Resource Magazine January/February 2015 Engineering and ... · RESOURCE January/February 2015 5...

O ne of the privileges ofserving as President ofASABE is recognizingand celebrating award

winners and the many outstandingaccomplishments of our members.This issue of Resource includesseveral of such opportunities.

The AE50 Awards program pro-vides a unique forum for the Societyto highlight advancements in tech-nology across a variety of fields.Many of the company recipients

reflect the visionary ideas and engineering contributions of ourmembers. The Visual Challenge has become one of my favoriteevents of the magazine’s year, as selected images illustrate theoften fascinating and varied facets of the work our members doand the locations they work in. And in addition, this issue laudsthe accomplishments of two younger members—an essayist anda graphic design artist—along with three members who alsowon awards “back then” when they, too, were college or gradu-ate students. Here’s to the future of ASABE!

Representing our Society at various events and interna-tional forums provides a second privilege—from the 18thCIGR World Congress in Beijing to the Iowa Section meetingin Ames and the Borlaug Dialogues and World Food Prize inDes Moines, among others. At every occasion, our memberscontinually impress me with the impact they are making as

they engage in the challenges before them. The ASABE con-tingent at the CIGR World Congress led in many internationalstandards sessions, and several academic department headsfrom U.S. universities participated in an exceptional informa-tion exchange with their Chinese counterparts. And while inAmes, Darrin Drollinger and I attended the dedication ofElings Hall and Sukup Hall, two new buildings that serve asthe home for Iowa State University’s Department ofAgricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The buildings areshowpieces for agricultural and biological engineering, and Ileft the ceremony with a profound sense of wonder at whatwill be accomplished by our members—present and future—educated there and at other schools with an ag and bio engi-neering footprint. At the Borlaug Dialogues, a nearlyweeklong program focusing on food security challengesaround the globe, ASABE members were engaged in discus-sions about the solutions needed to feed the expected 9+ bil-lion people in the world by 2050. The meeting furtherexamined many of the themes explored at the AnnualInternational Meeting in Montreal last summer.

These events and others continue to challenge me to seekways to promote the contributions of ASABE members tothose outside our profession. I am more convinced than everthat we must continue to engage the world.

Terry A. Howell Jr., [email protected]

2 January/February 2015 RESOURCE

from the President

events calendarASABE CONFERENCES AND INTERNATIONAL MEETINGSTo receive more information about ASABE conferences and meetings,call ASABE at (800) 371-2723 or e-mail [email protected].

2015

Feb. 9-11 Agricultural Equipment Technology Conference.Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

May 3-5 ASABE 1st Climate Change Symposium —Adaptation and Mitigation. Chicago, Illinois, USA.

July 26-29 ASABE Annual International Meeting.New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Nov. 10-12 Irrigation Symposium.Long Beach, California, USA.

2016

July 17-20 ASABE Annual International Meeting.Orlando, Florida, USA.

ASABE ENDORSED EVENTS

2015

May 31- 2015 18th International Soil ConservationJune 5 Organization (ISCO). El Paso, Texas, USA.

July 5-8 CSBE Conference & Annual General Meeting.Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Marketing the Value of Ag and Bio Engineering

American Society ofAgricultural and

Biological Engineers2950 Niles Road

St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA269.429.0300, fax [email protected], www.asabe.org

4 12.5 Meter 760CG Varifeed™ Grain HeaderNew Holland

1910 Commodity CartJohn Deere

5 2730 Combination RipperJohn Deere

6120 Grape HarvesterOxbo International Corporation

645FD HydraFlex™ Draper PlatformJohn Deere Harvester Works

7400A TerrainCut™ Trim andSurrounds Mower and 8800A TerrainCut™ Rough MowerJohn Deere

6 Active Concave IsolationJohn Deere Harvester Works

Anhydrous Ammonia FertilizerCoulterGreat Plains Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Axis 50.1 H-EMC-W PrecisionFertilizer SpreaderKuhn North America, Inc.

CCI Cover Crop InterseederHagie Manufacturing Company

7 CP20 Cotton PickerJohn Deere Des Moines Works

Crumbles® Precision FeedstocksForest Concepts, LLC

CS690 Cotton StripperJohn Deere Des Moines Works

Disc Mower Knife with ImprovedCrop Shark™ Cutting EdgeKondex Corporation

8 Dual Hopper Chain ConveyorHutchinson/Mayrath, a Division ofGlobal Industries, Inc.

EasyCollect 603 Row-IndependentCorn HeadKrone North America

Ecolo-Tiger® 875 Disk RipperCase IH

ECU-S1 AutoSteering ControllerNovariant, Inc.

9 EGO FlexSeederElliott Manufacturing

Equalizer Track UndercarriageUnverferth Mfg. Co., Inc.

ExactEmerge™ Row UnitJohn Deere

FieldDataManager™IntelliFarms, LLC

10 Flip-Up Tall Corn Attachment for4400 Series Corn HeadsCase IH

Growsmart® Multi-Control for Drip and Micro IrrigationLindsay Corporation

Hagie TracksHagie Manufacturing Company

HsTB High-Speed ToolbarHagie Manufacturing Company

11 Hy Rate Plus LED Seed SensorDICKEY-john Corporation

iCon™ Wireless Control SystemSeed Hawk Inc.

Indirect Engine Cooling System forCase IH Steiger® 620 HD TractorCase IH

Integration of LIN Remote-ControlActuators on New Holland CRFlagship CombinesNew Holland

12 Intermediate Wing Hinge for Case IH Precision Disk™ 500 Disk DrillCase IH

L300 Series Large Square BalerJohn Deere

Magnum™ ROWTRAC™ TractorCase IH

MaxEmerge5™ Row UnitJohn Deere

13 Michigan Agricultural Mapping ToolMichigan Agri-Business Association

NFTrax Airless Wheel AssemblyLindsay Corporation

NT8000i Nutrient Tracker RateControl SystemDigi-Star, LLC

Nutrient Separation SystemMcLanahan Corporation

14 Pattern MasterK-B Agritech, LLC

Perforated Cascade Pan on 2015Gleaner S8 Super Series CombinesAGCO Corporation

Platform Tilt FeederhouseJohn Deere Harvester Works

Precision Seed MeterSeed Hawk Inc.

15 Quick-Connect Backhoe Installation SystemJohn Deere Commercial Products

QuickDraw Spray TenderSureFire Ag Systems

QuickMax™ Disc Cutterbar Quick-Change Knife SystemNew Holland

RDI® 73B40Root Demand Irrigation®

16 Reverse Displacement MotorDanfoss Power Solutions

SD3000 Short DiskGreat Plains Manufacturing Co., Inc.

SpecConnectSpectrum Technologies, Inc.

The Load JudgeLeading Edge Industries

17 Tri-Color TriangleSafety Psychographics

Triple-Clean™ Cleaning ShoeTechnology for CX5000 and CX6000 Elevation CombinesNew Holland

W260 Self-Propelled Windrowerand 500R Rotary Platform

John DeereWatchDog Retriever & Pups

Spectrum Technologies, Inc.18 Wireless Rumen Bolus for

Smart Herd ManagementWandering Shepherd, Ltd.

Zero-Entry Commercial SweepSukup Manufacturing Company

January/February 2015Vol. 22 No. 1

Magazine staff: Darrin Drollinger, Publisher(interim), [email protected]; SueMitrovich, Managing Editor,[email protected]; Glenn Laing, TechnicalEditor, [email protected]; Melissa Miller,Professional Opportunities and ProductionEditor, [email protected]; ConsultantsListings, Sandy Rutter, [email protected].

Editorial Board: Chair Tony Grift, Universityof Illinois at Urbana Champaign; Past Chair,Brian Steward, Iowa State University; BoardMembers Thomas Brumm, Iowa StateUniversity; Victor Duraj, University ofCalifornia, Davis; Israel Dunmde, MountRoyal University, Calgary; Timothy Mains,University of Tennessee; and ShaneWIlliams, Kuhn North America.

Resource: Engineering & Technology for aSustainable World (ISSN 1076-3333)(USPS 009-560) is published six times peryear—January/February, March/April,May/June, July/August, September/October,November/December—by the AmericanSociety of Agricultural and BiologicalEngineers (ASABE), 2950 Niles Road,St. Joseph, MI 49085-9659, USA.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes toResource, 2950 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI49085-9659, USA. Periodical postage ispaid at St. Joseph, MI, USA, and additionalpost offices.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Contact ASABE OrderDepartment, 269-932-7004.

COPYRIGHT 2015 by American Society ofAgricultural and Biological Engineers.

Permission to reprint articles available onrequest. Reprints can be ordered in largequantities for a fee. Contact Sandy Rutter,269-932-7004. Statements in this publica-tion represent individual opinions.

Resource: Engineering & Technology for aSustainable World and ASABE assume noresponsibility for statements and opinionsexpressed by contributors. Views advancedin the editorials are those of the contributorsand do not necessarily represent the officialposition of ASABE.

Congratulations, AE50 Winnersengineering and technology for a sustainable world January/February 2015

FEATURES

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DEPARTMENTS

2 President’s MessageEvents Calendar

28 Focus on the Foundation30 Professional Listings31 Directory of AE50

Winners

1910 COMMODITY CARTJohn Deere, Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comHydraulically powered conveyance along with a flip-over hopperallows for easy loading and unloading of the 1910 CommodityCart. Deployment of the conveyance system has been madeeasier with the addition of hydraulic cylinders to power thepositioning of the conveyance. This feature reduces the effortrequired by the operator to manipulate the system as comparedto the previous manually operated system. The control of themotion is further enhanced by the addition of a wirelesstransmitter. Pushbutton control of all conveyance functionsgives the operator greater flexibility in loading. The new flip-overhopper allows for a compact package for transport and storageon the cart while providing the needed span to reach undersemi-trailers for unloading. The arm and hopper together givecustomers a package that provides better performance, lessfatigue, and greater reach than the previous model.

Resource is pleased to

sponsor the AE50Awards program—cel-

ebrating companies for their develop-ments in agricultural, food, and biological systems.From the many entries submitted each year, an expertpanel selects approximately 50 products for recogni-tion. The award-winning products are those ranked

highest in innovation, significant engineering advancement,and impact on the market served.

The products featured here represent the diversity of agri-cultural and biological engineering, as well as the variety ofcompanies—of all sizes and specializations—that continue tobring advanced technology and exciting innovations to themarketplace. This year’s AE50 Award recipients join the ranksof many who, for nearly three decades, have been honored fortheir ingenuity in product development—saving producerstime, costs, and labor, while improving user safety as well.

The interest in new technology and innovative applica-tions of existing technology remains constant. Many of thefeatured products are patented and their names trademarked.Some may become household words. Others may be furtherimproved as technology advances, and per-haps, with time, will win another AE50 Award.But all the winning entrants strive for excel-lence, and we are pleased to honor their workwith the highest honor in theonly awards program of its kind.

Bravo!

12.5 METER 760CG VARIFEED™ GRAINHEADERNew Holland, New Holland, Pennsylvania, USAwww.newholland.comThe New Holland 12.5 m (41 ft) 760CG Varifeed™ grain headeris a major modification to the New Holland stable of combineheaders. Its unique cutting width of 12.5 m (41 ft) wasdeveloped specifically for operators who are using acontrolled-traffic harvesting method to limit groundcompaction to specific tracks in the field. This header enablesthis practice, which increases yields and reduces or eliminatesthe need for tillage to break up compacted soil. A 12.5 mheader is ideal to work in combination with a 36.5 m (120 ft)sprayer, which is compatible with 12.2 or 18.3 m (40 or 60 ft)seeders, ensuring that only three defined paths are needed toplant, care for, and harvest the crop in a 36.5 m swath.


Here’s to the Winners!

RESOURCE January/February 2015 5

2730 COMBINATION RIPPERJohn Deere, Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe 2730 Combination Ripper has been designed to meetintensive tillage needs by incorporating four operational systemsinto one machine, with adjustments to optimize residuemanagement and leave a customizable field finish. Maintenance-free bearings and minimized grease points across the machineprovide the customer with more uptime. With an industry-leading frame size, the performance and reliability provided bythe 2730 is unmet by previous machines. The 2730 deliversimproved residue flow by increasing the overall frame length,underframe clearance, and fore-aft spacing of the ripper shanks.An innovative closing system provides uniform performanceacross a field and in all working conditions, while allowing auser-defined field finish with hydraulic adjustments. The 2730 isavailable in working widths of 4.30, 5.50, 6.70, and 7.90 m (14, 18, 22, and 26 ft), delivering a 44% increase in productivityover the previous John Deere 2700.

6120 GRAPE HARVESTEROxbo International Corporation Lynden, Washington, USAwww.oxbocorp.comThe 6120 is Oxbo’s first grape harvester with a modular designspecifically for ease of manufacturing. The conveyors, frame,operator station, and cleaning systems are built as smaller

subassemblies thatare bolted togetherafter painting inorder to increasemanufacturingthroughput. Theharvester can bebroken down to bedriven into a 12 m(40 ft) container foroverseas shipping.The four-wheeleddrive chassis is highly

maneuverable to increase uptime, while the operator station isplaced directly above the row that is being harvested foroptimum visibility. The harvester was designed with a low centerof gravity for easy maintenance and stability in hilly terrain; the6120 has side-slope capability of up to 25% and an optional roadspeed of 32 kph (20 mph). Integrating feedback from growersbefore, during, and after the design process, the 6120 wasdesigned from the ground up to meet and surpass customerneeds and expectations.

7400A TERRAINCUT™ TRIM ANDSURROUNDS MOWER AND8800A TERRAINCUT™ ROUGH MOWERJohn Deere, Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe 7400A TerrainCut™ Trim and Surrounds Mower and 8800ATerrainCut™ Rough Mower are equipped with an electronicservo-controlled hydrostatic drive pump combined with large-displacement wheel motors and LoadMatch™ power regulatingcontrol system to deliver unparalleled performance for hillclimbing and cut quality even in the most adverse conditions.The LoadMatch™ control system senses changing loadconditions and automatically regulates the ground speed tomaintain cut quality whether climbing a hill or cutting inexceptionally tough turf conditions.

645FD HYDRAFLEX™ DRAPER PLATFORMJohn Deere Harvester Works, East Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe 645FD HydraFlex™ Draper Platform increases productivity insoybeans and other small grains by providing an additional 1.5m (5 ft) of width over the 640FD HydraFlex™, by significantlyincreasing the capacity of the reel and center feed section, andby improving the crop dividers at the platform ends, enablingcustomers to harvest up to 10% more acres per day. The high-speed, high-capacity center feed section optimizes crop handofffrom the draper side belt, providing superior material flow tothe combine at high feed rates. A new reel design provides moreavailable drive torque to enhance crop lifting, improved visibilitythrough a sleeker reel finger design, and more durable bat tubebearings. The unique profile and attachment method of the endcrop dividers enhance crop dividing, reduce crop losses, improveground-following capability, and minimize conversion time fortransport. When paired with the Platform Tilt Feederhouse, theoperator can make fore/aft tilt adjustments from the cab, whichensures proper cutterbar position in challenging conditions.


AXIS 50.1 H-EMC-W PRECISIONFERTILIZER SPREADERKuhn North America, Inc., Brodhead, Wisconsin, USAwww.kuhnnorthamerica.comThe Axis 50.1 H-EMC-W precision fertilizer spreader provides themost precise fertilizer spreading in the industry for applicationrate control and spread pattern. Precise rate control throughEMC (electronic mass flow control) technology continuallymeasures hydraulic backpressure and automatically corrects theapplication rate on each disc with a variance of less than 1%when comparing desired application to actual application.Advanced spreading characteristics provide the ability to spreadgranular fertilizer up to 50 m (164 ft). ISOBUS compatibility andvariable-rate capability are standard. Section control, via a GPSinput, allows spreading of up to eight sections, four per side, toreduce overlap. To reduce downtime, two high-capacity weighcells verify how much material is left before needing to reload.

CCI COVER CROP INTERSEEDERHagie Manufacturing Company, Clarion, Iowa, USAwww.hagie.comThe CCI is a new cover crop interseeder that boosts theversatility of Hagie STS sprayers. Many soil and plant healthbenefits can be attributed to the use of cover crops, such asreduced erosion, increased nutrient sequestration, minimizedsoil compaction, and increased nitrogen production for futurecrop use. The CCI incorporates boom hosing and a Gandy drybox for below-canopy broadcast seeding of cover crops. Itincreases return on investment, protects soil health, maximizesseedling stands, and protects inputs by performing timely andprecise seeding applications.

ANHYDROUS AMMONIA FERTILIZER COULTERGreat Plains Manufacturing Co., Inc., Salina, Kansas, USAwww.greatplainsmfg.comThe Great Plains Anhydrous Ammonia Coulter promises to be agame changer in fertilizer application. In the past, mostammonia was applied with shanks in the fall, leaving the groundrough and then mellowing out over the winter. The newAnhydrous Ammonia Coulter allows the anhydrous ammonia tobe applied pre-plant in the spring, with minimum grounddisturbance, reducing nitrogen loss and allowing for RTKGPS precision placement. In addition, productivity isincreased by using ground speeds of up to 13 kph(8 mph), as compared to shank unit speeds of 8 kph(5 mph). The double SPIDER closers have also proven toseal better than the disk sealers used behind shanks,further reducing ammonia loss tothe atmosphere.

ACTIVE CONCAVE ISOLATIONJohn Deere Harvester Works, East Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe Active Concave Isolation (ACI) system containshydraulically supported combine concaves that yield moreharvest capacity in tough separating and threshing conditionswhile maintaining desired loss level. When inclement weather ison the way and crops need to be harvested, the ACI systemprovides the capability to harvest at a faster rate. The ACIsystem maintains the threshing clearance to the rotor, whichprovides smooth material flow, reduces separator distress, andimproves in-field harvest time through the elimination ofconcave shear bolts.


CP20 COTTON PICKERJohn Deere Des Moines Works, Ankeny, Iowa, USAwww.deere.comThe CP20 Cotton Picker is a one-row, low-cost mechanicalcotton harvesting solution designed for smaller growers andcontractors in emerging markets. Capable of harvesting as muchcotton in one hour as 250 labor hours with hand picking, theCP20 significantly increases productivity and lowers the cost ofharvest for growers pained with the high cost and shrinkingavailability of labor for hand picking. It’s the industry’s first semi-integral, tractor-hitched design delivering high maneuverabilityin small fields and easy attachment with tractors commonlyused in the target markets. Integrating current proven cottonpicker technology in a minimum-cost, market-appropriatesolution, the key features include a John Deere Pro-Series pickingunit, a 94 L spindle cleaning solution tank, a high-capacitycotton deliveryair system, and a4.5 m3 basket. Amanual leverbasket unloadingsystem isstandard, with anoptionalhydraulic basketopener for fastunloading withcab tractors.

CRUMBLES® PRECISION FEEDSTOCKSForest Concepts, LLC, Auburn, Washington, USAwww.forestconcepts.com

Understanding thestructural biologyand mechanics ofnatural failurewithin plants (thinkabout why it iseasier to split a logthan chop a log),Forest Conceptsdevised a novelmethod to producehighly uniformprecision feedstocksat minimal energy

consumption. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy,Forest Concepts invented a proprietary machine that shearshigh-moisture feedstocks into Crumbles®, which are uniformparticles as small as 1.6 mm (1/16 in.), for conversion to biofuelsand biochemicals. The particles are flowable using standardgrain handling equipment without the need to pre-dry. Thetechnology has been successfully used on wood chips, cornstover, switchgrass, bamboo, sage, and other important biofuelfeedstocks with moisture levels ranging from less than 10% tomore than 80%. If drying is necessary, as with pyrolysis orgasification, drying small Crumbles® particles requiressignificantly less energy than pre-drying chips.

DISC MOWER KNIFE WITH IMPROVED CROPSHARK™ CUTTING EDGEKondex Corporation, Lomira, Wisconsin, USAwww.kondex.comWhile disc mowershave grownsignificantly inpopularity, thedisc mowerblades used to cut cropshave remained unchanged forover 30 years. The cutterblades in disc mowingmachines are subjected toextreme abrasive wearconditions, particularly atthe tip of the blade. This causes thetip of the blade to dull before the rest ofthe blade, which in turn results in the crop sliding pastthe tip instead of being severed. This reduces cutting efficiencyand results in a non-clean cut that further harms the re-growtheffort of the crop. Kondex is now offering a disc mower knifewith an improved Crop Shark™ cutting edge that is designed tograb the crop and hold it while it is being cut. This innovativedesign uses a concave cutting edge and an aggressive serrationpattern instead of the standard straight cutting edge. This newdesign provides a cleaner, more efficient cut and installs thesame as traditional blades. The new blades are made inaccordance with ISO 5718.

CS690 COTTON STRIPPERJohn Deere Des Moines Works, Ankeny, Iowa, USAwww.deere.comThe new CS690 Cotton Stripper combines the non-stopharvesting and on-board round module building technologyoriginally made available by the 7760 Cotton Picker with theperformance of the John Deere cotton stripper header and fieldcleaner in a simplified solution that eliminates the need formultiple tractors, boll buggies, and module builders. The CS690has best-in-class performance (with Anti-Slip Regulation tractioncontrol, next-generation ProDrive™ transmission, newCommandCenter™ touchscreen display, and 500 hp from a newFinal Tier IV 13.5 L engine) and uptime (with enhanced hydraulicoil service intervals and a dedicated auxiliary fan). In addition,the CS690 is armed with unmatched integration of John Deeretechnologies and a video observation system withprogrammable triggers.


ECOLO-TIGER® 875 DISK RIPPERCase IH, Goodfield, Illinois, USAwww.caseih.comThe all-new Case IH Ecolo-Tiger® 875 disk ripper features arobust, innovative design to produce ideal seedbed conditionsduring primary tillage in less time. Growers benefit from bettercrop emergence in the spring thanks to the industry’s smallestclod and valley sizes produced by the tillage pass in the fall, aswell as optimum crop residue sizing and mixing for nutrientrelease in the soil. Productivity improvements include new-generation, high-density Tiger Points that create smoother fieldswith less draft and are 350% more durable than before,improved clearance for crop residue flow, a unique new scraperassembly to keep the gang flowing free, and the option of a double-edge reel that can be hydraulically set to three positionsfrom the cab. The Ecolo-Tiger 875 is available in four configura-tions with 7, 9, 11, or 13 shanks.

ECU-S1 AUTOSTEERING CONTROLLERNovariant, Inc., Fremont, California, USAwww.novariant.com The ECU-S1 is a revolutionary high-precision autosteeringcontroller that can be interfaced with any certified partner GNSSreceiver and display to build a complete autosteering solutionfor precision agriculture applications. While existing autosteeringsolutions for agricultural vehicles require specialized displays or

GPS receivers, the ECU-S1 is thefirst hands-free autosteering

system thatfunctions withvirtually anycertified GNSSsource and/or

partner displayusing standard API

messaging. The ECU-S1features a unique open API

protocol using standardized messaging, which makes integrationwith different displays, GNSS receivers, and vehicle interfaceseasy and seamless. The ECU-S1’s unique ability to interoperatewith multiple GNSS receivers and/or displays provides OEMswith the utmost flexibility to select the best-of-the-breed display,GNSS source, and vehicle interface. The ECU-S1 offers industry-leading performance in terms of line acquisition and steeringaccuracy, and provides an ideal solution for OEMs and value-added resellers that demand greater flexibility for productconfiguration and customization.

EASYCOLLECT 603 ROW-INDEPENDENT CORN HEADKrone North America, Memphis, Tennessee, USAwww.krone-na.comThe new Krone EasyCollect 603 corn head can harvest eightrows of corn at a 20 ft working width and then tri-fold flat fornarrow transport. Split into three sections, the EasyCollect 603header folds quickly and easily into transport position at thetouch of a button for a low transport height and a narrow 7 ft.10 in. transport width that provides an unobstructed view whentransporting the machine. The EasyCollect 603 utilizes the well-proven and award-winning Krone Collector. Its modular, endlesscollector design leads to a substantial reduction in the numberof components and drive systems, thus reducing weight andpower requirements. The EasyCollect collector feeds the crop tothe middle of the machine, and the crop passes smoothlythrough the header and into the machine without ever changingdirection. This system keeps the stalks perpendicular to thechopping assembly, which results in exceptional chop quality.

DUAL HOPPER CHAIN CONVEYORHutchinson/Mayrath, a Division of Global Industries, Inc.Clay Center, Kansas, USAwww.hutchinson-mayrath.comThe Hutchinson/Mayrath DualHopper ChainConveyor (DHCC)is a stationary, high-efficiency receivingconveyor thatallows multi-hopper semi-trucksto discharge anentire load withoutrepositioning over a receiving pit during operation. The modulardesign can be configured for site-specific layouts and has acapacity of 10,000 to 20,000 bushels per hour. The DHCCrequires as little as 1.1 m (42 in.) of depth, compared to depthsof 3.7 m (12 ft) or more for conventional receiving pits,eliminating the risk of groundwater infiltration that often occurswith deep pits. The DHCC has been designed for safety, ease ofservice, and longevity with features such as OSHA 1910.272removable grating, spring-loaded chain tensioners, a beltlessC-face drive motor, accessible bearings, and commercial-gradegearboxes. The DHCC removes a hazardous confined space byeliminating the need for deep receiving pits, undergroundconveyors, and associated maintenance activities.


EGOFLEXSEEDER

Elliott Manufacturing Binghamton, New York, USAwww.elliottmfg.com,www.flexseeder.com

For over a decade, Elliott Manufacturing hasbeen providing innovative drive solutions to

the agriculture market that eliminate chains,sprockets, and double planting. The EGO FlexSeeder

is the next step in innovation from ElliottManufacturing, transferring rotary power through gearboxes tosequence seed delivery in one application, replacing chain-and-sprocket drives. The fully sealed flexible shaft requires no servic-ing and gives machine designers an economical and reliablesolution capable of a long service life without replacement.Designed with the option of individual on/off row control forprecision farming and maintenance-free operations, EGOFlexSeeder users will realize substantial seed savings andincreased yields. The EGO FlexSeeder has been designed to fit avariety of seeder platforms and allows OEMs, aftermarket professionals, and farmers the ability to economically upgradetheir planting systems with state-of-the-art drive technology.

EQUALIZER TRACK UNDERCARRIAGEUnverferth Mfg. Co., Inc. , Kalida, Ohio, USAunverferth.comThe Equalizer tracked undercarriage for grain carts offers afootprint of over 5.6 m2 (60 ft2) for added flotation and trunionmounting of the track attachment for more consistent groundcontact over uneven terrain. The 1.1 m (42 in.) wide belt withshallow lug design provides a 15% greater footprint than anyother agricultural grain cart track yet retains a length of just3.9 m (148 in.) for easier turning around corners and minimizedberming. The shallower tread design provides less rollingresistance for easier grain cart transport. Trunion mounting ofthe track assembly provides an additional point of oscillation ofup to ±8° for more even ground contact while decreasing highbearing loads. Carts equipped with the Equalizer track include astandard auto-greaser for reducing maintenance of the system.

FIELDDATAMANAGER™IntelliFarms, LLC Archie, Missouri, USAwww.intellifarms.comIntelliFarms’ newest hardware andsoftware solution for the agriculturemarket is FieldDataManager™, acomprehensive sensor-driven fieldmonitoring system that providesreal-time data about thebelowground and aboveground soilconditions and atmosphericconditions that impact planting,irrigation, and harvesting decisions.Unlike other field conditionmonitors on the market,

FieldDataManager™ gathers real-time data from up to 100 soilprobe sensors using a self-configuring wireless network. Thewireless network is custom-designed for a wide RF range and yetis extremely energy efficient. The result is a battery-poweredwireless soil probe operating at the highest legal RF power thatcan be placed close to the ground, under the crop canopy, sothat it does not obstruct spraying equipment. Each devicecontains a GPS receiver to time-synchronize the entire network,which then follows a strict transmission schedule to eliminateany wasted energy. All data are compiled into one user-friendlyinterface accessible via any web-enabled device. The interfaceoffers customizable data tables and charts that make datainterpretation easy and actionable.

EXACTEMERGE™ ROW UNITJohn Deere, Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe ExactEmerge™ row unit is the most highly productive rowunit in the industry with an exclusive seed delivery system thatplants at speeds up to 16 kph (10 mph). The seed meter anddelivery system have a crisp seed handoff and control the seedthrough the delivery process from the meter to the ground. Theseed releases from the delivery cartridge at a rearward speed thatmatches the forward speed of the planter, resulting in a deaddrop of the seed into the trench. The ExactEmerge™ row unit isfully controlled by two electric motors and has a new reflectiveseed sensor in the delivery cartridge to monitor the systemperformance. The result is superior seed placement, allowing theseed to get to the bottom of the trench for excellent depthcontrol and seed spacing at higher planting speeds.


HSTB HIGH-SPEED TOOLBARHagie Manufacturing Company, Clarion, Iowa, USAwww.hagie.comWith narrowing application windows, performing split nitrogenapplications on broad acres can present challenges during theapplication season. Hagie’s new High-Speed Toolbar (HsTB) is alow-draft front toolbar that offers a solution for efficientlyapplying nitrogen at a higher application speed during earlygrowth stages.

HAGIE TRACKSHagie Manufacturing Company, Clarion, Iowa, USAwww.hagie.comA Hagie STS sprayer equipped with the new tracks system is afull-season application solution for a superior combination oftraction and comfort with minimal soil disturbance and reducedcompaction. The tracks impact the field with a footprint close tothat of the human foot, applying less than 0.05 MPa (8.5 psi) tothe ground. This technology allows the operator to extend theapplication window while minimizing the impact to the field.

FLIP-UP TALL CORN ATTACHMENT FOR4400 SERIES CORN HEADSCase IH, Racine, Wisconsin, USAwww.caseih.comThe Flip-Up Tall Corn Attachment is an all-new option availablefor Case IH 4400 Series corn heads. The function of thisattachment is to prevent the loss of corn ears over the ends ofthe header when harvesting in tall stands of corn. Thisattachment is unique in that it is an integral part of the enddivider and needs no tools to deploy. It incorporates the CIHCornLouvers™, which ensure that any loose grain makes it intothe combine, and it is made from rotationally molded plastic forlight weight and superior structure. This option is available fromthe factory or it can be installed by the dealer on both rigid andfolding Case IH 4400 Series corn heads.

GROWSMART® MULTI-CONTROL FORDRIP AND MICRO IRRIGATIONLindsay Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska, USAwww.lindsay.comGrowsmart® Multi-Control is an easy-to-use wireless control systemfor low-volume irrigation systems, such as drip systems (withbelow-ground or above-ground tubing), emitters, micro sprays, andsprinklers. Growsmart® Multi-Control is an industry breakthroughin ease-of-use because the user interface is based on smartphoneand tablet apps or an internet browser, rather than the keypads andLCD screens employed with traditional irrigation controllers.Growsmart® Multi-Control can be controlled from anywhere usingthe software available in app stores or directly through a secureinternet connection using the latest browsers. The expandablewireless controls adapt to latching DC solenoid valves for easyretrofit of existing manually controlled irrigation systems.


iCON™ WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEMSeed Hawk Inc., Langbank, Saskatchewan, Canadawww.seedhawkseeder.comThe iCon™ Wireless Control Systemis an innovative product thatcontrols and monitors thenew line of Seed Hawkair carts andtoolbars. TheiCon ControlSystem usesan iPad asthe display andfeatures a downloadableSeed Hawk specific app thatallows for wireless communication with the Gateway located onthe air cart. The system uses new technology to controlindividual electric drive meter motors and read individual loadcells, enabling iCon to give on-the-go product weights and beused for calibration. The efficient and innovative design of iConhas many unique features, such as Sectional Control®Technology (SCT®), integrated run blockage, field boundary andobstacle creation, on-the-go calibration, Fit to Field™ rateadjustment, and the ability to control up to six products (fourgranular and two liquid/NH3), all combined in an intuitive userinterface. Full wireless control of a towed seeding implement bySeed Hawk is a first in seeding technology.

INDIRECT ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FORCASE IH STEIGER® 620 HD TRACTORCase IH, Racine, Wisconsin, USAwww.caseih.comThe IndirectEngine CoolingSystem in thenew Case IHSteiger® 620 HDtractor deliversmore effectivehorsepower forthe sameoperating costas a 600 hpmodel whileimproving theperformance that producers have come to expect from Case IH.Each turbocharger stage of the Case IH FPT engine has its ownoptimally sized cooling system, giving the operator fasterresponse under dynamic loads. Independent control of the low-temperature coolant flow allows the Case IH FPT engine tomanage after-treatment conversion efficiency in low-load andlow-temperature environments. Patented SCR technology allowsfor maximum horsepower without compromising efficiency,resulting in lower operating cost, lower operating temperatures,and greater reliability and durability.

HY RATE PLUS LED SEED SENSORDICKEY-john Corporation Auburn, Illinois, USAwww.dickey-john.comThe Hy Rate Plus LED seedsensor is a highly accurateand intelligent seed-tube-mountedsensor fordetecting row-crop plantingpopulations athigh rates ona wide varietyof seeds. Thesensor uses anadvanced proprietarysoftware algorithm and animproved light source to detect virtually everyseed that passes through the sensing area. Theintelligence of the sensor allows it to quicklylearn the type of seed that is being planted inorder to distinguish between multiple seeds aswell as dirt, dust, and other debris. Additionally, auniform light field is created through the use of twoto three times more light-emitting diodes than inother sensors on the market. This addition nearlyeliminates the gaps that allow small seeds to pass byother sensors undetected.

INTEGRATION OF LIN REMOTE-CONTROLACTUATORS ON NEW HOLLAND CR FLAGSHIPCOMBINESNew Holland, Turin, Italywww.newholland.comThe integration of electrical LIN remote-control actuators asstandard equipment on New Holland CR flagship combinesenhances the accuracy and reliability of the CR8000 and CR9000harvesters. In addition to automating the operation anddiagnostics of the threshing concave position, sieve opening,unloading tube pivot point position, unloading spout position,straw chopper deflector plate position, etc., smart actuatorseliminate 25% of the 4.5 km electronic harness. A single datawire replaces heavy cables, and electronic actuators replacehydraulic distributors, cylinders, and hoses. This technology isstandard equipment on all CR flagship combines and will beadapted to even more combine functions in the future.


MAXEMERGE5™ ROW UNITJohn Deere, Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe MaxEmerge5™ row unit is designed to be the most user-friendly row unit in the industry. The new seed meter andhopper design allow easy adjustments of the double eliminatorwith an external dial to achieve 100% seed population. The newrow unit structure also provides the most access to the metersfor seed changeovers and serviceability. Large seed hoppers havea seed shutoff gate into the meter to hold seed in the hopper, sothe hopper no longer needs to be removed to access and openthe meter. The row unit structure has also been improved. Theductile cast iron shank is strengthened to handle tough no-tilland rocky conditions. The gauge wheel pivot bearings have alsobeen strengthened and have three times the wear life ofprevious models.

MAGNUM™ ROWTRAC™ TRACTORCase IH, Racine, Wisconsin, USAwww.caseih.comThe Case IH Magnum™ ROWTRAC™ tractor is the first high-horsepower tracked row-crop tractor with a steerable front wheelaxle designed specifically for use in row-crop applications under awide range of working conditions. This new tractor combines thelow ground pressure of a tracked vehicle with the maneuverabilityand low soil disturbance of a wheeled tractor. The Magnum™ROWTRAC™ is available with four track widths (16, 18, 24, and30 in.), seven tread settings (76, 80, 88, 120, 136, 144, and 152 in.),and two engine-horsepower models (340 and 380 hp) to meet amultitude of applications. The Model 380 has a peak horsepowerof 435 hp using Case IH SCR-only Tier 4b Final technology tomeet Tier 4b Final emissions requirements. The Case IH Magnum™ROWTRAC™ includes a new rear-axle system to accommodateeither a narrow or optional wide undercarriage system thatfollows the contour of the ground and road.

L300 SERIES LARGE SQUARE BALERJohn Deere, Ottumwa, Iowa, USAwww.deere.comThe new L300 Series Large Square Baler is an important andsubstantial addition to John Deere’s Hay and Forage offering.The L300 Series Large Square Baler offers the John Deereexclusive Double Tie Knotter and Knotter Blower System thatleads the industry in performance, fewer missed knots, andhighest blower speed. The Double Tie Knotter System enablescustomers to achieve bales with optimal shape, consistent size,and consistent density, keeping customers in the cab to get

more donewhen it’s timeto make hay.The L300Series alsofeaturesfunctionalstyling withsingle-rowtwine boxesand open walkplatforms,

hydraulically controlled bale chamber, and true look-aheadbaling with electronic knotter flags and an integrated ISOBUSelectrical system. These balers complete John Deere’s Hay andForage portfolio for livestock, dairy, and commercial hay andbiomass producers.

INTERMEDIATE WING HINGE FORPRECISION DISK™ 500 DISK DRILLCase IH, Racine, Wisconsin, USAwww.caseih.comWith the new Intermediate Wing Hinge on the 15.2 and 18.3 m(50 and 60 ft) Case IH Precision Disk™ 500 disk drills, Case IH hasoptimized transport size, keeping the 50 ft unit under 4.3 m(14 ft) tall and the 60 ft unit under 4.6 m (15 ft) tall. This wasaccomplished without sacrificing transport width, which is still38 mm (1.5 in.) narrower than any equivalent drill on themarket. No other five-section disk drills can offer this feature.This relatively compact size is important in order to move fieldequipment safely on narrow roads and bridges and in heavilytraveled areas. The patented wing-fold technology lets the outerwings fold in tighter for transport, while the unique center-section frame design means that the front caster wheels arepulled in tighter for turning.

NFTRAX AIRLESS WHEEL ASSEMBLYLindsay Corporation, Omaha, Nebraska, USAwww.lindsay.com, www.zimmatic.com/nftrax-2The new patent-pending NFTrax is an airless wheel design forcenter-pivot systems that will never go flat and keeps wheel rutsto a minimum, thereby saving time, labor, and replacementcosts. Compared to pneumatic and solid tires, NFTrax helpsgrowers avoid tread damage, punctures, and air pressure checks.In addition, it reduces wheel rut depth, lessens wheel rut runoff,and reduces erosion, allowing trouble-free operation throughoutthe growing season.

NUTRIENT SEPARATION SYSTEMMcLanahan Corporation, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, USAwww.mclanahan.com

The comprehensive NutrientSeparation System was developedby McLanahan to improve thesocial and environmentalsustainability of the dairy industrywhile reducing the cost andliability associated with manuremanagement. In general, nutrientsare separated and concentratedfrom manure, allowing forapplication where and when theyare needed. The system iscomprised of four unit processes:pretreatment under anaerobicconditions, ultrafiltration, airstripping and absorption, andreverse osmosis. These unit

processes are combined and operated in a unique way thataddresses the challenging consistency and composition ofanimal manure. The system outputs include concentratedorganic nitrogen and phosphorus (slurry), ammonium sulfate(liquid), concentrated potassium (liquid), and clean water. Theoutput water can be applied as irrigation, re-used in the process,or even discharged. Recognizing that all farms are not the same,the McLanahan Nutrient Separation System can be tailored tomeet a farm’s specific goals and objectives.

NT8000INUTRIENTTRACKERRATECONTROLSYSTEMDigi-Star, LLC, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, USAdigi-star.comThe NT8000i is a closed-loop rate control system for hydraulicallydriven apron and floor systems on manure, lime, and fertilizerspreaders that provides precision guidance and prescription-based control of the spreading rate. The unique feature of theNT8000i is a weight-based self-calibration and calibration-checksystem that continuously monitors and readjusts the calibrationfactor based on the actual weight of the material spread. TheNT8000i provides enhanced spreading rate accuracy whenworking with challenging materials of varying density, such asmanure, litter, and compost. When working with lime or fertilizerspreaders, the self-calibration and calibration-check functions ofthe NT8000i eliminate the possibility of errors caused by mistakesmade during manual calibration. The NT8000i can be fitted onany spreader equipped with load cells and a hydraulically drivenapron floor chain system.


MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL MAPPING TOOLMichigan Agri-Business Association, Lansing, Michigan, USAwww.miagbiz.orgThis advanced mapping tool provides access to key agriculturaland geographical information in order to guide strategicagricultural production decisions. This online tool coalescesfragmented geographical information from various sources intoan effective and simple format. Soils, topography, geographicalfeatures, weather, climate, infrastructure, land use, crop history,and a plethora of geographically referenced data are broughttogether into an interactive and easy-to-use tool. Agriculturalproduction systems are dynamic and ever changing in order tomeet the demands of consumers, the environment, and theclimate. Decision makers can use this tool to seize newopportunities for economic growth, increased efficiency, andsmaller environmental footprint.


PLATFORM TILT FEEDERHOUSEJohn Deere Harvester Works, East Moline, Illinois, USAwww.deere.comThe model year 2015 S-Series Combines provide an optionalPlatform Tilt Feederhouse. The Platform Tilt Feederhouse allowsthe operator to adapt to changing soil and ground conditionsand extend the harvesting day in any crop by hydraulicallychanging the header cutting angle 17° from the cab. This featurealso improves feeding the combine in field conditions where thecrop could be down or lodged.

PRECISION SEED METERSeed Hawk Inc., Langbank, Saskatchewan, Canadawww.seedhawkseeder.comThe Seed Hawk Precision Seed Meter is a seed and granularfertilizer metering device that uses a modular design containingmultiple electric drives to independently supply granularproducts to finite sections of the air seeder toolbar. The use ofelectric drives greatly reduces the reaction time of the meterduring sectional control and enables compensation for variablesection size. By independently controlling product flow to eachsection of the toolbar, the metering accuracy is increased andeach product’s airstream is completely isolated. Additionally, it isnow possible to practice variable-rate seeding with differentapplication rates across the toolbar. Due to the modular design,the meter is scalable to match a multitude of toolbar sizes, witheach electric drive feeding approximately ten feet of toolbar.Therefore, at a given motor speed, the application rate isconstant across all toolbar sizes, and possible application ratesdo not change depending on toolbar width.

PERFORATED CASCADE PAN ON2015 GLEANER S8 SUPER SERIES COMBINESAGCO Corporation, Duluth, Georgia, USAwww.agcocorp.comThe 2015 Gleaner combines have increased shoe capacity with anew perforated cascade pan in the front of the cleaning shoethat is slanted at a 6° angle, and an additional 0.64 m2 (992 in.2)has been converted to pneumatic cleaning area. This providesadditional cleaning capacity and allows high-moisture corn andother high-moisture crops to fall through sooner, after comingthrough the exclusive accelerator rolls, and reach the sieve andclean grain cross auger faster. This design increases the capacityby approximately 10% in high-moisture conditions. In addition,the air duct has beenmoved forward 38mm (1.5 in.) toredirect air to thecrop that is fallingthrough this area tothe sieve and cleangrain cross auger. Theentire cleaning shoearea is now pneumaticand provides a 12.8%increase in measurableshoe area to 5.6 m2

(8,721 in.2). This also improves hillside operation and capacitywith high-moisture crops.

PATTERN MASTERK-B Agritech, LLC, Plainfield, Wisconsin, USAwww.k-bagritechllc.comThe Pattern Master is a simple, common-sense approach toreducing spray drift. Made of laser-cut aluminum and apolyethylene brush designed so that the brush hangs below theboom, the Pattern Master prevents wind shear from destroyinga developing spray pattern. The results are more usable producton target, less spray drift, and a better job of spraying. Installingthe Pattern Master in front of any nozzle tip will enhance thespray job because it controls ambient wind as well as the windcreated by the sprayer ground speed.


QUICK-CONNECT BACKHOEINSTALLATION SYSTEMJohn Deere Commercial Products Grovetown, Georgia, USAwww.deere.comThis innovation is a quick-connect system for installing asubframe-mounted backhoe on a compact utility tractor. Thesystem significantly reduces the time and skill required forbackhoe installation.

QUICKDRAWSPRAY TENDERSureFire Ag SystemsAtwood, Kansas, USAwww.surefireag.comQuickDraw is the firstfully automatic spraytender, filling the sprayerwith a completely mixedbatch in less than tenminutes. QuickDrawstarts with the chemicalrates per acre and then

calculates the volume of carrier and each chemical necessarybased on field or sprayer tank size and total spray rate. TheQuickDraw controller mixes the batch by reading carrier andchemical flowmeters and then controlling independent valves foreach material. The chemicals are drawn from their bulk containersby generating suction with a venturi. For 2015, a new Micro-Motion mass flowmeter will accurately measure all liquidsregardless of viscosity, conductivity, and other characteristics,removing the need to determine calibration numbers for the largevariety of chemicals that sprayer operators use. The QuickDrawcontroller also calculates the required amounts of small volumesand dry chemicals and instructs the operator when to add themmanually in the mix sequence. The QuickDraw iPad appcommunicates wirelessly with the main controller, allowing easyrecipe creation and downloads of batch history.

RDI® 73B40Root Demand Irrigation®, Omaha, Nebraska, USAwww.rootdemandirrigation.comRoot Demand Irrigation® is a unique form of subsurfaceirrigation interacting with the plants’ roots to release waterneeded to meet the crop’s requirements. Water is released fromthe RDI® tube when naturally occurring chemicals from theroots are released and come in contact with the RDI tube. This iscombined with PVC pipe, connections, and monitoring andcontrols to form a complete system. Root Demand Irrigationgoes to the heart of challenges facing other forms of irrigation inthat is easy to install in irregularly shaped fields, has minimalfiltration requirements for ground or surface water, has lowenergy requirements, and requires minimal labor during thegrowing season.

QUICKMAX™ DISC CUTTERBARQUICK-CHANGE KNIFE SYSTEMNew Holland, New Holland, Pennsylvania, USAwww.newholland.comThe optional QuickMax™ quick-change knife system provides amethod to quickly and easily flip or replace the cutterbar kniveson Durabine™ disc headers and Discbine® 313 and 316 discmower-conditioners. Knife replacement can be done in about athird of the time required for bolted retention systems. This is anindustry exclusive on disc headers for self-propelled windrowers.Like some other quick-change designs, the New Holland systemuses spring plates under the knives to hold them on theiranchor points. The critical advantage of the New Holland systemis a patent-pending knife anchor nut that includes anasymmetric step at the bottom of the knife-bearing surface.During operation, centrifugal force prevents the knife fromdisengaging from the nut, even if the spring plate is forceddownward by a foreign object. To change or flip the knife duringservice, the knife can be easily pushed toward the center of thearc to disengage the step on the knife anchor.


SPECCONNECTSpectrumTechnologies, Inc.,Aurora, Illinois, USAwww.specmeters.comSpecConnect is a cloud-based data analysis toolthat provides growers andresearchers the ability toview and analyze real-time crop data instantlyon the Internet via acomputer or mobiledevice. More than awebsite, the SpecConnectsystem includes DataScout modems to obtain data from remoteweather stations or loggers, and the FieldScout Bluetoothaccessory and FieldScout mobile app to communicate data fromportable devices through a smartphone. Numerous reportingcapabilities exist, such as maps, graphs, and tables, in addition toalerts that notify users via text or phone call when user-definedsensor thresholds have been breached. SpecConnect has theability to tie into other systems to export, view, and runadditional calculations on the acquired data using open APIprotocols. With the functional benefit of providing one centralpoint for multiple users to view various reports on differentdevices, the system offers a tremendous amount of flexibility forgrowers and researchers alike.

THE LOADJUDGELeading EdgeIndustries, Groton,South Dakota, USAloadjudge.comThe Load Judge fromLeading EdgeIndustries usespatent-pending, high-tech sensors and a

user-friendly smartphone or tablet app to load hopper-bottomgrain trailers with a high degree of accuracy. This newtechnology captures and transmits real-time data for consistent,repeatable results regardless of grain type or operatingconditions, helping ensure that grain haulers and farmers canachieve optimal loads that maximize the value of every trailerload. Data are adjustable based on different trailer makes andmodels, and the app displays specific commodity configurationgraphics for the exact trailer being loaded. The proximity sensorsself-calibrate every second to continuously deliver data in realtime. A bushel estimator provides estimated bushel quantitiesthroughout the loading process, while a pile peak adjustmentfeature accounts for differences in piling wet or dry commoditiesto allow the user to customize accordingly. Furthermore, desiredload levels can be set and saved for every condition, making theprocess repeatable for every load.

SD3000 SHORT DISKGreat Plains Manufacturing Co., Inc., Salina, Kansas, USAwww.greatplainsmfg.comThe Great Plains Short Disk features individual disk mounts,which allows the blades to be angled while the frame remainsstraight for better ground-engaging and contour-followingcapabilities. The Short Disk gives producers the best of bothworlds: run it shallow to manage residue, or run it up to 179 mm(7 in.) deep as a primary tillage implement in preparation for thenext crop. The Short Disk incorporates many field-provenfeatures, including hydraulic weight transfer and maintenance-free tapered disk bearings with 6-lip cassette seals, whichprovide all of the benefits producers have come to expect fromGreat Plains.

REVERSE DISPLACEMENT MOTORDanfoss Power Solutions, Ames, Iowa, USAwww.powersolutions.danfoss.comThe Reverse Displacement Motor (RDM) isa two-position reversing motordesigned for use in mobile open-circuitapplications. The primary applicationtarget is fan drive cooling systems.The RDM offers reversefunctionality without the needfor a directional control valveanywhere in the system, as themotor swashplate reversesangle to give reversedrotation. The RDM alsoincludes an integrated electric shift valve that uses systempressure for shifting, eliminating the need for an externalpressure supply to shift the motor. Eliminating the need for adirectional control valve, and the associated fittings and hoses,greatly simplifies reversing circuit system architecture. This savesOEMs valuable time and money in the development of theirequipment while providing efficiency improvements over otherreversing systems. Additionally, the RDM is available with anintegrated anti-cavitation and shock valve for system protection,as well as robust fan drive application options.


TRI-COLOR TRIANGLESafety Psychographics, Notre Dame, Indiana, USAwww.3triangle.wordpress.comThe Tri-ColorTriangle isproposed as amajor modificationof the ASABEStandard SMVemblem. Accordingto the designer, itrepresents asignificantimprovement inthe practicalapplication of theSMV emblemthrough greatervisibility in bothdaytime andnighttimeconditions. The Tri-Color Triangle SMVemblem may beproposed to the responsible ASABE Standards committees forconsideration as a second type of SMV emblem or as a possiblereplacement for the current SMV emblem. (Editor’s note: Atpress time, no formal standards proposal has been submitted forASABE committee consideration.)

TRIPLE-CLEAN™ CLEANING SHOE TECHNOLOGY FORCX5000 AND CX6000 ELEVATION COMBINESNew Holland, Turin, Italywww.newholland.comThe new Triple-Clean™ cleaning shoe is a simple and innovativefeature that increases the cleaning capacity by as much as 15%on New Holland CX5000 and CX6000 elevation combines.Through the extra cascade in the center of the grain pan, anadditional air blast from the new Triple-Clean™ cleaning fanremoves large volumes of chaff and short straw before finalcleaning even starts on the main sieves. This means that thegrain is almost completely cleaned in the first 50 cm of thecleaning shoe, resulting in excellent grain quality. This triplecascade approach maintains the highest quality of cleaning evenwhen the machine is working at its highest capacity. The Triple-Clean™ cleaning technology is offered as standard equipment onall New Holland CX midrange combines, including modelsCX5080, CX5090, CX6080, and CX6090.

W260 SELF-PROPELLED WINDROWERAND 500R ROTARY PLATFORMJohn Deere, Ottumwa, Iowa, USAwww.deere.comThe W260 Self-Propelled Windrower and 500R Rotary Platformare new additions to the John Deere windrower product line.These models bring new features such as Pivot Pro, independentfloat, an industry-leading 260 rated horsepower with 285maximum horsepower, increased platform capacity, andimproved crop flow performance. The 500R Rotary Platform

delivers uniformwindrows,allowing JohnDeere’s single-conditionersystem toperform as wellas dual-conditionerplatformsavailable today.

Pivot Pro brings the productivity of integrated AutoTrac™, withfield operating speeds up to 29 kph (18 mph) and a lineacquisition consistency of ±101 mm (±4 in.), to customers withcenter-pivot irrigation. The ability to independently adjust floatsuspension results in less dirt in the windrow, delivering higher-quality hay and forage. These new products deliver a significantincrease in productivity and were developed through closecollaboration with a broad base of customers.

WATCHDOG RETRIEVER & PUPSSpectrum Technologies, Inc., Aurora, Illinois, USAwww.specmeters.comThe WatchDog Retriever & Pups wireless sensor network givesgrowers the ability to affordably capture real-time, site-specificdata in various microclimates. Unlike other data loggers thatrequire growers to retrieve the data manually from each site,Retriever & Pups transmits data via a wireless mesh network to acentral location for logging and communication. Each networknode (Pup) contains four sensor ports and is compatible with adiverse number of sensors, allowing growers to monitor desiredsensor inputs from the locations important to them. All dataacquired by the Pups is transmitted wirelessly to the Retriever,which collects the data and communicates the information vianumerous options, including cellular modem, WiFi, and USBdrive. Growers can monitor their crops on their computer orsmartphone and make real-time decisions to improve yield andquality, conserve resources, and increase profits.

ZERO-ENTRY COMMERCIAL SWEEPSukup Manufacturing Company, Sheffield, Iowa, USAwww.sukup.comThe Zero-Entry Commercial Sweep is an unloading system thatis operated entirely from outside of the bin, thus providing saferoperation. Concrete floors in bins of 27 to 47 m (90 to 156 ft) indiameter can vary from level by 51 mm (2 in.) or more, resultingin uneven weight distribution as the sweep circles the bin.Previous drive systems for large bin sweeps have not providedfor up-and-down movement, resulting in excessive wear of theflooring, or they included U-joints that permitted up-and-downmovement but were difficult and expensive to replace. TheZero-Entry Commercial Sweep provides an innovative solutionto these issues. This new sweep uses a unique floating pivotsystem with direct connection of the drive unit to the sweepauger. This design allows the sweep to move around the grainbin with its weight evenly distributed on the bin floor, thuspreventing wear and damage to expensive components.

Nick Schrader, winner of the ASABE AgriculturalSeatbelt Usage and ROPS Logo Design Contest,took a chance and explored his cre-ativity while enhancing tractor

safety—and pocketed $2,500 for his efforts.In creating his entry for this one-time contest,Schrader’s goal was to further tractor safetyby developing a graphic image that encour-ages tractor owners and operators to wearseatbelts, raise foldable ROPS to the uprightposition, and install ROPS on older tractors.His winning logo is now part of a nationalROPS promotion strategy for North America.

Agriculture ranks fourth among U.S.industries for work-related fatalities.Fatalities associated with agricultural

machinery commonly involve farm tractors, and rolloverincidents account for up to 76% of all farm tractor-related

fatalities. ASABE and agricultural engineershave played a significant role in reducingtractor-related fatalities. Tractor-relateddeaths declined from nearly 18 per 100,000workers in 1969 to fewer than 10 per100,000 workers in 1995. Much of thisdecline can be directly attributed toimproved safety design by ag engineers,including rollover protective structures(ROPS).

ASABE members who have a back-ground in tractor safety standards and designjudged the contest entries.

Spreading the Word to Save Lives

Contest chair John Fisher (left)congratulates Nick Schraderon his winning design.


logo design winner

WIRELESS RUMEN BOLUSFOR SMART HERDMANAGEMENTWandering Shepherd, Ltd.Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canadawanderingshepherd.comThe Smart Herd Management System(SHMS) takes real-time measurementof ruminant animals’ core body tem-perature with a device called a wire-less rumen bolus. Monitoring oftemperature in ruminants can aid inheat stress, monitoring and detection

of mastitis, estrus, metritis, pneumonia/respiratory disease, preg-nancy, and overall animal well-being. Each wireless rumen bolustransmits data to a central location through a relay systemamong the herd. Ranchers can then access up-to-date informa-tion on their ruminant animals’ temperature, movement, andeven location. This allows ranchers to identify early warning signsof sickness and calving. The SHMS reduces labor cost, overalltreatment cost, and overall ruminant animal cost. The SHMS isperfect for optimizing dairy cattle milk production as affected byheat stresses. The wireless rumen bolus features extremely longbattery life and can communicate with any mobile or desktopdevice running the SHMS software to remotely change bolus set-tings, perform temperature monitoring and motion detection,and other features.

Editor’s note: Last year,ASABE invited undergradu-ate and graduate studentsworldwide to participate ina newly established Ag andBio Engineering EthicsEssay Competition. Entrantswere asked to submit anessay on an ethics topic oftheir choice that impactsthe practice of professionsrelated to ag and bioengi-neering, systems, or tech-nology. The finalists pre-sented their essays at the2014 Annual InternationalMeeting in Montreal. Cornell University graduate studentKristen Perano was awarded first place, and her essay ispresented here. Second place went to Martha Priester ofAuburn University for “Ethical Considerations of BiofuelFeedstock Weed Potential,” and third place went toHenry Norrell, also of Auburn University, for “EthicalConcerns in Biological and Agricultural Engineering.”

Even as many sectors of the U.S. livestock industrycontinue to expand to meet increased demand fromgrowing export markets, animal welfare remainsone of the most controversial topics in modern U.S.

agriculture. Specifically, many consumers are concernedabout battery cages for laying hens as well as gestationcrates for sows. Polls show that 95% of Americans believethat farm animals should be “well cared for” (HSUS,2014a). California and Michigan have both banned batterycages for laying hens, with California’s Proposition 2, ban-ning battery cages and gestation crates among other prac-tices, passing in 2008 with 63.5% of the vote. Eight statesin addition to California have banned gestation crates forsows, and polls show at least 60% support for banning ges-tation crates (HSUS, 2014a). There have also been volun-tary reforms on the part of the livestock industry, withcorporations such as Smithfield Foods and many othersannouncing that they would stop buying pork from produc-ers who use gestation crates. In evaluating the debate abouthow much space farm animals need, we must consider when

animal confinement is justi-fied and when it is not, whatrole consumers play in thedebate, and how constructivedialog can evaluate andimplement reforms.

Many people are disappointed ...

... to learn that the major-ity of farm animals are notproduced on quaint familyfarms. Advocates for reformoften focus on getting the ani-mals more space or eliminat-

ing confinement. In some production systems, the animalsmay be crowded into small spaces without much opportunityto exercise or to practice natural behaviors. To be fair, though,animals in confinement operations are spared from someforms of suffering, such as facing inclement weather or starv-ing in a drought year, that wildlife frequently face. Somedegree of confinement may be necessary to protect animalsfrom disease (as in specific pathogen free hog facilities), pre-dation, or inclement weather. For example, chickens oftenprefer to remain in their coop rather than go outside in sub-freezing weather even when the door is opened. In areas with

Essay winners (left to right) Henry Norrell, Kristen Perano,Martha Priester with contest organizer Preveen Kolar.

ethics essay winner

Reforming ConfinementSystems for FoodAnimal ProductionKristen Perano

Sow nursing her litter of piglets. Courtesy of USDA-ARS.


cold winters, dairy cattle aretypically kept indoors while theweather is cold, but the cows arecleaner and more comfortableinside their barns than if theywere always outside in the ice,snow, and mud. Thus, somelevel of confinement mayimprove animal welfare.

Different systems,different levels of confinement

Even from one segment ofthe livestock industry toanother, different productionsystems lead to different levelsof confinement depending onthe ability of the animals to fendfor themselves. Beef cattle aretypically raised in large fieldsand rarely if ever put in a barn.Beef cattle also raise their owncalves until the calves are 6 to 8 months old. Dairy cattle, bycontrast, may be kept indoors year-round in some operations.They are less able to take care of themselves, often even lack-ing the instinct to raise a calf. Dairy calves are usually raisedseparately from their mothers, although most are raised in acalf hutch that is bigger than a veal crate. Lactating dairy cat-tle need to be milked and fed a carefully balanced diet at leasttwice a day. Dairy cattle are also more vulnerable to heat andcold stress than beef cattle and are often kept in barns to pro-tect them from the worst of the hot or cold weather. Thus,dairy cattle are raised more intensively and are much morelikely to be confined but are also better fed and more protectedfrom inclement weather than are beef cattle.

Hierarchies and bondsLarger farming operations also present a challenge in

that animals live in larger than natural social groups. Animalsnaturally form somewhat small groups where all of the indi-viduals know each other and have established a dominancehierarchy, which eliminates constant fighting and allows theanimals to form bonds with one another. Larger social groupsare especially a problem for chickens, where “cage-free” egg-laying systems may mean hundreds of chickens are raisedtogether in a barn instead of a handful of chickens living in acage together. While the connotations of “cage-free” soundmuch better, mortality rates are actually much higher in cage-free systems due in part to the disruption of the normal socialhierarchy and increased fighting. Laying hens also tend tohave brittle bones, and if a hen breaks her leg in a large barn,she could die from being unable to reach feed and water.

There is also a higher incidence of many diseases due to somany animals living together (Mench, 2008). Thus, it is not aclear-cut advantage for chickens being raised in “cage-free”barns rather than in battery cages. Although in the futurethere may be somewhat of a return to locally grown, small-scale farming, it is hard to scale up laying hen production andmaintain the same quality of life for the hens as the classic“barnyard flock” on a family farm.

A right and a responsibility, reforms and dollarsConsumers do have a right to know how their food is pro-

duced, but they also have a responsibility to be informedabout the issue and not attack farmers based on sensational-ized cases or unrealistic demands. In many cases, consumersshould also be prepared to pay more than current prices foranimal products if reforms are implemented. While somereforms may be economically beneficial (an Iowa StateUniversity study concluded that group housing for gestatingsows could save money in the long run) (HSUS, 2014a),many times reforms will lead to higher facility costs and thushigher production costs. Thin profit margins in the livestockindustry may not be able to absorb even low-cost increases,and especially in the short term, farmers will incur significantcosts upgrading facilities. Consumers also often over-reporttheir own willingness to pay more for reforms, as evidencedby less than 10% of Californians buying cage-free or organiceggs but more than 60% supporting a ban on battery cages.Some of this discrepancy may come from uninformed con-sumers who were unaware of the issue of battery cages whenbuying eggs, but much of it likely comes from the consumer


Dairy cows feeding in a barn. © Branex | Dreamstime.com

willingness to pay for improved practices being lower thancurrent price differences. However, some of this may be alle-viated by current over-priced niche markets becoming moremainstream. For example, the estimated increase in produc-tion costs is $0.35 more per dozen for cage-free eggs, yet theaverage store charges $1.65 more for cage-free eggs(Norwood, 2011). However, if more cage-free eggs are pro-duced, either due to consumer demand or government regula-tions, the mark-up will likely fall to better reflect the trueincrease in cost of production.

Welfare evaluationWhat criteria, then, should be used to evaluate food ani-

mal welfare? The first criterion should be whether the con-finement is necessary and therefore justified. For example,farrowing crates, which confine the sow while she has youngpiglets, have been shown to save piglets from being crushedor eaten by their mother. These have been generally acceptedas a necessary practice, while gestation crates, which confinethe sow during her whole pregnancy, have been banned inmany states. A second criterion is whether the proposedimprovement is really an improvement. As in the case of rais-ing laying hens in large barns instead of small cages, in someways the new practice may compromise welfare, such as thechances of starving to death because of a broken leg. Finally,the proposed reform must be feasible, reasonably practical,and implemented in a fair way. Reforms must be somethingthat does not increase labor too much (making it possible forfarmers to use) as well as something economical enough thatconsumers will be willing to pay for any extra costs that

result. Farmers must also be given adequate time to phase outor phase in changes.

Overall, constructive dialog on animal welfare betweenwelfare advocates and the livestock industry must involvesome negotiation of what is reasonable and feasible. Withincreasingly large populations of city dwellers at home andabroad, there will continue to be a need for large-scale pro-duction. Some issues, such as how to build large-scale layinghen facilities, are not clear-cut. However, a proposed compro-mise is enriched cages, adopted in many European countries,which offer more space and a more interesting environmentfor laying hens but maintain the advantages of raising hens insmaller social groups. In a positive development for workingacross the aisle, the Humane Society of the United States andthe United Egg Producers (the egg industry’s trade associa-tion) worked together to draft a federal bill, H.R. 3798, tophase out battery cages in favor of enriched cages (HSUS,2014b). Such a bill is an example of what can be accom-plished when agricultural lobbyists and animal rights activistsseek common ground and workable solutions. A growingnational movement to eliminate gestation crates also focuseson a feasible reform that is being supported by an increasingnumber of corporations in the industry. However, many otherwelfare issues remain. These should be addressed in a similarmanner, by evaluating sensible improvements and workingacross the aisle to make reforms.

AASSAABBEE mmeemmbbeerr KKrriisstteenn PPeerraannoo, graduate student, Department ofBiological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca,New York, USA; [email protected].

AAuutthhoorr’’ss NNoottee:: The bill to phase out battery cages, H.R. 3798, hasexpired and has not been reintroduced. The United Egg Producersare no longer working with HSUS, a setback from the perspectiveof compromising on animal welfare issues.

Pullets in group housing. © Ginasanders | Dreamstime.com


ReferencesHSUS. 2014a. Crammed into gestation crates.

Washington, D.C.: Humane Society of the UnitedStates. Available from www.humanesociety.org/issues/confinement_farm/facts/gestation_crates.html#.UzmnxoXZKfA. Accessed 31 March 2014.

HSUS. 2014b. Barren, cramped cages. Washington, D.C.:Humane Society of the United States. Available fromwww.humanesociety.org/issues/confinement_farm/facts/battery_cages.html#.UzmoMoXZKfA.Accessed 31 March 2014.

Mench, J. 2008. Proposition 2: Confinement of farm animals act. Lecture notes from May 2008 lecturefor UC Davis Animal Science 41 class.

Norwood, F. B., and J. L. Lusk. 2011. Chapter 9:Consumer expressions. In Compassion, by thePound: The Economics of Food Animal Welfare, 258-305. New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press.


CATCHING SOME RAYS

Small business collaborator Phil Sadler, of Sadler Machine Co., adjusts the Himarwari, a Fresnel-lens tracking solar collector/concentrator, which directs light for plant growth via fiber optic cables into TheUniversity of Arizona Lunar Greenhouse.

GGeennee AA.. GGiiaaccoommeellllii,, Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, andDirector, Controlled Environment Agriculture Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, USA

VViissuuaallCChhaalllleennggee44Visual images are always a part of producing Resource magazine. They complement the written word by engaging reader interestand enhance a feature with further information. And this year’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering VisualChallenge brought in a visual feast. We received photos from across North America and around the globe.

Our fourth annual call for “statements without words” has proven once again that ag and bio engineers are often as proficient inphotography and the graphic arts as they are in science and technology.

The finalists’ photos presented here show scenes from work life—at everyday, close-to-home locations and far-flung assignmentsas well—all with an eye for color and composition. Some entrants by sheer happenstance captured a curious or inspired momentwith a mobile phone. As one entrant pointed out, “A good camera is the one at hand.”

Most important, the beauty and meaning of the ABE profession and its many accomplishments come to life in these images,showing those outside the field: “This is what we do—on the job and off.” Of course, as good as they are, they are only a glimpseof the wide variety of activities—and occasional surprises—that can be found in agricultural and biological engineering.

Thank you for your entries and for the work that you do. We eagerly invite all readers to contribute to next year’s competition.And congratulations to all our participants featured on these pages!


"What are YOUlooking at?"

Improving animal welfare: afree-range chicken farm inThe Netherlands.

AA.. JJ.. BBootthh,, AssociateExtension Specialist,Department ofEnvironmental Sciences,Rutgers, New Brunswick,New Jersey, USA

DINNER IS SERVED, Boyd County, Nebraska

“Agricultural engineers continue to play an instrumental role in farm automation. This fence line feed bunker showsone of numerous innovations that reduced the labor input tied to food production. One worker can serve an eveningmeal to thousands of steers from the climate-controlled comfort of his tractor cab.”

PPaauull FFuunnkk,, Agricultural engineer, USDA-ARS Southwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory, Mesilla Park,New Mexico, USA


NORTHERN INDIANA IRRIGATION

“Advanced irrigation systems in crop-growing areas have virtuallyguaranteed a commodity to sell at harvest, compared to ‘the good olddays’ of working at the mercy of the elements. This drought-fightingstrategy works in areas of dependable water sources and reasonableequipment and utility costs. The groundwater resource of northernIndiana is good to excellent: well yields of 200 to 2,000 gpm or 0.3 to2.8 million gallons per day (mgd) can be expected in the St. Joseph,Elkhart, Pigeon, Fawn, Eel, and Tippecanoe River valleys. These sourcesare capable of large groundwater production. Wells with capacitiesgreater than 400 gpm, or 0.6 mgd, are quite common.”

BIRD’S-EYE VIEW: Veteran Oliver andInternational Tractors in Berrien County, Michigan

“Agricultural engineering has a rich history, and sometimes it readslike a novel. However, these two brands could never have been stable

mates because James Oliver ‘... flatly refused to join the “plow trust”that became International Harvester.’ For more on Oliver tractors

(which were produced in St. Joseph County, Indiana, where thispicture was taken) and some fascinating history on the company’s

pioneering chilled plow, visit the Indiana Historical Society’s web page:www.indianahistory.org/our-collections/reference/notable-

hoosiers/james-oliver.”

BBrriiaann MMccLLaauugghhlliinn,, Visual Researcher and Innovator, SafetyPsychographics, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA


ALL HANDS ON DECK

“In Oyo State, Nigeria, at a grain market, the hands of a grain trader, a farmer, and a U.S. extension engineer together examine the quali-ty of threshed grain. I love this image—it shows the various stakeholders in agriculture that are needed to ensure global food security.”

KKlleeiinn IIlleelleejjii,, Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

MAIZE MARKET FAVORITE

A farmer’s young daughter bags freshly harvested corn whilespecialists, evaluating Good Agricultural Practices, look on.

RRoobbeerrtt ““BBoobbbbyy”” GGrriissssoo JJrr..,, P.E., Professor, Departmentof Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, and AssociateDirector, ANR Extension Programs, Virginia CooperativeExtension, Blacksburg, USA

IS IT HOT IN HERE, OR IS IT JUST ME?

Finding the optimal temperature to maximize milk production.

“Conducting an on-farm energy assessment as part of the USDA-NRCS cost-share program, special emphasis is placed on ventilation and heating. The ‘umbrella’ is a propane-fueled, pancake-style radiant heater. The machinery on the right is themilking equipment that feeds the plate collector for precooling.”

AAnnddrreeww JJ.. CCoouurrttss JJrr..,, Certified Energy Manager, North Carolina Energy Partners, Greensboro, USA

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

“Outside of Yuba City, California, due to rain, the rice harvestwas halted, so I made inspections on the customer’s machine to bide time. As I walked back to my truck, colors burst forth.”

ZZaacchhaarryy WWiinnkkeell,, Field Test Technician, CLAAS, Omaha,Nebraska, USA

ASSESSING AIRFLOW

Intern Michael Albertson reads the velocity pressure of a pneumaticconveying system during an energy audit at the USDA-ARSSouthwestern Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory in Mesilla Park,New Mexico.

PPaauull FFuunnkk,, agricultural engineer, USDA-ARS Southwestern CottonGinning Research Laboratory, Mesilla Park, New Mexico, USAPALM FRUIT HARVESTING DISCUSSION

Sam Suzana Abd Aziz, head of the Department of Ag and BioEngineering, University Putra Malaysia (on right) and anengineering technician (center) explain to Manoj Karkee howfruit for palm oil is harvested in Malaysia, where there is greatneed for mechanized and automated harvesting systems.

Photo by a University Putra Malaysia student, submitted byMMaannoojj KKaarrkkeeee,, Assistant Professor, Department of BiologicalSystems Engineering, Center for Precision and AutomatedAgricultural Systems, Washington State University, Prosser, USA

POSE WITH ORANGE

Visible to near-infrared hyperspectral camera, Center forPrecision and Automated Agricultural Systems, WashingtonState University.

“This setup was used to acquire hyperspectral images todetect the development of chilling injury in honeycrispapples. An orange was used in a related test. The fruit targetis placed in front of a black background with a whitestandard board to enable image processing and calibration.The complete setup includes lighting to illuminate the fruittarget during image acquisition in a dark room.”

PPeetteerr AAkkoo LLaarrbbii,, Assistant Professor of AgriculturalSystems Technology, College of Agriculture and Technology,Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, USA



NORTHERN LIGHTS

Fluorescence microscopy: experimental setup for the study ofbacterial chemotaxis—the movement of an organism inresponse to a chemical stimulus.

LLeeee PPrreeiissss,, BioNano Laboratory, and SSuurreesshh NNeeeetthhiirraajjaann,,Assistant Professor, School of Engineering, University of Guelph,Ontario, Canada

NERVE CENTER

Technology-driven agriculture: the commandand control center of GreenWood ResourcesBoardman Tree Farm, the world’s largestirrigated fiber farm and contiguous drip-irrigated farm, with one of the nation’s mostsophisticated control systems.

“These operator interface terminals operatethe Irrigation Supervisory Control and DataAcquisition (I-SCADA) system, providinghigh-efficiency irrigation on 10,440 ha(25,800 ac) of drip and 2,225 ha (5,500 ac)of pivot ground. The I-SCADA systemincorporates 153 remote terminal units—mini field computers—along with more than1,400 sensors and 1,800 controls. This iscomputer-controlled agriculture at its best,remotely irrigating trees for solidwood/veneer or wood chips for paper, bio-energy, biofuels, and biochemicalproduction, in addition to producing high-value crops like potatoes, onions, mint, alfalfa, and sweet corn.”

NNaabbiill MMoohhaammeedd,, Water and EnergyResource Engineer, Boardman Tree Farm,Hermiston, Oregon, USA

INSIDE, OUTSIDE, AND THE TRANSITION

Scanning electron microscope image of syringe needle tip.

EEvvaann WWrriigghhtt,, BioNano Laboratory, University of Guelph, andSSuurreesshh NNeeeetthhiirraajjaann,, Assistant Professor, School of Engineering,University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Welcome to Focus on the Foundation! Withthese pages, we begin a new column dedicatedto ASABE Foundation news. In upcomingResource issues, we will continue to highlight

the work that the Foundation does to support the Society.

Happy AnniversaryThis year marks the tenth anniversary of the Boyd-Scott

Graduate Research Award, one of many awards that supportyoung professionals in ASABE. Created by Landis Boyd andNorman Scott, the award honors excellence in conductingand presenting research that builds the knowledge baseneeded to design the equipment, facilities, and processes forthe sustainable operation of a biological system. The awardalso recognizes the unique, important relationship between agraduate student and his or her advisor.

Boyd, a graduate student recruiter for Cornell Universityin the late 1950s, enticed Scott—a Washington State

University, ink-not-yet-dry grad in agricultural engineering—to pursue further studies at Cornell. Boyd then served as Scott’sgraduate advisor and mentor, and a lifelong friendship began.

Marking a decade of the Boyd-Scott Award, as the newyear begins we take a look at where the 2004 winners aretoday, ten years later.

Catching upThe Boyd-Scott Award has two categories: MS and PhD.

The three winners profiled here were the MS finalists for2004 and remain active in the Society today.

Angela Green, the first-place recipient, is an assistantprofessor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaignand director of the Animal Welfare and EnvironmentalSystems Laboratory.

Green received the Boyd-Scott Award at the end of herMS work at the University of Kentucky. Her master’s degreefocused on implementing technology to answer questions

about the impacts of envi-ronmental management onphysiological responses inhorses during transport inhot weather.

“Being recognized forexcellence in this researchat a critical juncture in mygraduate studies helped tosolidify my confidence inan academic career. TheBoyd-Scott Award certainlyhelped in my navigation ofcareer options,” says Green.

The Society’s PAFS-413 Animal Care andWelfare committee hasgrown in membership andparticipation because ofGreen’s enthusiasm, energy,and effort.

Focus on theFoundation

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Angela Green

“My role as an engineer is one that makes me unique inthe field of animal welfare, and it affords me a different per-spective on systems-thinking assessments and solution-driven problem solving.”

Runner-up in 2004, Michelle Soupir is an associateprofessor of Land and Water Resources Engineering in theDepartment of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering atIowa State University. She holds an appointment in research,teaching, and service. Her career goal is to work towardimproved water quality—in Iowa, the United States, andaround the world.

Soupir agrees that the Boyd-Scott Award offers a timelyearly-career boost. “This award gave me confidence that theresearch I was doing was important,” she says. “I have alwaysbeen very proud of this achievement, and the plaque is stillhanging in my office.”

In addition to conducting research, Michelle has taughtseveral courses and directed independent study projectsfocused on water quality and professional development.Recently, she completed work integrating water-related topicsinto several courses, raising awareness of environmentalstewardship among students majoring in agricultural or bio-logical systems engineering within the ISU ABE department.

Hongyoung Jeon, 2004 third-place finisher, says thecompetition was a valuable experience. Now a senior applica-tion engineer at Dow AgroSciences LLC, he says that thevery act of competing against his peers made him a betterresearcher, requiring him to explain and justify the value andimpact of his work. Jeon says the experience offered newopportunities and ultimately changed his career path.

“My life changed in many ways: I continued pursuing agraduate degree, and I worked as a post-doc research agricul-tural engineer at the USDA-ARS before joining DowAgroSciences.”

Hongyoung is currently anactive member of the ASABE MS-23/6 Application Systems commit-tee. He encourages professionalsand students alike to becomeinvolved in technical committees tostrengthen their knowledge as wellas contribute to continued advance-ment of the profession.

Be inspired!ASABE awards, funded by gifts

through the ASABE Foundation,change lives and enrich Societymembership. For more information,visit www.asabe.org/foundation.

AASSAABBEE mmeemmbbeerr aanndd FFoouunnddaattiioonnDDeevveellooppmmeenntt CCoommmmiitttteeee CChhaaiirr SSyyllvviiaaSScchhoonnaauueerr,, P.E., Principal Engineer,Advanced Innovation, W. K. KelloggInstitute, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA;[email protected] Jeon

Michelle Soupir



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