Technology is so exciting when your prescription file (Rx) uploads to the monitor, when your planter runs smoothly, and when planting rates change by zone.

The primary reason we implement new technology is for convenience. However, there are few things more frustrating than not being able to reach tech support when you have an issue with your precision ag software or hardware. That’s why in this article we’re providing you with a list of resources to help resolve issues that might arise.

Your equipment dealer should be your first call if he or she sold you precision ag monitors or hardware for your equipment. They can typically walk through some diagnostics over the phone. Climate FieldView™ (CFV) also has an excellent staff on call at 1-888-924-7475. These staff members are trained to diagnose issues with CFV and the Cab Drive, as well as how to navigate through different monitors.

Smartphones are another useful resource. Climate has excellent resources online, including a YouTube channel with “how to” videos that demonstrate how to import and export data. These videos also demonstrate other important tasks for planting season. In addition, Climate’s “Knowledge Center” is the best place to find helpful videos, information, and PDF reports that you can print and keep in the tractor cab for future reference.

Another unique feature of the CFV platform is the “remote view,” which allows you to give permission for someone to see your iPad screen and troubleshoot in real time. This could help you diagnose a planter problem, such as issues with singulation or seed spacing. Remote View also may be used to load Rx planting file. Another benefit of this feature is that someone can see the field where you’re working and how much ground you have left, so he or she knows when to bring seed to the next field.

Unless your precision ag equipment is working properly, the value is lost. Sometimes farmers decide to keep planting without taking the time to record the data or without making the time to ensure the data is being properly recorded. Remember, the data you’re collecting can only bring so much value to your operation. Garbage in equals garbage out!

Think of precision ag equipment like the other equipment you fix on your farm. The technology in your cab is really another tool that can provide you with valuable insight. If you are interested in understanding how your data can impact your bottom line, call your Latham RSM to schedule a Cab Drive demo this spring in your planter.

Yield monitors, fancy sensors, and imagery tend to receive the “oohs and aahs” when it comes to precision ag technology. But is that what matters most?

For those who are just starting to use precision ag technology, it’s best to begin with the basics. Climate FieldView™ puts very valuable layers of data right at your finger tips to help make decisions that directly impact your bottom-line.

Fertility should be the base of any crop production system because soil sampling gives your crops the best chance for success. Using the Climate FieldView app, you can pull in your soil sampling data. Use the split-screen tool to view the soil sampling side-by-side with yield data to diagnose season-long problems; or view it beside satellite imagery during the season to make critical last-minute application decisions (see image). You can even use it side-by-side while planting to make last-minute population adjustments based on areas you know have lower fertility.

Soil pH and liming is the foundational piece of the puzzle that can significantly impact how well the other fertilizers and herbicides you apply are getting used by crops. You can apply variable rates of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and seed. Unless the pH is correct, many of those
applications will be a wash in terms of yield impact. For example, once the soil pH drops below
5.8, soybean nodulation for nitrogen fixation significantly decreases and causes that yellow
soybean look to linger longer and lower yield. If your corn is growing in soils with a pH below 5.5, phosphorus availability takes a nose dive. Phosphorus is critical for yield as it is involved in photosynthesis, respiration, energy reactions, and many other important processes.

In regions of Latham Country, farmers struggle more with high pH and the ability to bring it down into that preferred range of 6.0 to 7.0. It’s not economically feasible to attempt lowering pH for large scale production, but having this data at your fingertips can guide you to those areas where you may need for focus on more tolerant crops such as Latham® IRONCLAD™ soybeans. You also can monitor those areas for rescue applications of certain micro-nutrients. In addition, you can apply variable rates of N, P, K fertilizers that include Sulfur, Zinc, or other nutrients to meet a particular crop’s demands in higher-yielding areas.

Whatever the case may be for your specific field, the soil database layers within the Climate FieldView App can help with everything from planning during these winter months to inseason
diagnosis. A pretty yield map can be a real attentiongetter, but when you link your yield map with fertility, it takes FieldXField^SM crop planning to the next level. By using precision ag tools, you can be confident you’re giving top-yielding Latham genetics the best chance of success!