The Grain Bin - Fall 2012

7/30/2019 The Grain Bin - Fall 2012

1/7

1Fall 2012 Volume 7

To Store or Not to Store?The drought has caused this to be a year of tough decisions and unusual timing for farming

practices. While you are certainly getting closer to the end of this farming cycle, there are still moredifficult decisions to be made. Primarily: to store or not to store?

Agriculture economists are urging farmers to sell their grain directly to the elevator and skip

storage this year. In short crop years, prices tend to peak early then decline through the remainderof the marketing year. Current market trends are signaling that farmers need to deliver at harvestbecause storing grains and hoping for a higher price will not be profitable. The US Department of

Agriculture estimates a thirteen percent decrease in corn and a twelve percent decrease in soybeanyields compared to 2011. Although these reports (coupled with the summer-long drought) causedcorn and soybean prices to soar, experts warn against waiting out the market for even higher prices

as they are expected to decline during the first quarter of 2013 when the South American farmersharvest their corn and soybeans.

With that, specialists are asserting farmers should only store grain if you have a contract withethanol or food processors with specified laterdelivery dates or if you are a livestock producer

supplying your own feed. Experts also note thatfarmers choosing to store their grain this yearshould be mindful of the possible abundance ofchallenges this fall, including insects, dry downmethods, mold, and leftover fine material inbins. Be sure to look into all options this har-vest and chose what is best for your operation.

Information provided by Purdue University Extension.

Fall 2012 Volume 7

A Quarterly Publication byMacAllister Machinery


2/7

2Fall 2012 Volume 7

NEW Challenger MT700DTo further cut operating costs, AGCO has released three new models in the Challenger

MT700D Series. These machines combine the most advanced, economical engines with the industry-leading Mobil-TracTMsystems superior traction with low compaction.

The MT700D Series tractors are powered by the newest 8.4 liter, six cylinder AGCO POWERTMengines, which are designed and built specifically for agricultural applications and equipped withfour valves/cylinder and common rail injection along with Generation 2, e3 Select Catalytic Reduc-tion (SCR) technology. Efficiency is taken to a new level with this system as it cuts fuel consumptionby ten percent, while complying to the Stage IIIB emission standards. Plus the engine is lightweightand quiet during operation.

Challenger remains the first and only tractor designed specifically for use on rubber tracksand the new MT700D Series continues to offer the Mobil-Trac systems unmatched traction with lowcompaction. Challengers exclusive Mobil-Trac technology is the result of twenty-five years of experi-ence in leading track design that spreads the load over a larger footprint. This provides ultimatetraction while reducing ground pressure and soil compaction, which protects soil structure and helpsimprove crop root development, and ultimately increases yields. Operators will get more work donein less time with this exclusive system, as it transmits unmatched levels of drawbar power with mini-

mal slip. All three new models are standard equipped with highly durable poly mid-wheels with ahard-wearing polyurethane working surface. The high resistance to chipping and damage extendswork life in harsh environments. Durability is also increased by the new bearings with larger bearingcups that hold more lubrication oil.

MT700D Series tractors feature refinements to future boost performance and durability. Mostvisibly noticeable is the new oval-shaped exhaust stack that contains the catalytic converters. Thenew design improves forward visibility and benefits the SCR system. Operators will also notice aslight change to the transmission that improves comfort and control while shifting. The cab isequipped with a new power strip providing more connections for implement terminals. The strip can

also be used to powertelephone chargers andother devices requiringelectric power. Doors onthese new tractors canbe locked and unlockedusing the new ignitionkey, which will help pro-tect your optional factory-installed radio.

Contact your localMacAllister Machinery

representative to learnmore about the newChallenger MT700D Se-ries tractors.

Above: Challenger MT700D Series tractors combine AGCO POWERTM engines,the most advanced engines available, with the exclusive efficiency of Mobil-TracTM.

Information provided by Challenger. Photo courtesy of AGCO.


3/7

3Fall 2012 Volume 7

NEW Sunflower 5056 Field CultivatorsAGCO has released five new Sunflower 5056 Series field cultivators for 2013 that are de-

signed to cover acres quickly while providing consistent field preparation. The new models join theindustry-leading Sunflower 5000 Series of field cultivators. Ranging from 45 to 63 feet wide, theyare among the largest in the industry.

The 5056 Series field cultivators are designed for maximum residue flow and consistent fieldpreparation. They feature deep frames with 26-inch clearance and precise shank placement, whichprovides unrivaled performance and unobstructed residue flow-through. Shanks are available in ei-ther an S-tine design for lighter soils or a 190-pound point load, spring-tension design for roughersoil conditions. The 9-inch cultivator shovels on 6-inch centers design, which provides 1.5 inches ofoverlap on each side, creates a full cut to guarantee that all grasses and weeds are sheared andthat shallow compaction layers are shattered. Stability and even shovel depth across the machine'swidth is provided by heavy-duty walking tandems and swiveling front-gauge wheels on each of thefive frame sections. This feature enhances seedbed consistency and ensures consistent crop emer-gence for improved yields. The five finishing attachment options customize these machines to tacklea wide variety of soil types and varying residue-management needs for optimal field preparation.

Contact your local

MacAllister Machinery repre-sentative to learn moreabout the new Sunflower5056 Series field cultivators.

Information provided by Sunflower. Photo courtesy of AGCO.

Show Us Your Winter Wonderland!Winter will be here in no time and we want to see what your farm looks like under snow!

There are few things in life more gorgeous than a snow-covered farm, barn, or tractor. Send us win-ter pictures of your AGCO equipment in use or simply buried in the beauty of winter, your farm orbarn, country Christmas lights, or livestock in pastures that have now become a winter wonderlandand we will feature them in the upcoming Winter 2012 edition of The Grain Bin. Anything farm orfarm equipment, current or past we want to seeit! Send your photos via email to Leo Leighton [email protected] no later thanSaturday, November 24th. Be sure to include

your name, your farms name, and the location ofthe photo/your farm. Please also include the equip-ments model (since it will most-likely be covered insnow). Feel free to include any additional detailsyoud like to share. We are looking forward tospending another great winter with you and wantto start by sharing your winter wonderland photosin The Grain Bin Winter 2012.


4/7

4Fall 2012 Volume 7

Information provided by Purdue Weed Science Department and Purdue Extension.

Know Your The early spring planting and the summer-long drought have caused corn and soybeans to ma-

ture earlier than usual. Add the recent rains to the equation and farmers are left with an abundance of

in mature crops. Purdue weed scientists warn that fields with actively growing

green weeds could create problems for farmers duringharvest. This is expected to be a statewide issue. And

in a year where crop yields and quality are already ex-pected to be low, the last thing you need is the extraproblems brought on by pesky weeds during harvest.

Generally, late-summer droughts or a killingfrost dry out the ground and prevent new, green weedgrowth from occurring. However, crops matured muchearlier this year so scientists are recommending the useof herbicides to dry down weeds for a timely harvest.Herbicide application is not mandatory, but if weedgrowth is bad enough it could cause more wear andtear on your machinery and diminish grain quality. Har-

vest equipment is designed to gather mature crops, notgreen growth. Green weeds passing through combinesand other harvesting equipment can cause the machinery to break down and delay harvest. Greenweeds growing alongside corn and soybeans can also cause problems after harvest. Weeds can in-crease moisture in yields and decrease grain quality. The primary weeds seen thus far include velvet-leaf, foxtail, morning glories, winter annuals and cover crops that are already starting to re-germinate.

It is important to remember that most harvest aid products are contact herbicides and the selection of spray volumes and nozzles is vital to adequate coverage. Select nozzles that allow for smallerdroplets to penetrate the canopy and cover the vegetation, but are large enough to avoid drift issues.Most labels recommend at least ten gallons per acre for ground application and a minimum of five gal-

lons per acre for aerial application. Always check the herbicide label for proper application techniquesprior to use. Also check the label for application periods because many herbicides cannot be used soonbefore harvest.

Between the added moisture from the green weeds and theearly planting and harvesting, grain could be going into bins atmuch higher moisture and temperature levels than under normalharvest conditions. Unless grain is dried to appropriate levels, farm-

ers could lose their crops to . Grain quality specialists warn

that this is particularly true for corn. In fact, mold will grow at 15percent moisture if the corn is fairly warm.

It is recommended that early harvested corn be stored at amoisture content of 14.5 percent, or at 13 percent if the grain willbe stored through next summer. To achieve these lower moisturelevels quickly, farmers should use high-temperature cross flow dry-ing. You can also increase the drying rate by using a techniquecalled layer drying, where grain is placed into a bin in layers whilecontinuously drying.

Above: Green weeds in mature crops are onthe rise this harvest season.

Above: Increased moisturemeans greater chance of moldycrops.


5/7

5Fall 2012 Volume 7

Brittany Swackhamer is afreelance writer from Cicero,Indiana. She has a passion

for agriculture, livestock, and rural life.

About the Editor

Uses for

Everyday ItemsEach issue will include creative

uses for everyday items. This columnwill provide clever and creative solu-tions using items already found in yourhome. Have a creative use for an ordi-nary item? Submit your idea and see itfeatured in The Grain Bin. Submis-sions can be emailed to Leo Leighton

at [email protected].

Kitchen Fixes

Jewel CD Case: Keep the messy in-gredients off your grandmothers fa-mous recipe. Setthe jewel case onthe counter withthe lid standing up,then slide the rec-

ipe card inside toprotect it fromsplatters and spills.Bonus! This doubles as a recipe stand.Toothbrush: Find the end of the plas-tic or cling wrap. Rub the brush aroundthe roll to find the hiding edge.Zippered Plastic Bag: Knead doughwithout getting sticky fingers. Put thedough in a bag and knead, or slip a

bag over your hands like a glove.

Harvest SafetyThe pressure of harvest easily leads to fatigue - a

major factor in farm accidents. This harvest season,take your time and put safety first. Be sure to get plentyof rest and know your limits. Your farming operationcannot afford for you not to.

While AGCO has built safety features into theirequipment, some farming hazards simply cannot beeliminated. That is why you need to keep these tips inmind. Do so and youll be sure to harvest a safe andplentiful crop.

Turn the engine off before unplugging cloggedequipment.

Be sure all guards and shields are secured beforeoperating your equipment.

Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing and protec-tive shoes or boots.

Remind kids not to approach machinery while it isrunning and that farm equipment is not a junglegym.

Always let someone know where you will be work-ing.

Avoid sleep deprivation and exhaustion.

Take time to enjoy your harvest. Youve earned it!


6/7

Holidays & Events

October

November

December

Farmers

FutureForecast

The Old Farmers Almanac has beenpredicting the weather since 1792, whenRobert E. Thomas devised a secret formulafor forecasting. Todays forecasts are basedon three scientific disciplines: solar science,climatology, and meteorology. The predic-tions are determined by comparing solar pat-terns and historical weather conditions withcurrent solar activity.

According to the Almanac, we will see

above normal precipitation with lower tem-peratures throughout the entire state duringOctober. With a muchmore significant deviationfrom normal in the LowerLakes region. This regionwill then experience belownormal precipitation andtemperatures in both No-vember and December.Whereas the Ohio Valley

will experience below nor-mal temperatures withnormal precipitation in the final two monthsof 2012.

24827

31

346122223

26

6

921242531

World Farm Animals DayTen-FourColumbus DayMake a Difference Day

Halloween

Sadie Hawkins DayDaylight Saving Time EndsElection Day

Veterans DayThanksgivingMM CLOSEDBlack Friday

Cyber Monday

St. Nicholas Day

Hanukah BeginsWinter BeginsChristmas EveChristmas DayMM CLOSEDNew Years Eve

6Fall 2012 Volume 7

Maize MazesOne of the best parts of fall is getting

lost in a corn maze! Grab your family andtruly enjoy the crops you love. Start by go-ing to www.CornMazesAmerica.comand click on the Corn Maze Visitors tab.Next click on the

Maze Directory op-tion. From there,click on Indiana anda list of Hoosier cornmazes will open.There are several

throughout the state- no doubt there isone near you.

Right: Get lost inacres of fun at a cornmaze. There are sev-eral throughout the state with varying levels ofdifficulty and some are even haunted!

The law of harvest is to reap more than

you sow.

Sow an act, and you reap a habit.

Sow a habit, and you reap a character.

Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.~James Allen, Author

Penny For YourThoughts


7/7

7Fall 2012 Volume 7

SubmissionsSubmit your comments, questions, pictureand ideas to Leo Leighton. We look forwar

to hearing from [email protected]

Location: Lafayette, IN

Who is who at Lafayette?

Dan Troyer, Service Representative: Interests: bow fishing, camping, and working on oldoutboard motors.

David Hayse, Sales Representative: Has been with MM 7 years. He and his wife, Kim,have 3 children: Olivia (12), Isaiah (8) & Garrett (6). Interests: building furniture, spending timewith family, and hunting.

Joel Redmond, Technician: Has been with MM 15 years. He and his wife, Michelle, have 2daughters, Kyleigh (13) & Josie (9). Interests: bow hunting, fishing, and spending time with family.Has also owned and operated an archery pro shop for 6+ years.

Kenny Kincaid, Parts Specialist: Lives in Lebanon with his wife, Nancy; his children, Ka-tie, Derek, & Jared; daughter-in-law, Abby; and granddaughter, Hadley. Interests: golfing,spending time with his family, and enjoying the farm that has been in his family over 100 years.With his background in Ag, Kenny has developed many relationships that he will always cherish,

and he would like to thank MM for helping expand them.

The Grain Bin - Fall 2012

Documents

Transcript of The Grain Bin - Fall 2012