As harvest season kicks off, Ag Leader’s customer support team is getting several calls about yield monitoring.  Before calling into the tech support call center, there are a few things to keep in mind that can help us more effectively help you. The more information you have ready ahead of time, the faster the call process will take.  For example, we recommend keeping a notebook in the cab of the combine to keep track of the following items:

1. Display firmware you are running
2. Elevator Speed
3. Ground Speed
4. Header Height indicator changing
5. Area counting
6. Green or DGPS icon
7. Moisture reading correctly
8. Sensor force readings (Harvest Diagnostics)
9. Motor current, proximity and relay status (Harvest Diagnostics)

In addition, we have a few common things that you may be able to self-diagnose to save yourself valuable time in the field. One of the most important steps is making sure your firmware is up-to-date. New firmware is usually released twice a year, before the spring and fall seasons.  You will want to ensure your display is running the latest firmware. Below is more information on some other common issues that might come up in the field during harvest:

Map Not Appearing on Screen
Sometimes, it appears that the map is not working on your display although all the other functions seem to work properly.  In this scenario, you may have created a flyer point. A boundary is the ultimate solution, or an easy fix is to clear bounds.  Also, do not change the field on the way to the next location; wait untill you get there.  This will also help eliminate the creation of flyer points.

Yield Not Registering
The most common issue when yield is not registering is your elevator speed. If you are not in the range of 250 -650 RPMs, the yield will not register.  If your elevator speed is okay, the next thing you want to consider is the modules on the CAN BUS.  You will need to look under diagnostics and see if the flow, moisture, and speed modules are communicating.  While looking at the harvest diagnostic page, you can also check to see if the flow sensor is registering grain force.  If the force is zero, either the elevator speed is not in the correct range or the grain is not hitting the impact plate. Next, make sure you are registering a speed on the display and check the primary speed source (in most cases, GPS should be the primary source with a wheel speed as a backup.)  You will also want to check that when the ground speed is registering, the area is accumulating. If area is not counting you will need to look at the header height indicator.  Area is dependent on ground speed, AutoSwath, elevator speed, and header height. Make sure that the stop height is set according to the crop type and conditions.

Moisture Not Registering Correctly
The most common problem with moisture is a blown power fuse. If you are continuously blowing fuses it could be a sign that the motor is getting weak and cannot handle the grain and workload.  The proximity sensor could also be the cause of the moisture not registering correctly. The sensor may have build up on it telling the system the EMU is full of grain. On the back of the proximity switch there is a small setscrew used for adjustment.  Turn the screw clockwise until the motor is running all the time (make sure no grain is present).  At that point, rotate the screw 3.5 turns counter-clockwise.  If the motor continues to run you can completely unplug the proximity switch. Once you have unplugged the switch, if the motor stops running then you know you have a problem with the switch. However, if the motor continues to run then there is likely incorrect wiring or a bad component.

As always, our technical support team is here to help keep you going as you harvest your fields. You can call us at 515-232-5363, and check our extended harvest hours here. Also, don’t forget about our tutorial videos available in our Media Center or on our YouTube channel.

Can I import a variety map into my INTEGRA display from a different display?

Yes.  You will need to read the log file into Ag Leader’s SMS (Spatial Management Software) and export it as a .ref file to your USB (universal serial bus).  Then place your USB into your INTEGRA display, and it can be loaded by pressing the region button and Import Variety Map.

Finally select the .ref file that you have exported and press the green check box to load the reference map onto the run screen.

Can I do a weight calibration just using full semi loads?

No.  There are too many variables in such large loads that prevent them from being accurate enough to use for calibration. For more information about performing weight calibrations, you can watch this video about the INTEGRA display or this video about the EDGE display.

What is the difference between Automatic Variety Tracking & Automatic Region Changing?

You can use the Options screen to enable the display to track varieties that you planted earlier and are now harvesting. You can also use two types of variety tracking: Automatic Variety Tracking and Automatic Region Changing. Automatic Variety Tracking tracks only varieties; hence the operator must manually change to a new region. Automatic Region Changing tracks both varieties and regions, so the display changes the region automatically.  The illustration below shows how the display could track two different varieties. In this example, when the harvester reaches the end of Variety 1, and the operator maneuvers the vehicle to Variety 2, a message appears that either a new variety has been detected and the user is notified to change regions (Automatic Variety Tracking,) or that a variety has been detected and the display is automatically changing regions (Automatic Region Changing).

For more helpful tips before you head to the field, please see our pre-harvest checklist or the following blogs about preparing for harvest:

Pre-harvest Preparations: GPS & Steering

Pre-harvest Preparations: SMS Software

Pre-harvest Preparations: Hardware – Part 1

Pre-harvest Preparations: Hardware – Part 2

The first calibration we need to do is the temperature calibration. The yield monitor needs an accurate temperature in order to calculate moisture accurately. It is a good idea to leave the combine parked in the shade for an hour or so before doing calibration, or do it first thing in the morning.  It is best to have the combine the same temperature as the air around it. (See these videos about how to perform a temperature calibration on the EDGE or INTEGRA.)

The next calibration we need to do is the vibration calibration. For this calibration, the combine header needs to be attached. The vibration calibration teaches the yield monitor the difference between grain hitting the impact plate and the vibrations of the combine going through the impact plate. You will need to do this calibration for each crop type. (See these videos about how to perform a vibration calibration on the EDGE or INTEGRA.)

Calibrating the header stop height is the next calibration we need to do. You will need to teach the yield monitor the maximum and the minimum header heights, and then you will set a height at which the area logging on the yield monitor will turn off.  When you pick your head up at the end of the pass, the yield monitor will quit logging area and keep your yield more accurate. You will need to do this calibration for each crop type. (See these videos about how to perform a header height calibration on the EDGE or INTEGRA.)

The next pre-harvest calibration we need to do is the distance calibration. Your yield monitor will use the wheel speed sensor on your combine as a backup in the event of a GPS signal loss. If you have done this calibration before, you will only need to do it once to make sure everything is still working right.  If this is a new install, you will want to run the calibration more than once to make sure everything worked correctly the first time.  (See these videos about how to perform a distance calibration on the EDGE or INTEGRA.)

Now that all of your pre-harvest preparations are complete, you can turn your attention to moisture and weight calibrations.

A moisture calibration is a simple calibration.  It is important to perform the moisture calibration before you do a weight calibration. (See these videos about how to perform a moisture calibration on the EDGE or INTEGRA.)

The final calibration is the weight calibration.  In order to do a proper weight calibration you will need to harvest 4 to 6 loads between 3,000 and 6,000 lbs. each. All the loads will need to be run at a different flow rate. When harvesting your loads try to stay within the same hybrid, and try to find an area with uniform looking crops.  Calibration loads in different hybrids or running a high flow load in a poor yielding part of the field can cause accuracy problems.  (See these videos about how to perform a weight calibration on the EDGE or INTEGRA.)

As always, feel free to call Ag Leader’s Tech Support team at 515-232-5363 if you have any questions as you prepare to head into the field. For current Technical Support hours, please click here. We hope you have a successful harvest!

One of the most important things to remember during harvest is to create a backup of your display. In the event that something would happen to your display, you can restore that backup on another display and be running again in no time.  I would recommend you create a backup at least once a week during harvest, as you never know what could happen out in the field.

It is also important to take a few minutes to check the physical components of your yield monitor to ensure the components are working correctly. First, remove the flow sensor from the top of the clean grain elevator. The first thing to check is the impact plate, the hard black piece of plastic attached to the flow sensor.  If it is showing signs of wear, it is time to replace it. Next, inspect the area behind the load cell; it should contain a black gel material called potting. It is normal for a few cracks to appear in the potting, but if large portions are missing it will need to be sent in for repair.  Also, make sure the wiring coming from the flow sensor is in good condition.  If you suspect something is wrong with your flow sensor, contact your local Ag Leader dealer or Ag Leader tech support.

Once the flow sensor has been checked, we need to turn our attention to the deflector plate.  It is generally attached to the top of the clean grain elevator. If it is beginning to show signs of wear (ripples or dimples in the steel), it will need to be replaced.

Next, check the elevator paddle clearance; you will need to measure between the top of the elevator paddle and the deflector plate.  It should be between 3/8” to 5/8” on most combines.  The easy way to measure this is a pinky finger.  It should be a pinky width apart.  (Not all combines will meet this specification; refer to your combine’s yield monitor installation instructions, found here, for the correct height.)

You will also want to make sure your elevator moisture system is functioning properly. First, you will need to remove the moisture sensor and make sure it is clean.  Then, while the moisture sensor is out, look up inside the housing where the moisture sensor would normally be; the white piece of plastic is the proximity switch. You can (carefully) stick your hand inside and cover the proximity switch with a finger.  The auger should turn when the proximity switch is covered. If it does not, you will need to adjust the sensitivity of your proximity switch.

Now that we have checked the physical components of the yield monitor, we need to run through the preseason calibrations; we will discuss these in Part 2 of the pre-harvest hardware blog posts.

Field mapping refers to collecting maps that show site-specific data collected from a unique field. There are several types of field maps associated with precision farming. Some of the common precision ag field maps include:

Boundary map – A map showing the basic features of your field, including external boundaries and internal boundaries, such as waterways or terraces.

As-applied map – This type of map will show site-specific information about the inputs and rates that have been applied to your field.

Prescription map – These maps represent variable rate input prescriptions, often based on yield maps, crop scouting, soil sampling or other data.

Grid map/Sampling map – Maps that show specific locations or areas in a field where soil sampling or crop scouting will be conducted for analysis.

Soil Map – A map that indicates differences in soil factors, such as texture or organic matter content, within a field.

While there are other field maps that growers can utilize, the types above are some of the most commonly used in conjunction with precision ag technologies. Field maps are an effective way for growers to maximize the value of their data by comparing and analyzing their site-specific information, such as inputs, yields, soil types or field conditions. GIS software, such as SMS, is a great way to manage and review your field maps; click here for more information about GIS.

A yield monitor is a device that measures and records the volume or mass of a harvested crop in real time.  Yield monitors measure grain flow, grain moisture and other factors. An important factor to remember about yield monitors is that in order for them to be an effective tool on your operation, they must be properly calibrated. With an accurate calibration, yield monitors can be one of the most valuable pieces to evaluating your operations goals.

Coupled with GPS, a yield monitor can create yield maps for growers. Yield maps record yield and moisture information as a crop is being harvested and georeference this data to field maps. This allows growers to compare yield data to field conditions, crop inputs and other factors.Like yield monitoring, yield maps are only as valuable as a grower makes them; in order to find value in a yield map, growers must evaluate maps in comparison with inputs to see how their operation is faring (this can be done through a GIS program, such as SMS software.)

As you are collecting and analyzing yield maps on your operation, always keep in mind that what you are actually doing is collecting the valuable data to help make productive management decisions. The goal of precision ag technologies is to help growers improve their bottom line; by analyzing yield data, growers are better able to make the decisions to do just that.

Additional Information:

Yield Monitor and Yield Maps information from UNL: http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/ssm/mapping

Yield Monitoring Information from Alabama Precision Ag Extension: http://www.aces.edu/anr/precisionag/Yield_mon.php

Creating a new season prior to your fall fertilizer application will ensure the application data falls within the same season as your planting and harvest data. All data collected within the same season can be displayed as a reference map during another operation within the season.

For example, 2010 fall applied NH3 will actually be utilized by the following year’s crop, the 2011 growing season. By creating a new season prior to NH3 application, when changing from 2010 to 2011, all of your data collection will be associated with the crop it applies to, instead of the previous season’s crop.

Changing the season prior to the fall NH3 application allows for a reference map of the application to be displayed during planting and harvest. This means your fall applied NH3 can be displayed during planting or harvest operations, because it was logged within the same “season.”

If you have already started your fall 2010 application without first changing the season, the data will not be available for use as a reference map during 2011 planting or harvest operations. The season can be changed in between field applications, however, all of your fall application data will then be split between two different years. If you have already started your fall application, a good way to organize your information is to leave all of the application data within the same year and then use your precision ag software to evaluate yield by application rate when you are done harvesting.

If you will be using more than one display throughout the season, loading a reference file into the INTEGRA display is a new feature you can use to provide variety tracking information during harvest. On farms that use multiple displays for planting, variety reference files can be generated from our SMS software and then exported for use on any INTEGRA display. This feature allows for variety information collected on any display to be loaded as a reference file on the INTEGRA display that will be used in the combine. This feature is only available to import variety information into an INTEGRA display for use as a harvest reference map. The New Season and Reference File features are both helpful organization tools to keep in mind as you begin planning for your next growing season.

Current Technical Support Hours:

Now that harvest is approaching an end, our Technical Support Hours have been adjusted back to normal. The hours are now Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm CST. Our weekend schedule is also about to change; Saturday, Nov. 20 will be the last Saturday that we are open for the year. Tech Support will not be open November 25th & 26th, so be sure and get your questions answered before turkey day!

Research and testing is one of INTA’s main priorities. INTA tests new technologies and tries to adapt them to the unique needs of Argentinean farmers and educate the farmers on the benefits of these technologies.  One area that INTA has spent significant time on is precision farming.  The group has tested and analyzed technologies such as yield monitoring, variable rate application, autoswath, autosteer and, most recently, crop sensors.  In fact, INTA will soon start a second round of field trials using crop sensors when applying nitrogen and we will be looking forward to their results.

In addition to research, INTA also focuses on education. Ag Leader was introduced to INTA through our Argentinean distributor D&E.   D&E and INTA have worked together to educate Argentinean farmers on the benefits of precision farming.  Part of this education is INTA’s annual trip to the US with a group of 50-60 Argentinian farmers. This trip allows the farmers to talk with various agricultural companies and see the latest products at the Farm Progress Show.

Andres Mendez, the National Coordinator of the Precision Farming Machinery Project at INTA, says the technologies that Argentinian farmers have adopted the most are planter monitors, yield monitors, guidance, steering and variable rate application.  Moving forward, he believes Argentinean farmers will look to bio-mass and crop sensors along with row-by-row planter control for the greatest improvements in their operations.  “As Argentinean farmers increase their knowledge of their crops, this will lead to a more efficient use of inputs and machinery,” Andres stated.  This, as we know, is the common goal of farmers around the world.

It is always rewarding to work with organizations such as INTA that promote the benefits of precision farming to growers.  INTA has been performing research and providing education to farmers on precision farming for fourteen years, and I hope they continue to do so for many more years to come.  I look forward to working with them in the future and meeting their group at the next Farm Progress Show.

You can learn more about the INTA group by visiting their website at:  www.inta.gov.ar (The website is in Spanish but you can use Microsoft Translator to translate the pages:  http://www.microsofttranslator.com/Default.aspx .  Just copy the URL into the first box, select “Spanish to English” and the web page will be translated.)

Our INTEGRA display in the combine is again proving to be a very valuable tool. Earlier in the harvest season there was a large moisture difference between hybrids. In order to minimize our drying costs we used the yield monitor moisture readings to find and harvest the drier hybrids. Our maps also showed us the acres of each hybrid which quickly told us the storage that was needed for the drier corn. As in many operations, managing storage bins, tractors, augers and semis is a busy task and having a display that immediately tells us the acres and moisture allows us to maximize storage, be efficient at harvesting, and minimize drying cost.

The display is also showing us results that we have been anxiously waiting for all season. Different planting population blocks have shown smaller than expected yield differences while side-dressing nitrogen has shown to impressively boost yield more than expected.

One unexpected use of the INTEGRA display this year was to check the weight from a new grain cart. Yeah, that is worded correctly. I said used the display to check the weight on a new grain cart. Here is how the story unfolded. We are very particular about calibrating our yield monitor, thus during the first week of harvest we accomplished this task and monitored it continuously with our old grain cart. Then the dealer called and said our new grain cart was ready. We asked him if the grain cart scale was calibrated and he said this would be done for us, but I was doubtful. Then when the first load was put into the new grain cart we checked it against the combine display, there was a 20 lbs difference on 58,000 lbs. A day later it worked out that we took corn to a certified scale and checked all the weights again, but for the first day it was nice to be confident when loading semis and filling bins.

No matter how you use your yield monitor and combine display during harvest, stay safe and remember to take time for the details.  Those details are what will improve your management in the coming years.

Author’s Note:  Michael Vos is in his tenth year at Ag Leader, and as the Software Sales Manager, he works with key domestic and international dealers, and sales representatives promoting the use of software to find answers from precision ag information. He was born and raised on a farm in Oskaloosa, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State with a degree in Ag Systems Technology and Agronomy minor. Away from work, he operates a 2000 acre and 5000 head hog operation in southeast Iowa.

At Ag Leader Academy we are receiving questions about topics other than rain. Some of the common questions involve guidance and steering, SeedCommand on planters, DirectCommand on applicators and yield monitoring on combines.

Guidance and Steering – How long does it take for ParaDyme to start up after the INTEGRA display or EDGE  display has been powered on?

ParaDyme will start up approximately one to two minutes after controlling display is powered on.

SeedCommand – What is the difference between a RowCommand 1-row section cable and RowCommand 2-row section cable?

I have a John Deere planter with RowCommand.  I’m controlling the planter sections using an Ag Leader display and SeedCommand.  What is the difference between a RowCommand 1-row section cable and RowCommand 2-row section cable?

When using the RowCommand 1-row section cable, you will have 2-row sections on the far left and far right of the harness.   Then it has individual-row shut offs for each row between the 2-row sections.  For example the planter below is a 24-row planter with 1-row sections.  Therefore it has a total of 22 sections divided into 2 2-row sections and 20 1-row sections.  In the diagram below the red is used to show the 2-row sections and the blue is used to show the 1-row sections.

When using a RowCommand 2-row section cable, you will have 2-row sections all the way across the planter.  For example the 24-row planter below has 12 2-row sections.

DirectCommand – What are auxiliary valves used for?

Auxiliary valves are used to control up to two additional on/off valves when all sections are off.  These types of valves have been used on sprayers manufactured overseas, multi-section NH3 applicators, some Hardi sprayers and other applicators.

Harvest – What do I do if my motor does not turn on my elevator mount unit?

Here are three things to try:

-Check the adjustment of the proximity sensor.   If the light on the proximity sensor comes on when you place your finger across it then it should be set correctly.

-Check the fuses in the power cable leading up to the elevator mount unit.

-Try hooking power directly from the battery to the motor on the elevator mount unit.  If the motor turns you may need to check the module or the relay that controls the motor.

If you have other questions, attend an Ag Leader training session near you.  A list can be found here.  Or Ag Leader Technical Support is always there to help you.

Well, whatever your rule of thumb might be, we all know fall is coming and preparations need to be made for the upcoming seasons. This summer Ag Leader dealers have been preparing by attending dealer training at Ag Leader Academy.  When visiting the Academy they get hands on experience with installing, calibrating and troubleshooting Ag Leader products on tractors, planters, application equipment and combines.  The result is our dealers take pride in continuing to provide excellent support and training for the end user.

To help prepare users for fall, Ag Leader dealers are passing their knowledge along by hosting training events to ensure their customers have a smooth harvest season.  The topics that will be covered at these trainings include yield monitoring, DirectCommand for fall application operations, as well as ParaDyme and OnTrac2 steering systems.  At these trainings attendees will learn what needs to be done before taking their combines, applicators and tractors to the field.

A complete list of trainings can be found here.  We look forward to seeing you at training!

Harvesting rice in Costa Rica.

Agricultura Cientifica started distributing Ag Leader products in Costa Rica in 2009. They started with a couple of yield monitors for a local rice grower and have since started to broaden their operation. ”We decided to start with yield mapping rather than soil mapping because it makes sense to read the story of the field after harvest and it’s easier for a farmer to understand field variability in a graphic way and to be able to identify the extent and magnitude of factors influencing yield,” says Jose Aguero, President of Agricultura Cientifica.  ”We think soil mapping and variable rate fertilizer applications will be a natural consequence of farmers looking to improve their yields and expect it will start very soon. ”

Just after one season Agricultura Cientifica has come to understand the value of yield monitoring.  They have noticed the following items in farmers’ fields from analyzing the yield data:

• Crop lodging in rice reduces yield 20-80%.
• Weed spots reduced yield 20-30% in the rice fields.
• Red rice spots reduce yields 30-40%.

Aguero states, “The yield variability range is so wide and we never noticed it before.  For example, we had an average yield of 6 tons/ha in one field, but the yield variability ranged from 1.7 tons/has up to 12.8 tons/ha.  Now we know we have a variability problem due to drainage, weeds and population and are beginning to work on it.”  Jose and the farmers feel that the yield monitors have been a great asset to their operations. “We think yield mapping is paying back in the first season, awakening farmers on the current issues limiting their yields.  Potential is there but they were unable to see it,” continues Aguero.

The farmers in Costa Rica are also seeing the benefits of guidance and assisted-steering.  While the technology is not new to the region more farmers are adopting the technology. Aguero states, “The operator now spends 85% of their time paying attention to the control of implements and tractor performance rather than steering, making the operator more efficient.”  Aguero also commented that they are looking forward to auto-steer and already have customers interested in using the technology for bedding/furrowing and planting of sugarcane and pineapple.

Rice levees in Costa Rica.

Another precision farming application Agricultura Cientifica uses in rice production is contour mapping for planning out levees.  They survey the field where the levees should be placed for optimum water flow and drainage, sort of like planning out tile lines in the Midwest.  Jose claims they have increased their productivity by 300% using this method.

We will follow up with Jose again in the future to see how precision agriculture is used on the variety of crops grown in Costa Rica.  I hope to be able to share some interesting pictures of the sugarcane and pineapple fields.

From this wooden combine 100 years ago to today’s class VIII combines with yield monitors and auto-steer systems, we have come a long way.  However, if we look close at this old combine there are some core components that are still in use today, although in slightly altered forms.  For example, grain tanks and elevators are core components of today’s combines, just like this wooden one – proving good ideas stand the test of time.

This is true for precision ag products as well.  While the yield monitor has been around for sixteen years now, it is still a core component of any precision farming operation. The yield monitor provides information not only for a starting point, but also provides information to prove what precision farming practices have been successful in an operation.  While we are all excited about the new precision farming technologies that come to market, let’s not forget about that core component, the yield monitor.  Make sure that a yield monitor is part of your operation – it is just as important to precision farming as a grain tank or an elevator is to a combine.  Good ideas and good products do stand the test of time.

In closing, sorry for the short post, but I need to get back to trying to figure out how to make it back to the US.  Airlines are chaos and a cargo ship is starting to sound like a good option!

Author’s Note:  This post was written on April 18, 2010. I made it back to the US in one piece, fives days later than planned, but safe nonetheless.  International travel is always an adventure.