Monthly Archives: September 2011

It’s time to start thinking about farm taxes

Harvest hasn’t even really started in the Midwest, and we’re already talking taxes? You bet. Because once the combines are parked it will be time to meet with your tax advisers to start preparing your 2011 taxes. My email in-box … Continue reading

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Cab comforts

The tractor cab has come a long way, and it never ceases to amaze me what design engineers will think of next to bring even more improved features and benefits to the tractor operator. Yes, we’ve graduated beyond the biggest … Continue reading

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Keeping the lights on

It’s another sure sign of fall: those daylight hours are quickly fading. Yet there is still work to be done, and soon the cast of powerful tractor lights will replace the fading twilight. I was reminded how important those lights … Continue reading

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Posted in Maintenance and Safety | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Have you done a full equipment check?

When we talk about equipment maintenance, it’s often easy to forget the one part of the machinery where the rubber meets the road: the tires. We expect a lot out of our farm tires. Just think of the past year … Continue reading

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New John Deere technology helps optimize harvest activity

John Deere’s latest introduction has nothing to do with green paint, but could have a big impact at harvest. Called Machine Sync and Machine Communication Radio, the system provides up-to-the-second information on equipment location and operational status, and automates equipment … Continue reading

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A safety checklist

As an agricultural journalist, I have written numerous articles on the issue of farm safety. And any time I think I’ve covered the issue enough, I read about another farming-related death. We all have heard lectures: farming ranks among the … Continue reading

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Posted in Maintenance and Safety | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Frost-damaged corn needs special handling

The cold spell last week meant an end to the 2011 growing season for some producers in the upper Midwest. And those handling this corn over the next few weeks need to pay close attention to the crop and the … Continue reading

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Posted in Maintenance and Safety | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Combine, 4WD tractor sales dip in August

Retail sales of self-propelled combines and four-wheel drive tractors dipped in August, according to the August 2011 Flash Report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. Self-propelled combine sales were down 13.8 percent compared to August 2010, and year-to-date sales are … Continue reading

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Case IH to use Selective Catalytic Reduction technology to meet Tier 4B engine emission standards

To meet the 2014 Tier 4B (Tier 4 Final) engine emission standards, Case IH has announced that it will use exclusively Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. That’s the same technology that Case IH is using to meet Tier 4A interim … Continue reading

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Posted in Tier 4 Engines | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Build your own tractor

There’s a new tool from Fendt tractors that allows you to configure, price and compare a new tractor right from home. If you’ve ever ordered a computer online, you have a good idea of exactly how powerful this kind of … Continue reading

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