SMS Mobile PC can be utilized on PC-based devices, including laptops, tablets, and netbooks.

SMS Mobile PC offers another way for growers to collect information in the field that can flow between their mobile device and their SMS desktop software. Utilizing SMS Mobile on a netbook, tablet or laptop gives users the ability to see more information on one screen.

“SMS Mobile PC puts SMS Mobile on a larger screen so you can adjust the size of windows and their location on the screen to match the way you want to work,” says Corey Weddle, Director of Software Solutions.“The addition of support for PC-based devices also allows for higher screen resolutions, larger buttons, faster processing and more memory than the traditional SMS Mobile PDA version.”

SMS Mobile PC provides five field operations in which a user can record data: Boundary, Soil Sampling, Crop Scouting, Coverage Logging and General Logging. Ag Leader Technology offers industry leading customer support, and all SMS products are backed by our software-dedicated support team.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by provid- ing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

“For a long time growers have used our yield monitor to compare varieties at harvest. However, the field had to be harvested with the same display that planted the field to see the variety map in real time,” says New Business Development Manager, Roger Zielke. “I’m happy to say this added feature gives our customers a solution, regardless of their planting display. SMS-compatible data can be read into the software to create a reference file. That file is then loaded on to the INTEGRA display to show the variety map at harvest.”

Using SMS software to generate variety maps helps farming operations with multiple precision ag displays or mixed fleets of precision ag equipment in the operation.

“We take great pride in the number of precision ag products SMS can read and manage data from. Now we can integrate variety map data from multiple collection devices and make those maps available on the INTEGRA display to use in harvest operations,” says Corey Weddle, Director of Software Solutions. “Users with the following precision ag equipment brands can take advantage of this feature: Ag Leader, AGCO ISO-based displays, Case IH, DICKEY-john, Flexicoil, John Deere, KINZE, Mid-Tech, New Holland, Raven, RDS, Trimble and any ISO11783 display using the XML file format. That’s an extensive list; we’re excited to facilitate this data exchange among multiple brands in order to help growers get the most benefit from their precision ag equipment.”

This new feature is available in the recent INTEGRA firmware release, Version 1.5; SMS Basic or SMS Advanced Version 10.0 (released in May) is required to export hybrid/variety reference maps to the INTEGRA display. The update is available for existing INTEGRA owners to download at www.agleader.com, under “Customer Support”.

“No setup is required; drive the first pass and SmartPath will guide you from there. SmartPath combines straight AB guidance lines with curves, allowing users to simply drive their guidance pattern,” says Product Manager, Matt Leinen. “This is particularly beneficial in odd-shaped or terraced fields as well as fields without established guidance lines. Users will genuinely appreciate the ease-of-use this feature adds to Ag Leader guidance and steering products.”

SmartPath is joining a family of guidance patterns available with Ag Leader’s guidance and steering, including Straight AB, A+, Identical Curve, Adaptive Curve and Pivot. It is available in the following firmware releases: Version 1.5 of the INTEGRA display and Version 3.5 of the EDGE display. Updates can be downloaded from www.agleader.com, under “Customer Support”.
About Ag Leader

Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by provid- ing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

Chemical Injection
Dual product control in the EDGE display will support sprayer control of a liquid carrier and a single injection pump. Like other Ag Leader products, the EDGE display’s DirectCommand system now interfaces to the Raven Sidekick chemical injection pump for complete control over chemical injection applications. The EDGE display and CAN module will replace the Sidekick Console, directly connecting to the injection pump. Automated prime and calibration routines as well as advanced sensor diagnostics are part of the new functionality. This addition can be used for herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide as well as nitrogen stabilizer injection application.

Granular Fertilizer Application
Dual product control also means two channels of granular product control in the EDGE display. Operators have the ability to apply two products simultaneously at varying rates, either manually or using a prescription.

“We continually strive to provide practical solutions to enhance user-experience and productivity,” says John Howard, Product Manager. “The addition of dual product application control combined with existing EDGE display functionality provides an economical solution with the tools to achieve this.”

Additional functionality of the EDGE display includes SeedCommand, DirectCommand, yield monitoring, guidance and steering capabilities. In addition, the EDGE display is plug compatible with Ag Leader’s INTEGRA and InSight displays; this gives users who wish to upgrade in the future a seamless transition.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation. For more information visit: www.agleader.com

“The reality is social media is the way people are communicating today. These platforms allow us not only to inform and educate, but to have a conversation with those interested in precision farming technology,” says Dave King, Marketing Manager. “We can connect with Ag Leader customers around the globe, but also others in the ag industry as well as those who know nothing about precision agriculture.”

Precision Point, found at www.agleader.com/blog, will offer readers a wide variety of topics and precision ag information. The company will share insights into popular questions on getting started in precision technology, trends in the industry as well as international precision ag use.

“Social media adoption can be compared to the adoption of automated steering technology – warp speed. We felt this step was necessary to stay close to our customers as well as continue the precision ag education and innovation process,” continues King. “Not only will the precision ag user benefit from this, but so will Ag Leader. We hope to learn from social media interaction, ultimately furthering the precision ag industry.”

Interactions can take place on Twitter using @agleadertech, Facebook on the “Ag Leader Technology Fan Page” and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/AgLeaderTechnology.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

For more information visit: www.agleader.com

SureVac is designed for John Deere Pro-Series™ XP row units, but is also compatible with any John Deere vacuum seed meter manufactured in the last 20 years. In addition to John Deere corn and soybean seed disks, SureVac supports the eSet® vacuum disk from Precision Planting.

“We are excited to offer our customers another option for row-by-row planter control. SureVac allows for expanded seed meter compatibility, providing growers more flexibility in their operations,” says Roger Zielke, New Business Development Manager. “About this time in 2009, we introduced the SureStop electric row clutch for chain-drive planters. Due to its popularity and customer requests, we developed the SureVac option for the non-chain drive Pro-Series row units.”

Using GPS, Ag Leader’s SeedCommand or a compatible planter control system communicates with SureVac to turn planter sections on/off based on field maps and already-planted areas. The shutoff stops seed flow by cutting off the vacuum at the top of the seed disk. Planting is stopped and seeds fall back into the seed meter’s seed pool. When the shutoff device is pulled away from the seed disk, vacuum is restored and planting continues as normal.

“SureVac will provide growers with a tangible return on investment with reduced seed costs and increased yield potential in areas that are typically double-planted. However, growers will also appreciate the quick, easy installation,” adds Zielke. “To install, you simply remove the manufacturer vacuum cover and replace it with SureVac. Its quick, clean and takes less than five minutes per row.”

SureVac availability will be limited through select dealers for the 2010 growing season. Full production is expected to begin in the second half of 2010.

“There are thousands of precision farming dealerships and specialists out there; our goal with Blue Delta is to create an opportunity for the best of these dealers to separate themselves with in-depth training, and increased product and marketing support so they can become an even better resource for their customers,” says Mike Olson, North American Sales Manager. “We recognize the end user’s most important resource is their precision farming dealer. This is a great way to bring more consistency and expertise to the marketplace.”

Ag Leader unofficially launched the Blue Delta network in December at the grand opening of Ag Leader Academy in Ames. Since that time Ag Leader has been working with dealers on intense product training and marketing efforts.

“Our goal is to provide these dealers with a number of tools to help them better educate and support their precision farming customers,” continues Olson. “We’ve learned that the more educated growers are about precision farming, the more they embrace it. We believe this will have a significant impact on the industry.”

For more information or to locate a Blue Delta Dealer, visit www.bluedeltadealer.com.

“The INTEGRA display combines the operation control options Ag Leader is known for, with a built-in full-featured steering and guidance system including an on-screen lightbar,” says Product Manager, John Howard. “This makes it an ideal investment for operators who want a manual guidance system but anticipate expanding their use of precision farming technologies.”

“Built-in manual guidance, full-screen mapping, planter and application control, yield monitoring, real-time data logging and automated steering make up the core functionality of the new INTEGRA display,” continues Howard. “Operators will appreciate the complete year-round solution the INTEGRA display offers, but also, the industry-first high-definition mapping brings a new, enhanced user experience.”

As part of the full-screen mapping package, the INTEGRA display provides multiple map views allowing the operator to determine the level of detail needed to monitor applications; implement-specific tabs can be minimized to view more mapping information if desired. The display also features four video camera inputs, providing operators a better view of equipment operation and safety.

“Consistent with other Ag Leader products, the INTEGRA display can be moved from vehicle to vehicle. Plug compatibility with Ag Leader’s InSight™ and EDGE™ displays is also an important component of the INTEGRA display, making an upgrade a seamless transition,” adds Howard.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

For more information visit: www.agleader.com

With the dual-antenna roof module, ParaDyme uses Logic 7D™ technology to track pitch, roll and yaw as well as vehicle position and heading at all times, even when the vehicle is not moving. This feature provides operators with very precise vehicle steering performance. The dual-antenna system also makes rapid line acquisition possible in forward or reverse.

“We’re happy to introduce a steering system with unmatched accuracy and repeatability. This is a new direction for Ag Leader, and I’m confident our customers will be pleased with the quality and performance of the ParaDyme system,” says Al Myers, Ag Leader President. “The ParaDyme dual-antenna approach eliminates the need for a vehicle wheel-angle sensor to achieve RTK accuracy. This simplifies system installation immensely for both dealers and customers.”

Once installation has taken place, ParaDyme offers an “Auto Calibration” routine for steering calibration. The automatic routine allows ParaDyme to learn machine-specific steering characteristics.

Ag Leader’s INTEGRA or EDGE display will serve as the user-interface for ParaDyme. All set up, calibration and run-time operation of ParaDyme is done through the display.

“With the combination of ParaDyme and our INTEGRA or EDGE display, we are pleased to offer our customers a truly all-in-one precision farming solution,” says GPS and Guidance Product Manager, Matt Leinen. “Operators will also have access to in-field technical support with the remote diagnostics capability of ParaDyme. This will save users valuable time during peak field operation periods throughout the growing season.”

Using the integrated cellular communication capability, ParaDyme allows operators to request help through the INTEGRA or EDGE display for in-field technical support. When help is requested, dealer service technicians receive both an email and text message alerting them to a service request. Service technicians can access ParaDyme remotely to diagnose the problem while operators are still in the field.

ParaDyme supports WAAS, OmniSTAR HP/XP and RTK differential signals and over 350 vehicle platforms. RTK correction can also be received through a cellular network allowing operators to take advantage of CORS networks in their area.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

For more information visit: www.agleader.com

“Simply put, OptRx shines light on a growing plant and then reads the light reflected back at the sensor,” says Roger Zielke, New Business Development Manager. “Then, using a compatible Ag Leader display, the OptRx™ crop sensor system can create a prescription that varies the rate of nitrogen application on-the-go by sensing a crop’s health. For example, OptRx sensors will communicate with the applicator to put on less nitrogen on healthy corn plants and more nitrogen on weaker, nitrogen-deficient corn plants.”
“Nitrogen is applied at a rate that maximizes yield and profit potential in all areas of the field while avoiding excessive nitrogen rates common to flat rate application,” continues Zielke. “Flat rate nitrogen application leaves a lot of money on the table. We’ve seen the variable rate technology of OptRx™ provide input cost efficiency and less environmental impact.”

Additionally, OptRx crop sensors can be mounted on many types of vehicles to collect information while driving through the field. Information collected throughout an entire field, including vegetative index, can then be used to measure the impact of nutrients, water, disease and other growing conditions on crops.

OptRx will be available for the 2010 growing season for mapping sensor readings, which consultants can then use to identify trouble spots in the field. Variable-rate nitrogen application for corn is also included for the 2010 growing season. Ongoing testing continues for OptRx to be used for variable rate nitrogen application in other crops as well as to potentially vary the rate of any agrochemical in which the rate changes with crop size or vigor.

About Ag Leader
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992 the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation.

For more information visit: www.agleader.com