs. Annual operation costs of a SP sprayer – These costs include fuel, maintenance, operator's wages, and insurance. Tax benefits and other accounting-related considerations – Because an SP sprayer is not a minor purchase, accelerated or bonus depreciation may be involved. Most importantly, Section 179 depreciation certainly applies in the case of SP sprayer ownership. Resale value (equity in the asset) – Over the years you own a sprayer, how well does it hold its value? Without strong resale, return on investment (ROI) will be difficult to achieve. Understanding Intangible Benefits While this white paper primarily concerns specific cost-benefit analysis for SP sprayers, ownership conveys numerous intangible benefits as well. Some, like comfort, are universal but others, like timeliness, may vary based on your region. For example, if you needed to eradicate a late season infestation, being able to spray promptly on your schedule instead of hiring custom applicators saves you money. It also adds peace of mind that the calculator cannot measure, but may make a significant impact on your yields. Financing Options, Tax Benefits, Valuation of the Asset, and Resale Value Buy or lease? – Both buying and leasing SP sprayers have advantages, depending on your specific situation. Leasing allows for ownership without the burden of a large initial cash investment and may come with lower annual payments. On the other hand, buying the sprayer may have stronger advantages related to ROI, particularly because of resale. Tax benefits (in greater detail) – We previously touched on tax incentives, and mentioned Section 179 - straight line and bonus deprecation. For tax year 2012, Section 179 allows you to depreciate up to $139,000 of an equipment purchase in year one of operation. Additionally, 50% bonus depreciation can be applied to the difference between the purchase price of your sprayer and the $139,000 Section 179 allows. Finally, your tax advisor can use a regular depreciation schedule for the remaining useful life of the sprayer. Valuation of the asset and resale value – When considering purchasing costs and costs of ownership, we must also evaluate the purchase decision pre- and post-tax, and examine the difference between straight and discounted cash flows. We all have to pay taxes and your purchasing decisions impact your tax bill. When you perform the cost-of-ownership calculation, we assume that you paid the taxes at the time of purchase. Simply put, it is a cash savings and it contributes greatly to ROI. Our calculator also simplifies straight cash flow and discounted cash flow. Our ROI calculations use either a straight cash flow or discounted cash flow analysis. However, our sample calculation in this white paper uses the discounted cash flow method because it takes into consideration the time value of money. That is, a dollar in your hand today is worth more than the prospect of gaining a dollar tomorrow. Therefore, using the discounted cash flow method of arriving at ROI calculations presents a clearer picture of our assessment. Performing a Sample Calculation In order to illustrate our sample calculation, we created a producer's profile for John Q. Farmer using numbers taken from within our cost-of-ownership tool. Sprayed acres John Q. Farmer farms 1,500 acres of beans, which he sprays two times 1,500 acres of corn, which he sprays two times 800 acres of wheat, which he sprays three times Total application acres: 8,400 Outsourcing and pull-behind costs Currently, John runs a PB sprayer and he also typically hires custom applicators to spray when he can't get his PB into the field. Given two applications with his PB and one custom application per year, John's annual cost for his current application method is $5.50 per acre, or $46,200. Depreciation details - Section 179 (year one only) - John will be taking the full $139,000 - 50% bonus (year one only) - $30,500 - Straight depreciation - after the Section 179 and 50% have been exhausted, the regular depreciation schedule begins Financing details Purchase Price: $200,000 Interest rate: 3.9% Term: four years Down payment: $40,000 Self-propelled sprayer operating costs: John figures the following annual operating costs of his new SP sprayer: - Fuel $2,660 ($3.80/gallon) - Maintenance $500 - Operator $2,520 ($15/hour) - Insurance $1,600 (0.8% of the purchase price) Total annual operating costs: $7,280 Will the purchase of an SP sprayer make John money? Yes! Compared to John's current spraying method, owning a self-propelled sprayer will have: - An ROI of $10,626 per year compared to his current spraying method - A savings of $1.26/sprayed acre compared to a combination of PB and custom applications - Cost per application acre of $2.07 Now, click here to look at the details of how we arrived at $10,626 annual ROI (Refer to the breakout image above for the following section) Line 1: Here we have our costs for running the PB twice and hiring the custom applicator once. Line 2: The -$140,252 is the net present value, or what the total expense after four years, of running a PB and hiring custom applicators is worth in today's dollars. Lines 3 – 8: These figures represent what it costs to operate the SP sprayer you're thinking about buying. Lines 9 – 15: Cash savings from depreciation, interest and salvage value are just that… cash savings. Lines 16: The -$87,123 is the net present value, or what the total cash savings after five years of running your SP sprayer is worth in today's dollars. Line 17: This is John's ROI. You might be wondering, why is it that two negative numbers are being added up to make a positive number? Well, we are not saying it doesn't cost money to own and operate an SP sprayer. We're saying that it costs significantly less to do so when compared to the current combination of PB and custom application. More about ET's Cost of Ownership Calculator You probably noted that in our sample calculation a lot of math seems to happen behind the scenes. Equipment Technology's Cost-of-Ownership Calculator performs calculations such as financing options and different depreciation choices automatically. The tool outputs the summary on one page, as seen below, for your tax account, your banker, or the Missus. Guys, our calculator does not factor in the cost of your wife's new kitchen once you have convinced her to let you buy an SP sprayer…you are on your own there. Interested in a self-propelled sprayer cost of ownership analysis? Contact Nick Smith, Apache sprayer Sales Manager at Equipment Technologies. (866-463-0452) or nick.smith@etsprayers.com Est. average resale value of Apache sprayers after five years is 76% based on actual experience calculated by Equipment Technologies. The resale value shown in the above example is 66% after five years to give a more conservative estimate.

Applicators need to be on guard for early insect emergence

The shorter than usual winter has brought warm weather early this year. Because of this unseasonably warm trend for March, farmers are expected to see more bugs in their fields.

"We're seeing insects active 2-3 weeks early up north this year," says Phillip Pellitteri, Insect Diagnostician for the University of Wisconsin-Extension. "That's historic."

Much of the United States did not experience a harsh winter freeze. This allows subsurface wintering insects to emerge earlier than usual not having to wait long for the soil to soften. Pellitteri says insects in Wisconsin he's watching are bean leaf beetles and alfalfa weevil.

"The lack of significant winter weather is causing critters to pop out sooner, and in some cases there are more of them than usual," says Pellitteri. "Typically this many insect eggs wouldn't survive a harsh winter. I think we reached -5 degrees once this winter in Madison where in years past we would hit -20 degrees."

Aphids are under watch in the Ohio River Valley. Doug Johnson, Extension Entomologist for the University of Kentucky, echos the same winter conditions.

"You just never know when spring will get here," says Johnson. "We're breaking some [high temperature] records daily. It's unusual, but not unknown."

The short, mild winter can present the right conditions for additional insect generation. Greater numbers of some insects may be experienced due to early emergence from the extended length of season.

"My advice is to be ready," says Johnson. "Things are coming up early and farmers need to be on their toes. Don't go into this spring thinking it's a normal year. Act quick at the first sign of insects."

Diesel prices continue to climb

At farm shows across North America recently, we kept hearing one complaint over and over: rising fuel prices. And it seems no relief is in sight.

According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, the national average price for diesel fuel is $4.087/gallon (as of 3/7/12). Even more staggering, that same national average has not dropped in 40 straight days.

This isn't good news for farmers who use a pull-type sprayer. Pull-type owners use twice as much diesel fuel dragging their sprayer with a tractor. The added fuel being burned comes from the weight of the pull-type sprayer being pulled and the overall high horsepower, heavy tractor necessary to pull the sprayer itself.

The same additional diesel fuel costs can be said for hydrostatic sprayer owners too. Compared to an Apache sprayer, hydrostatic sprayer weigh anywhere from an additional 3,000 to 9,000 lbs. A heavier sprayer needs more fuel to burn with so much added weight of wheel motors, pumps and hoses.

Self-propelled Sprayer R.O.I. - Part I

Self-propelled Sprayer R.O.I. Part I: Pull-behind vs. self-propelled sprayer: Five things you need to know before you buy In part one of this two-part white paper, we will explore the five most relevant factors you need to look at when comparing a pull-behind (PB) to a self-propelled (SP) sprayer. We are starting with this comparison because in order to understand the R.O.I. of a SP sprayer, you must first understand why it is superior to alternative application methods, particularly pull-behind sprayers. Unless you already own a SP sprayer, you are likely in one of two camps: you either own a PB sprayer or you hire custom applicators. In reality, you may be doing both. As you contemplate owning your own sprayer, you intuitively know that a SP sprayer would be better to have on the farm and be far more efficient than a PB, but at what cost? And, most importantly, at what return? So, naturally, your first decision point is: can I afford it? The answer, believe it or not, is likely yes. As with all capital investments on the farm, you need to consider the impact the decision will have on your total operation. These five factors will help you do just that. 1. Tank capacity does not equal productivity The old adage that bigger is better is simply untrue when dealing with tank size. A 750 gallon product tank on a SP sprayer can actually be just as productive as a 1,200 gallon product tank on a PB. It's all about the amount of ground you cover in a specific amount of time. Think about it – a PB will be travelling at speeds roughly 60% of the SP sprayer. "There is a bit more to it than that," according to Equipment Technologies Sales Manager, Nick Smith. "Speed relates to nozzle selection, which relates to the amount of product that gets sprayed. So not only are you moving faster in a self-propelled sprayer, but you're applying chemical far more efficiently. Flow rate aside, the issue of speed is very compelling by itself." Smith backs up this statement with a simple math equation that gives his customers an idea of the acreage covered in an hour in a SP vs. a PB sprayer: Speed (MPH) x Boom Width x 5280 (ft. in a mile) / 43,560 (sq ft. in an acre) = Acres Sprayed in 1 Hour So let's take for example a self-propelled sprayer running at 12 mph and a pull-behind running at 7 mph, both with 90 ft. booms. Self-propelled: 12 mph x 90 ft boom x 5280 / 43,560 = 130.91 acres sprayed in an hour Pull-behind: 7 mph x 90 ft boom x 5280 / 43,560 = 76.36 acres sprayed in an hour 2. Hidden operating costs of a pull-behind If you're talking about comparing the costs of operating a PB vs. SP sprayer, the fact is many of the costs for a PB are hidden which creates the illusion that it is more cost efficient to operate. Conversely, the costs for a SP are right out in the open so they are often perceived as being greater. Here is a list of some of the hidden costs of a PB: Fuel consumption This cost is generally related to the fuel being burned by the weight being pulled plus the overall high horsepower, heavy tractor needed to pull weight of a PB sprayer. Compaction When comparing the gross weight of a tractor plus a PB sprayer to a SP sprayer, the weights of the tractor and PB will always outweigh a SP sprayer. This leads to a far greater compaction of the soil, which spawns more hidden costs like poor root growth, poor drainage, etc. Crop damage The issue of crop damage can be blamed on two likely culprits: the extra set of tire tracks from the tractor and PB sprayer and the low crop clearance of the PB. Labor and custom application If you take the point about the amount of acres covered in a hour and spread that cost out over a week or two, then related to the hourly wage of hired help or your own time for that matter, you really start to see how much money can be saved by cutting the time in half. Also, labor could include external help as well. For example, hiring custom applicators to do late season work because the low crop clearance of a pull-behind would almost certainly damage your crops. And, a lot of custom that gets done for growers with pull-behinds because they run out of time to get it covered due to inefficiencies as well as the previously mentioned clearance issue. Lost productivity What else could your tractor be doing while it is dragging a PB sprayer all of over your farm? A SP sprayer is an efficiency multiplier in the sense that it not only saves time and money, but it frees up your tractor for other work to be done. 3. Comfort and technology have their costs as well Today's SP sprayers offer far more creature comforts than those of just a few years back. They are designed for full visibility of your booms and offer fully integrated precision options that are specific to spraying; the precision options are ergonomically laid out in the cab for maximum comfort and productivity. Conversely, many PB owners have retrofit their precision spraying equipment into a tractor that is generally not as comfortable as today's SP sprayer. This combination creates a pretty long day of bouncing, reaching and straining as the operator tries to keep an eye on the booms all while working the precision equipment and driving the tractor. 4. You might be lying to yourself about acreage "We talk to a lot of growers that have between 1,200 and 2,000 acres that don't feel they can justify or afford a SP sprayer," says Mike Flatt, General Manager of Illini Sprayer Company in Oreana, Ill. "The truth is that 2,000 planted acres generally equals at least anywhere from 4,000 to 6,000 application acres." So, when you look at the application acres vs. planted acreage of the farm and combine them with the pull-behind's hidden costs of extra fuel consumption, compaction, crop damage and lost productivity, you really start seeing how easy it is to justify the cost of purchasing and operating a self-propelled sprayer. 5. Yield is almost certainly going to be higher with a self-propelled sprayer Most near and dear to any grower's heart is the impact a farming change will have on yield. According to Nick Smith, "The growers we talk with indicate an increase of at least 1% in yield when going from a pull-behind sprayer to a self-propelled because of a number of factors including reduced crop damage, reduced compaction and a generally more timely application." Smith goes on to explain that his company, Equipment Technologies, which manufactures the Apache Sprayer has developed a tool that calculates the difference in R.O.I. between a pull-behind and self-propelled sprayer. Smith mentions, "The yield increase information is what makes the comparison a slam dunk for a self-propelled sprayer. In fact, when ET does the analysis, we typically only put the increase in yield at .4% just to show that even with conservative estimates, it costs no more to own a self-propelled sprayer than it does a pull-behind and it most likely will make you money faster."   Intersted in a self-propelled sprayer cost of ownership analysis? Contact Nick Smith, Sales Manager and Equipment Technologies. Nick's team has developed a proprietary tool that analyzes your increase in yield and factors in the costs associated with either a pull-behind sprayer or hiring a custom applicator compared to the purchase of an Apache sprayer. (866) 463-0452 or nick.smith@etsprayers.com