TerraStar is a high-quality correction source Ag Leader has offered since 2014. In the five years, TerraStar has expanded their signal offerings to match different farm needs, price points and geographical needs. Which TerraStar is right for you? We can help! Check out the features of each option below.

TerraStar-L

This correction signal was introduced in mid-2017 to meet a few purposes. First, it was designed to be an entry-level repeatable correction source for countries with or without a freely available correction source.

• Even countries with a satellite network like WAAS, make no claims to repeatability. This is where a subscription-based service like TerraStar-L comes in.
• Signal Obstructions. TerraStar-L handles temporary obstructions such as trees, buildings, etc. better than just WAAS alone
• TerraStar-L offers 4’’-6’’ repeatable accuracy and is available in annual subscriptions
• TerraStar-L is available for both GPS 6500 and GPS 7500 receivers
• One-year free subscription with every new GPS 7500 receiver purchase

TerraStar-C

TerraStar-C was the first TerraStar correction signal Ag Leader offered, starting when the GPS 6500 receiver was introduced in late 2014. This correction signal filled a need between those wanting something better than WAAS for high accuracy repeatable field operations such as spraying, planting or steering but did not need the absolute accuracy (nor cost) of RTK.

• TerraStar-C is a correction signal option for the GPS 6500 receiver.
• TerraStar-C provides 2”-4” (5cm) repeatable accuracy
• 3-month and 12-month subscriptions available
• Free 5-day demo

Try TerraStar to get the accuracy you need for spring planting

As mentioned above, TerraStar-C, TerraStar-C Pro and TerraStar-X all offer a free 5-day signal trial. Contact your local Ag Leader dealer for your free trial.

As you can see, Ag Leader offers a host of TerraStar subscriptions that fit many different accuracy needs and price points on the farm. Subscription options provide flexibility for when additional seasonal accuracy is needed.

Ag Leader currently offers a full line of correction signals that include RTK, TerraStar-X, TerraStar-C Pro, TerraStar-C, TerraStar-L, and WAAS/EGNOS in order to serve a large range of producers and crops.

Let AgFiniti help you be socially distant this spring!

There was a day not too long ago that being called “socially distant” wouldn’t have been a compliment. But we find ourselves here in the spring of 2020, where we’re asked to not only asked to maintain 6’ of space between one another, in many parts of the country, we’re required to do so. Many things have changed, but there’s one constant – people need to eat. That’s where you come in, and we’re here to help keep you going…safely. There will be times when face to face meetings now have to be replaced by virtual information sharing. Whether with your family members, dealer, co-op, agronomist, or others, you can safely work together by sharing information via AgFiniti. Share a prescription, coordinate field locations, or get support without the USB and the trips to the field using the sharing power of AgFiniti.  We’re offering a free 90-day AgFiniti subscription to all Ag Leader display users in order to help critical information get shared, even if face-to-face interaction isn’t possible.

Use AgFiniti to:  

See real-time stats 

See speed, direction, fleet location, as well as season-specific stats such as planting population, application rate, harvest yield and more! 

View remote displays 

Use AgFiniti to access InCommand displays for calibrating, equipment setup, troubleshooting and more! 

Share information  

Use AgFiniti to share files with your team or trusted advisors without leaving the cab!  

Track your fleet 

Know exactly where everyone in your operation is located from your phone, tablet or desktop. 

 

Setup is easy! Simply create a free account at AgFiniti.com. For more details and helpful resources, visit this page. 

As you may recall, last year Ag Leader announced an affordable annual prescriptions service to our AgFiniti® platform. Let’s expand a bit on what this service is, who it is intended for and some opportunities to learn more.

What is it?

Our AgFiniti customers can now generate prescriptions directly inside of the AgFiniti cloud, which can then be shared with their displays, for in-field machine control. This means customers can import, export, view, share, map, remotely support, generate reports and build recommendations.

Can I adjust the inputs in the recommendations?

Ag Leader understands that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to prescriptions, which is why AgFiniti users can adjust some of the inputs in these recommendations based on their own yield and soil fertility goals and the data they have available; or run a legend or equation-based prescription with customizable inputs to perfectly match their operational goals. This is in addition to the ability of our InCommand displays to further adjust prescriptions once they are loaded in.

How do I get started?

Getting started is simple. Growers need an AgFiniti account and an Essentials license. In order to generate prescriptions, growers will need to have field boundaries in AgFiniti for any field they wish to generate prescriptions for. These field boundaries can come from an Ag Leader field display, SMS Desktop Software or generated directly inside of AgFiniti with the new Boundary Manager tool.

Growers can now begin populating AgFiniti with the necessary inputs. The equation tool now allows you to build a planting recommendation for either corn or soybeans, based on a combination of your harvest datasets and the NCCPI from your soil survey information. By calculating the relationship between your actual field data and this index, the resulting prescription will allow you to define planting population for up to three yield zones.

Field boundaries serve an important purpose here–not only to assure the grower acre coverage, but this is also how customers will purchase this service. With the new Boundary Manager tool growers can generate boundaries from any mapped data saved in their account, giving them an accurate acre count in AgFiniti.

 

What is the pricing structure?

The pricing plan is especially easy to understand and budget for – a grower simply pays a flat rate of 75 cents per boundary acre for the fields they wish to build prescriptions for. After payment has been made, the grower can generate an unlimited number of prescriptions for those acres, for an entire calendar year. A secure, convenient e-commerce site allows for easy purchase.

Once the purchase is made, simply export them via AgFiniti wirelessly to Ag Leader displays, download them as .shp files or download into SMS to export for 3rd party controllers.

 

Try it Free for 100 Acres!

Using this tool for free is easy – contact your local Ag Leader dealer and check out this video to learn more about AgFiniti prescriptions and all it has to offer.

Sometimes the world of “big data” gets a bad rap. Especially when it comes to data privacy. Some companies in the spotlight recently haven’t done themselves any favors by not being completely transparent, having confusing terms of use, and accessing parts and pieces of your personal information you didn’t realize. (*cough* Alexa is listening *cough*)

In today’s climate, many farmers are concerned about companies using files stored, prescriptions created and other farm data that is in the cloud for analysis of their operation which can then be used against them when it’s time to make a purchase decision. These are valid concerns and beg the questions: Should I ditch the cloud? Or how do I KNOW my farm data is really ‘safe’?

Why the cloud?

There are many benefits to cloud-based services on the farm. For some, there are obvious advantages such as connectivity and accessibility of storage the cloud can provide. Having access to your farm data anytime right from your phone, or connecting all of your displays across your operation so each one has all the latest maps and info are good examples. If you’re working with trusted advisors, like an agronomist, to generate custom prescriptions, it’s helpful to have it sent right to your in-cab display. For this kind of connectivity across your farm a cloud-based platform, like AgFiniti, is a perfect fit.

What if I’m not ready for the cloud?

Let’s face it, cloud-based platforms aren’t for everyone. If that’s you, SMS Software can help you analyze data collected from just about any brand of display on your farm. While it has the ability to be connected to AgFiniti (which can help you share with your trusted advisors), you can choose for your data to ONLY live on your desktop.

Want to learn more about Ag Leader’s data management solutions? Talk to your local Ag Leader dealer.

We’re been busy here at Ag Leader bringing you updates and new features to our products for the spring season ahead. We have new InCommand display firmware, new SMS Software and AgFiniti versions to share.

InCommand Version 5.0

SMS Software Version 20.0

Connect SMS to Deere Operations Center!

Now connect your Deere Operation Center directly to SMS through AgFiniti to easily access all of your files for analysis. Today, the information only moves one way – from Deere to SMS. In the future, there will be the option to move Deere display files to SMS and back to your display totally wirelessly using AgFiniti. No more bringing files in using a USB, let Ag Leader’s connectivity work for you!

 

Experimenting with Seed and Input Varaibles?

Looking to test some yield-defining variables this spring? Check out the NEW Field Trial tools in SMS Advanced released in August with some new enhancements in SMS Version 20. Easily allows users to easily place individual trials, making it easier to replicate and manipulate trials as you see fit.

More Options for Installing Tile Mains

See full version 20.0 release notes and download here.

AgFiniti Version 7.0

Increased Storage Limits

Both AgFiniti licenses and SMS accounts saw increased storage capacity with this release. Specifics can be found in the release notes.

See full AgFiniti release notes here.

Spring is just around the corner and I am sure many of you have already been thinking about planting and may have started work in getting your planter ready to go.

Tillage has been a practice used by many over the years in an effort to solve problems such as seedbed preparation, weed control, burying crop residues and leveling the soil, to mention a few. While tillage operations are performed for various reasons, you still need to evaluate the need for each operation.

As your fields are prepared for planting with conventional tillage, your field can be cloddy, layered with a large amount of crop residue and wet. Outside of these conditions, you still have to deal with the various soil types across your fields.

When you put all these variables together, suddenly planting has become more difficult. Uniform emergence is a key for your crop to achieve its highest yield potential. To accomplish this, you need to plant your crop at the correct depth and make optimal seed to soil contact.  You may be asking yourself “How can I effectively control each of these variables?” An Ag Leader SureForce system can help achieve this, which may be one of the quickest returns on your investment.  Achieving uniform emergence pays dividends in the end with more bushels in the bin. Various land-grant and industry downforce research across the Midwest shows an increase in yield by 6-10%.

SureForce is an active planter row unit system that uses gauge wheel load sensors on each row to sense and respond instantly by either applying or removing force to spatially changing field conditions. It automatically applies force when gauge wheel load is insufficient or in excess as compared to the target setting.

In closing, focusing on the agronomic principles for getting your crop planted at the correct depth and achieving quality seed to soil contact is an aspect you will not regret. Seeding depth and downforce management are critical for optimizing planter performance.

Now You Can Have Both

The modern world is obsessed with speed. People want fast broadband, fast service, fast package delivery and, of course, fast food.

Farmers are no exception. The proverb, “make hay while the sun shines” applies to corn and soybean planting as much as hay making. When there’s a window of favorable planting conditions, it’s time to go.

It follows that high-speed planting would be in great demand, which has been proven through the introduction of fast planters to the market over the last few years. High-speed planting isn’t new to the market, but a high-speed system that combines high accuracy with simplicity and low maintenance is. That’s where Ag Leader’s SureSpeed planting system comes into play.

Hitting the planting window

In actuality, very few farmers can plant continuously at high speeds. “Not all producers can plant 12 miles an hour for a number of reasons,” says Bob Heston, Ag Leader product manager. Planting speed may be limited by tractor horsepower, the lay of the land, or ground conditions.

The true value of high-speed planting is more about timing than speed. Oftentimes farmers only have a short window when field conditions are ideal for planting. The 2019 growing season, for instance, left many farmers with just a few days when the ground was dry enough to plant.

“Increasing planting speed can be a huge benefit to hit that planting window,” says Heston. “You’re often planting in between weather breaks, and planting into soil that is too wet or dry can cost you yield.”

“Increasing planting speed in areas of the field where you are able to can help you to get more acres planted per day. This increased productivity not only allows you to hit your optimum planting window, but also lets you plant more acres when ground conditions are fit and stay out of the field when they are not.”

Higher speeds with excellent accuracy

This year, Ag Leader is introducing a high-speed planting system called SureSpeed. It’s designed to maintain 99% accuracy at any speed up to 12 mph.

“New high speed planters come with a steep price tag, so SureSpeed, which is our aftermarket option, is a very cost-effective way to get this technology on your planter,” says Heston.

Initial reports on SureSpeed performance show exceptional results.

Producer John Evans of Little River, Texas, installed SureSpeed on his 16-row John Deere planter as part of Ag Leader’s spring field testing.

“Just from what we’ve seen running SureSpeed this spring, I’m impressed. We were planting over 12 mph and consistently getting more than 99% singulation,” Evans says. “I won’t run that fast always, but it is nice to have the option. It could easily cut my planting window in half.”

Evans also reported that SureSpeed was easy to install. “The whole system installation was fairly simple. It went fast and wasn’t complicated,” he says.

“The system is built exactly like I’d expect from Ag Leader. On par with their other products, SureSpeed is well made and looks like it will last.”

Unique seed delivery design 

SureSpeed is designed from the ground up to be a high-speed system.

“Its unique meter design maximizes singulation at all speedswith a no-adjust floating singulator, while a controlled transfer of seed from the meter to the delivery device ensures perfect spacing,” says Heston.

A brushless DC motor and Kevlar-reinforced belt ensures SureSpeed will stand up to tough field conditions while minimizing maintenance costs. SureSpeed also works seamlessly with variable rate planting systems.

“Another feature of SureSpeed is that eliminating mechanical drives, chains and clutches reduces planter maintenance. For field serviceability, you can disassemble the whole system with no tools,” Heston says.

Works well with others

SureSpeed works best when combined with another Ag Leader product, the SureForce^® hydraulic downforce system.

“Together, SureSpeed and SureForce provide high accuracy seed spacing as well as consistent depth,” Heston says. “In addition, the system is controlled with Ag Leader’s industry-leading InCommand 1200 display.

The InCommand 1200 also delivers year-round functionality—from planting through harvest—including guidance and steering control for a truly all-in-one solution.

SureSpeed will be available for the 2021 planting season with aftermarket kits for all major brands of planters.

Have you considered a career in the Agriculture industry? It is very rewarding knowing you’re helping farmers feed, fuel and clothe the world! Plus, the ag industry is just plain fun! It’s about working hard and playing hard. It’s about being helpful and respectful to each other and it’s about a common goal of improvement.

Here at Ag Leader there are careers and positions for varying levels experience and skill sets. We have positions ranging from engineering and product management to field sales and technical support. No matter, we all share a common mission to develop new technologies, products and support systems to create a product line of unmatched range, quality and customer satisfaction.

Don’t take our word for it, read about our happy employees here.

Ag Leader is also a great place to work for the generous perks and benefits. Here’s why:

Leadership Opportunities

We value cultural fit and character over a full resume and believe in promoting from within whenever possible. Many of our company leaders started right out of school in our technical support department or production team.

Continuing Education

In the fast-paced technology industry, continuous learning is crucial. Whether it’s getting a degree or attending a conference, we encourage continuing education and provide financial assistance and support to do it.

Aggressive 401k Match

We match up to 6%, and employees are fully vested from day one.

High Quality, Affordable Healthcare

We offer a very affordable and comprehensive family healthcare plan including dental and vision.

Generous Time Off 

Our time off package ensures vacations and sick or personal time ranging from 4 weeks to 6 weeks in total based on tenure. Plus, paid holidays and a 10-day end-of-year break.

End of Year Break

At the end of the year, we close our doors to encourage employees to spend time with their families, rest and wrap up the year. We are closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

Cash for Workplace Milestones

Get recognized at a bi-annual awards ceremony and receive cash at date of hire anniversaries.

Community Involvement

Ag Leader believes in giving back. We participate in philanthropic efforts that benefit our community.

 

 

Does all this sound enticing? Check out our open positions here.

Although it’s difficult to believe, spring planting will be just around the corner. Now’s the time to start preparing to make the most important pass across the field – planting – this 2020 season.

In order to make the most of planting this season, you’ve probably already considered several options to improve over last year. For many, it’s an equipment update; others improve existing equipment by adding technology. Whether you’re taking anything new to the field for 2020, or just planning to make the best of what you already have, there are a few things you need to know to ensure your seeds are placed the BEST that they can be this season.

For any of your new technology or hardware to perform at its peak, there are several general maintenance items on your planter’s row unit that should not go unchecked.

Opening Disks

The primary parts of the row unit that create the seed trench. Perfect seed placement requires a perfect trench.

a. Check for wear – most seeds disks are 15” diameter when new, and they should be replaced if worn at, or past 14.5”

b. Shim properly – target 1.5” – 2” of blade contact area. Using a pair of business cards, slide one in from the top, and the other from the bottom. The space between the cards should be about 2”. Most business cards are 2” wide, so you’ll need to use the tape measure here.

Shimming is important because:

• Too tight generates too much side load on the bearings and will cause premature failure.
• Too loose and the trench is no longer “V” shaped; instead, it looks more like a “W”. Seeds will not fall to the bottom of the trench, causing inconsistent seed depth.

Note:
Always replace the seed tube guard when replacing opening disks. As the opening disks wear, the rock guard will wear unevenly. When new opening disks are installed over a used seed tube guard, premature wear on the opening disks may result. The guard width is also important to keep the edges of the opening disks away from the seed tube. A worn guard may lead to damage at the bottom of the seed tube, causing inconsistent seed within the trench.

Gauge Wheels

Gauge wheels should be adjusted such that when they are pulled away from the opening disks, there is very slight contact.

Proper adjustment is important because:

Proper adjustment is important because:

• Too tight and the gauge wheel will not turn freely. This can cause premature wear to the gauge wheel, or worse yet, it may not turn in softer soils, causing the row unit to plow soil, rather than create a trench.
• Too loose and the gauge wheel will allow dry soil at the surface in between the opening disk and the gauge wheel. The dry soil falls into the trench prior to closing, causing seeds to germinate at varying rates, leading to uneven emergence. In wet conditions, the gap will allow mud to collect inside the gauge wheel, eventually causing it to seize, requiring it to be removed and cleaned.

Closing Wheels

Closing wheels are potentially the most often overlooked adjustment. Closing wheels should be centered over the trench. When running off the side, the trench is folded one way or the other, allowing air pockets to remain in the trench, leading to uneven emergence.

a. Simply pull the lowered planter through the farmyard to verify each closing wheel is centered over the trench.

If adjustments are required, loosen and adjust until the closing wheels are running level and centered over the trench.

We hope you find this information helpful to improve your planter’s performance in the coming year. Be sure to also check out our planting products that will be sure to further improve your performance!

Ag Leader to add SureSpeed, high-accuracy, high-speed planting system to its full-farm precision farming portfolio.

AMES, Iowa, January 7, 2020 –Today, Ag Leader announced its high-speed planting system SureSpeed, to serve row crop farmers with accurate seed placement at speeds up to 12 miles per hour. The meter with integrated delivery system was developed in collaboration with Kinze Manufacturing. Introduction is planned for the 2021 planting season through each company’s respective dealer networks.

“Working with Kinze made sense in many ways because we’re both family-owned companies that put the needs of the farmer first. Leveraging Kinze’s expertise in leading seed meter technology ensured a high-quality product,” said Al Myers, president of Ag Leader. “Ag Leader strives to provide the highest quality year-round platform in precision farming. SureSpeed broadens our planting portfolio allowing us to meet a wide range of grower needs for planter technology.”

Sure At Any Speed

The SureSpeed planting system was created with accuracy of seed placement in mind at all speeds from 3 to 12 mph. Many factors can influence planting speed, and when conditions are right to speed up, farmers don’t want to be limited by their ability to accurately place seeds in the ground. The system is designed to accommodate the need of the farmer at any speed without giving up proper seed placement.

Engineered for Accuracy

Every detail of the SureSpeed system was designed to account for superior accuracy at any speed. Unique meter orientation on the row unit allows seed to move seamlessly between the meter and delivery system resulting in accurate seed placement. Additionally, the meter was designed to handle a variety of seed shapes and sizes accurately and without singulator adjustments for hassle-free planting.

Paired with Ag Leader’s hydraulic down force solution, SureForce®, the system provides the highest available force capacity on the market to maintain consistent ground contact and smooth row unit ride with increasing speed in varying conditions.

Industry-leading Display

Ag Leader’s SureSpeed planting system is controlled by Ag Leader’s industry-leading display, InCommand 1200. The InCommand 1200 display provides a window into your planter to view individual row detail with side-by-side planting performance maps. Additionally, InCommand displays help farmers stay connected by instantly sharing live maps, autoswath coverage, guidance lines and more to other displays. View live or historical field maps and summaries from your phone or tablet anytime, anywhere.

See it in Louisville

Come to Ag Leader’s booth at the 2020 National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky February 12-15 for the first showing of the SureSpeed planting system.