Everyone knows planting with ideal seed placement is key to ROI and you are losing big money per acre by not placing seed properly. Several factors affect spacing quality and singulation, but do you know how your planter is performing? If the answer is no, you need a window into your planter, and the InCommand® 1200 gives you just that.

With InCommand 1200 you now have a window into planter performance, before it costs you yield. Something you didn’t have before.

View row-by-row activity and more on a single display

See high-resolution and real-time maps that display skips and doubles, singulation, population, spacing quality, gauge wheel load, downforce applied and more.

View historical pass-to-pass information with directional arrows and split-screen functionality so you can dive into more specific information. Plus you’ll have planting maps in hand when you leave the cab with AgFiniti®!

Split Screen View

View row-by-row activity and more on a single display. Using split-screen, you can single into a row for greater resolution, load a background map to compare previous in-field activity throughout the season and more. At the same time see your historical pass-to-pass data. Data visibility is what the InCommand display is all about!

Full-Farm Connectivity

Don’t forget the power of AgFiniti for full-farm connectivity anywhere, anytime! Your InCommand display can seamlessly connect with AgFiniti to allow information to flow across your team. All machines, devices, tablets, phones, and displays across the operation are updated with historical and real-time information including coverage maps, guidelines, and prescriptions. No need for USB drives or desktop software processing – information is automatically synced with AgFiniti across all your devices. You can also set up sharing relationships with trusted advisors like your co-op manager or agronomist. Or set up remote viewing access with your dealer for even more collaboration with your extended team. Learn more about AgFiniti here. 

Avoid costly mistakes

Fun Fact: Using row-by-row planting data from the InCommand™ 1200, an amazing 80% of our first-year participants were able to uncover problems they never knew they had. With historical pass-to-pass mapping you can clearly see issues plaguing your planter and address them before they cost you dearly!

As you can see, InCommand really shines in the planting tractor. And that’s not the whole story, InCommand has benefits year-round! Learn more about InCommand here.

Point row clutches, section control, clutch control, no matter what you call it, it’s one of the best return on investment (ROI) in precision ag. In this blog, we will outline the solutions Ag Leader offers and the benefits of the system. 

To begin, section control on a planter consists of a mechanical shut-off device and the electronic controller in the cab with a GPS receiver on the machine.

The shut-off device may be a point row clutch mounted on every row unit or electronic shut-off device that controls a section (multiple rows) of the planter. Ag Leader works with almost all, if not all, shut-off devices on the market – including most OEM, air and electric offerings. Since 2009 Ag Leader has offered their own electric shut-off devices, the SureStop® and the SureVac®. 

The electronic controller and GPS receiver are the brains of the operation. They tell each clutch or section to automatically turn on/off based on speed, location, previously planted areas, field boundaries, implement measurements and more. That can be complex but Ag Leader has pioneered in this sphere since 2005 with the introduction of AutoSwath™ and the InSight® display.

The GPS receiver gives the system speed, location and direction information. Clutching accuracy will always be better with more accurate GPS sources, typically any source better than WAAS is recommended though WAAS will work. 

Next, I’ll talk about some of the main benefits to a section control system:

Low Maintenance

Most section control devices are reliable and trouble-free, especially Ag Leader’s SureStop or SureVac clutches.

The SureStop clutch is a sealed unit that mounts on the inside of the row unit. The input and output chains will periodically need to be lubricated to prevent corrosion but otherwise, it’s a very hassle-free unit. Ag Leader has sold a number of these clutches since 2009 and the failure rate has been extremely low. 

SureVac clutches are also very reliable and trouble free. SureVac is intended for John Deere vac planters from roughly 1991 on, it simply replaces the existing seed meter door and plugs into the electric harness. The SureVac clutch is essentially a solenoid mounted to the plastic door cover so there aren’t many moving parts. You will want to periodically inspect the rub pad as it is a wear item, details can be found here.  

Improved Agronomics

The main agronomic benefit to section control is to reduce planting overlap and in turn increase yield. In headlands or point row areas where plants (especially corn) are encroaching on each other’s space, there is a risk that multiple plants will fight for their own resources. Sometimes these plants will not even put on an ear.

Low Investment Cost

Since clutch control has been around for many years, planters with clutches already installed are more prevalent on the market. Also, older and/or lower priced controllers are capable of running section control.

When purchasing new, clutches are simpler – therefore more affordable – than electric meter drives. All these factors help to keep the cost lower on these systems. 

Seed Cost Savings

Perhaps the biggest benefit of a section control system is the seed savings. Today’s high tech seed is not cheap and not getting any cheaper! Seed savings can be dramatic with clutch control, especially if your fields have a lot of point rows.

Still not convinced? Check out our section control ROI calculator here! To learn more about Ag Leader clutches and section control, see our tech resources on the subject here. 

2019’s most eligible valentine is our SeedCommand® line. Contact your local precision expert to learn how to score a date with this system during planting!

Name: SeedCommand

Occupation: Improving planters around the world

Birthday: 2006 – Ames, Iowa

What are your hobbies?

Ensuring even plant spacing, proper planter down force and uplift, contributing to even emergence and most of all, helping farmers achieve a perfect plant stand.

What is your ideal date?

Equipping almost every brand of planter with cutting-edge technology, and then working sun up to sun down to provide excellent spacing, singulation, turn compensation and proper down force.

Tell us about your family:

My family is diverse, but everyone works to improve the life of farmers. They include InCommand® 1200, SureDrive® electric drives, and SureForce™ hydraulic down force and uplift. 

Do you have any hidden talents?

Actually, I have quite a few!

I save farmers money by providing turn compensation around curves and terraces, insuring the same amount of seed is properly planted on the inside and outside rows!

I’m colorblind, meaning I work on nearly every planter and meter on the market!

I’m really low maintenance. No meeting the parents, just a reliable system for your planter. In fact, SureDrive electric drives eliminate chains, air clutches, harnesses and bearings.

I’m totally predictable. Hydraulic down force and uplift ensure consistent seed placement and depth, no matter the field condition or soil type, and automatically responds to changes across the field.

I’m completely transparent. Using the InCommand 1200, I can tell you exactly what your planter is doing, all the way down to the row level, at all times as it’s going across the field. Quickly identify and correct costly planting mistakes that wouldn’t have been noticed until harvest. 

Want a date with SeedCommand? Talk to your local precision expert!

Valentine’s Day is a time for reflection on people and things we’re happy for in our lives, to be intentional about the things we appreciate. One thing Ag Leader employees appreciate is their work environment, just read what our employers are saying!

I love working here – having the great co-workers, employee benefits, and working on great products to serve our customer needs. – Chad Gibbons, Production Assembler – Cables Department

I love the people I work with. It’s a family atmosphere that creates innovative products. – Sarah Spotts, Accounts Payable Coordinator

There is a culture of improvement at Ag Leader, and everyone is constantly asking what can we do to improve and what could we have done differently. I enjoy being an active participant in the growth of a company. – Arrend Mund, Development Lead, Software Engineering

Without a doubt, the people and the culture. Ag Leader has always been like an extended family. The freedom to chase new ideas. Being a part of a great team and challenging each other. Traveling to parts of the world that I would not have otherwise. Seeing and understanding different cultures and farming operations. – Bill Cran, Product Management, Guidance and Steering

The company culture is great – it’s a place where employees have the liberty to be creative yet supported. Also, if I can be shallow, having a generous week-long, paid Christmas break is just awesome! – Sam Worley, Marketing Specialist

Ag Leader is a company that was built upon a foundation of people who care about those they serve. Ag Leader has continued to expand by seeking out more people with the same morals and work ethic. I am thankful to be working with a group of people who care about the quality and value of the products they produce. At Ag Leader, everyone has the same goal; which makes working together as a team much more effective. Quality and value is an everyday occurrence, and I enjoy being part of the team that constantly delivers that. – Brett Buehler – Product Management, SeedCommand®

I like the fact that it is still a private company and that there is a family vibe about it, despite the fact I am working from home 5000 miles away from Ames! I also like the fact that it has allowed me to visit several places in the world that I may never have otherwise gone to. – Paul Rose, European and South African Territory Manager

The people here at Ag Leader are great. We are more like an extended family than just a group of co-workers. – Tyler Anderson, Support Specialist, Technical Support

How each member of our team has skills and abilities that complement the other members. This is most evident at a big event like our dealer summit. – Ryan Oehler, Eastern Corn Belt Territory Manager

I love how our company operates like family. I do not feel like my job is a job, I love to do what I get paid to do – not many people can say that! – Melissa Povah, Sales Coordinator, North America

Like these quotes? Wish you were as enthused about your employer? If so, check out our open positions here. 

AgFiniti® connects operations by supplying accurate and actionable information to boost machine productivity and drive confident decisions, across displays and connected devices regardless of distance between fields.

Now, the next step in connectivity is here. No more wondering what’s happening throughout the operation or waiting until the end of the day or to drive to the field to see what happened. See it live!

Coming March 2019, InCommand displays running DisplayCast will stream live planting maps to a connected AgFiniti Mobile app.

Why live maps?

• No manual steps necessary. Maps are automatically streamed to the connected AgFiniti Mobile app showing the day’s activity. 
• Don’t wait until the end of the day to evaluate performance within your operation. See what’s happening in real time and make decisions that can impact your farm.
• Know immediately if the planter in a different field is performing by seeing live information such as population, skips and doubles, down force info, and much more right from your iPad.
• Avoid unnecessary down time by confirming everyone within your operation is where they need to be, when they need to be there.

Learn more about what AgFiniti has to offer your operation, or talk to your local precision expert!

Deciding when to start planting can sometimes be overwhelming if you take into considerations the factors (Figure 1) that have an influence on corn emergence. We need to remember that corn is a warm season crop. Hybrids that are available today have great yield potential and provide the basis for tolerance to cold stress, but poorly planted seed never reaches its potential yield due to the fact the environmental factors can still reduce stand. Many growers resist planting early because the soils are too cool for emergence, however planting as early as possible helps the corn plant maximize its yield potential by utilizing more of the growing season. 

Soil Temperature

Corn development is related to soil temperature. Good germination and emergence are likely when the soil temperature is a minimum of 50 degrees at a 2-inch soil depth. Corn stands may be reduced when the average soil temperature is below 50° F. If planting before optimal soil temperature has been reached or maintained, seeds may remain dormant in the soil, however, when this occurs they become increasingly vulnerable to diseases and insects. Growers should not only consider soil temperature at planting but also the expected temperature when seeds begin rapidly soaking up water.  Establishing a good stand can be improved greatly with at least 24 hours of warmer, moist soils for germination to occur before a cold stress incident. Choosing hybrids with higher stress emergence scores can help reduce exposure to stand loss due to cold soil temperature. Selecting a hybrid with higher stress emergence is a good practice to follow so check with your local seed advisor to determine the stress ratings for the hybrids that you will plant this spring.    

Soil Moisture

With spring comes field preparation followed by planting so it is important to know your soil moisture level. Knowing how much soil moisture you have helps in minimizing the impact of fieldwork on soil compaction. Adequate soil moisture is also a key to uniform emergence. Most growers know what adequate soil moisture looks and feels like. In essence, adequate soil moisture is probably close to field capacity. Corn needs to absorb (imbibe) soil water to approximately 30% of its weight and the soil temperature needs to be at about 50°F to germinate. Uneven soil moisture throughout the seed zone is the primary cause of uneven emergence and uneven emergence can easily translate to yield loss.

As you, begin thinking about planting keep these key points in mind: 

• Corn is a warm-season crop
• Choose a hybrid with a higher stress emergence score
• Minimize cold stress:
  • Minimum soil temperature at planting is 50° F
  • By having at least 24 hours of warmer moist soil for germination before a cold stress event
• Factors that influence corn emergence:
  • Environment
  • Genetics
  • Seed Quality

Read more of our Agronomically Speaking content here!

Brave the cold and come out to the Iowa Power Farming Show this week in Des Moines!

Come see us a booth 831 on the main floor of the Community Choice Convention Center (formerly Vets) where you’ll see the latest in precision ag. Improve your bottom line and your overall farming experience in 2019 with Ag Leader. 

We look forward to seeing you there! 

On 14 – 16 January 2019, Ag Leader hosted South African distributor Cerealis at the Ag Leader Academy in Ames, Iowa.

The purpose of this training was to update the Cerealis staff on new developments and products from Ag Leader, such as the all-new DualTrac™ ultra low-speed steering system and SureForce™ hydraulic downforce system for planters.

Cerealis is the distributor for Ag Leader in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa and like any other Ag Leader distributor, they are keen to stay updated on Ag Leader’s year-round precision farming products so that they can provide unparalleled support in their local area.

Of course it was not all hard work and there was also time for some fun and socialising during the week also!

Paul Rose
TM EMEA West

Ag Leader is a global company with staff and dealers located around the world. Find your local Ag Leader dealer here!

Although it’s difficult to believe, spring is just around the corner. Now’s the time to start preparing to make the most important pass across the field, planting, this 2019 season.

In order to make the most of this season, you’ve probably already considered several options to improve over last season. For many, it’s an equipment update; others improve existing equipment by adding technology. Whether you’re taking anything new to the field this 2019, 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.

In order 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:

• 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!