As things seem to be moving more quickly in every day life, technology on the farm is no different. Below are some of the latest investments we have made in order to keep up with advancing technologies as well as providing value to our operation and our landlords.

Grid Sampling. Every 3-5 years, we sample our farms on a grid. Each grid is 2.5 acres. This method allows us to know precisely which area requires more or less nutrients depending on the specific soil sample.

Variable Rate. Following a grid sample, we are able to develop a variable rate map that allows our machines to adjust the amount of each input for specific areas as we travel across the field. We use this method for fertilizing as well as seeding. In doing this, we are able to move from the “blanket” application method that was widely used in the past thus saving us money.

Section Control. All of our equipment has GPS mapping capabilities and has for several years. The planting and spraying equipment has a feature known as section control. It is used to control each row or nozzle individually in order to prevent overlap in areas that have already been applied.

Shared Coverage. In 2015, we added coverage sharing to our planting tractors. This allows the planters to talk to each other and communicate which areas of the field have already been planted by each other; therefore, the section control will work regardless of which tractor has planted that specific area.

FieldView. In 2016, we added FieldView. This is the most comprehensive platform we use. It allows us to have all of our planting, spraying, and harvest data available on the computer or mobile device. This is convenient, not only because it is easily accessible at any time, but is also great for scouting. Yield analysis is also made very easy with this software.

Pivot Monitoring. Each pivot is equipped with a cell modem that allows us to monitor and change pivot operation remotely. We can start/stop, change application, and check overall operation from a cell phone, iPad, or computer. This allows us to keep better tabs on the equipment, as well as being efficient for repairs and several other things.Pivot Monitoring. Each pivot is equipped with a cell modem that allows us to monitor and change pivot operation remotely. We can start/stop, change application, and check overall operation from a cell phone, iPad, or computer. This allows us to keep better tabs on the equipment, as well as being efficient for repairs and several other things.