Key Takeaways:
- The Dakota Farm Show featured various new technologies to improve farming operations and increase profit.
- Farmers are witnessing significant improvements in technology, including automation, GPS, and drones.
- New nitrogen application technology, such as Green Lightning Nitrogen’s Thunder 365, is becoming available.
- Drones are taking center stage in the agriculture industry, with more exhibits showcasing farm tools that elevate crop management.
- Bale wrap technology, such as ShurWrap, is reducing weight and making it easier for older farmers to handle.
- RNAi technology is continuing to evolve, providing new modes of action to kill pests and improve yield potential.
Introduction to the Dakota Farm Show
The Dakota Farm Show, held in Vermillion, South Dakota, provided a platform for farmers to explore new technologies and innovations in the agriculture industry. The show featured a wide range of exhibits, including new nitrogen application technology, drones, and bale wrap technology. Many farmers who attended the show have been in the industry for decades and have witnessed firsthand the significant improvements in technology. According to Roger Wolff, a Yankton farmer, "It’s becoming less man and more machine. Everything seems to be automated now, and you get in, and you just drive. You don’t even do that. It drives for you."
Advances in Technology
One of the notable exhibits at the show was the new nitrogen application technology, Green Lightning Nitrogen’s Thunder 365, which takes the nitrogen that people breathe and converts it to nitrate, a nutrient that plants use as food. Mark Quall, the owner of Dakota Ag Solutions, explained that this technology is simple, cost-effective, and can be used for various crops, including corn, soybeans, and grass. Another significant advancement is the use of drones in agriculture. At least six drone vendors were present at the show, showcasing newer tools that elevate crop management to new heights. Joe Heatherington, a sales specialist for Airstrike Ag, highlighted the XAG’s newest drone, the P150 Max, which features a bigger tank, upgraded motors, and a redesigned remote.
Drones in Agriculture
Drones are becoming increasingly popular in the agriculture industry, and their presence at the Dakota Farm Show was notable. The P150 Max drone, for example, can fly at 45 miles per hour, covering more acres and increasing productivity. Heatherington emphasized the importance of drones in agriculture, stating that they are "the newest, greatest thing in agriculture." Drones are being used for various applications, including crop monitoring, soil analysis, and precision farming. With the advancements in drone technology, farmers can now collect detailed data on their crops, making it easier to make informed decisions and improve yield potential.
Bale Wrap Technology
Another innovation showcased at the show was the bale wrap technology, specifically the ShurWrap, which is stronger and lighter than traditional wraps. Nick Weydert, the owner of Yankton Seed House, explained that this technology is particularly beneficial for older farmers who struggle with lifting heavy bales. The advanced technology used to produce the ShurWrap makes it stronger while reducing its weight, making it easier for farmers to handle. This technology is relatively new, having been developed in the last five years, and has gained significant interest from older farmers who can now lift the bales up to waist high without straining themselves.
RNAi Technology
RNAi technology is another area that is continuing to evolve in the agriculture industry. Hefty Seed Company was at the show to talk about their different products, including Hefty Naturals, which use RNAi technology to provide protection against pests. Travis Petty, an agronomist for Hefty Seed Company, explained that RNAi technology gives farmers an additional mode of action to kill pests, such as rootworms, which have become tolerant to certain Bt proteins. This technology is constantly changing, with new hybrids being developed to keep up with the evolving pest resistance. As Petty stated, "Mother Nature’s keeping up and making things resistant and tolerant to certain things that we’re doing to try and feed the world."
Future of the Dakota Farm Show
The future of the Dakota Farm Show is uncertain, as the University of South Dakota announced that it would not be proceeding with hosting the show in the future. The organizers of the Dakota Farm Show have not responded to requests about plans to continue the show after this year. Despite the uncertainty, the show provided a valuable platform for farmers to explore new technologies and innovations in the agriculture industry. As Jon Fuhrman, a farmer from Cleghorn, Iowa, stated, "I will just keep plugging away and try to change with the times, and hopefully it’s for the better." The show demonstrated the significant advancements being made in the industry, and it is likely that these technologies will continue to evolve and improve in the coming years.