SPRING 2025
WHAT’S INSIDE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
SEE YOU ON THE ROAD!
Our 2025 tradeshow schedule:
» World Pork Expo | June 4-5
» MAGIE | August 20-21
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COMING SOON: AG LEADER’S RIGHTPATH™
This fall, Ag Leader will be releasing RightPath, an implement guidance system to eliminate implement dri t, crop damage and yield loss while increasing your e ciency and patience when hitting your marks across the field. This product will work great for NH3 bars, strip till bars, sidedress bars and planters.
RightPath will require a InCommand GO 10” or 16” display and will only work with SteadySteer and SteerCommand. You will need to have at least a GPS 7500 with a TerraStar C-Pro unlock on the vehicle steering system, and a correction unlock for the implement GPS 7500 is not needed, but it does need a RightPath unlock.
GET 8% OFF OF SCHULD BUSHNELL BULK FEED BINS
Orders must be placed by 3.31.25. Contact Tom Miller for more information: 319.325.1065
REFURBISHED FORKLIFTS FOR SALE
2007 & 2008 Nissan AF50LP forkli ts for sale. Repaired and painted. Contact Tyler Stutsman for more information: 319.325.4689.
INNOVATION FROM TRADITION
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, innovation is a new idea, method or device, whereas tradition is an inherited, established or customary pattern of thought, action or behavior. Innovation and tradition are o ten in juxtaposition … (cough, cough “that’s not how we’ve always done it”) … but what if that doesn’t have to be the case. What if innovation is forged from tradition?
In the ag industry, we find ourselves in a constant tug and pull between preserving tradition (a ter all, there’s something to be said about the tried and true and all the work to get there) and embracing new ways of thinking and doing. With the current uncertainty of the ag economy (and really economic a airs in general), it can feel daunting to accept any new risks. These are unpredictable times, but we can’t be afraid of change and taking calculated risks.
We’ve spent the past year reflecting on how we’ve grown and evolved throughout our 90 years in business. As we evaluate our times of change, a pattern can be found. During these times, we’ve been challenged to innovate by a few di erent things: customer needs, industry changes, economic conditions or new opportunities.
We’ve also spent this past year highlighting long-term customers coming from generational operations. In doing so, we couldn’t help but also find similar patterns those where strong foundations have allowed future generations to try new things both big and small to benefit the operation. Innovation from tradition.
We are surrounded by innovative people in the ag industry. Whether it’s recycling waste into compost, implementing unique nutrient management practices like saturated bu ers, using equipment for di erent applications in the o -season, trialing new field practices and products or a plethora of other ideas that could take multiple Roots magazines to cover. Some of these innovative ideas are ones that were originally shirked o or not taken seriously. Today they are possible.
When purposeful evolution is rooted in tradition, what seems far-fetched can become a reality. In the coming years, as you navigate both trials and tribulations, we challenge you to find ways in your operation you can move the needle to keep both tradition and innovation alive. As we o er that challenge to you, it’s something we too are focusing on, holding tight to providing the best service possible while adapting to the ever-changing needs of the industry, the world and you.
L ACKE NDE R BY
FROM MOVING HAY TO CLEANING PENS, DO IT FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR CAB.
MAKE YOUR LIFE A LITTLE EASIER WITH LACKENDER BY ECS SKID STEER ATTACHMENTS.
SNOW & LITTER BUCKET
BY: DEREK BONTRAGER | PRECISION AND EQUIPMENT SALES
Topcon’s newest entry into the a termarket steering foray promises “Big Farm Technology. Small Budget Prices.” The Value Line Steering solution is designed for front-steer tractors and includes all the components needed to steer many tractors built in the last several decades. The Value Line kit consists of three main components: the XC1 (7”) or XC1 Plus (10”) touchscreen display, the XR-1 GNSS receiver, and the XW-1 Electric Steering Wheel. The kit also includes the necessary cabling, RAM mount, hardware, spline adapters and anti-rotation brackets for the XW-1. Topcon designed the whole kit to ship compactly in two boxes.
The Value Line is designed with ease of use and ease of learning in mind. The XC console so tware is simplified to shorten the operator’s learning curve. Customers familiar with Topcon consoles will recognize many of the on-screen icons, and new Topcon customers will find the screen easy to navigate. Console features are limited (compared to Topcon’s full-featured X consoles) to make operations simple to set up and perform. The new consoles are capable of guidance, implement mapping and some limited section control.
The new XR-1 receiver comes out of the box ready for WAAS steering corrections and pulls from nearly all available free satellite constellations. It can be unlocked for higher level accuracy all the way to RTK networks. The XR-1 receiver comes with integrated gyroscopes and accelerometers (like other Topcon receivers), so additional hardware isn’t needed for steering control.
The new XW-1 electric steering wheel comes with integrated buttons for activating and adjusting guidance lines. Buttons are laid out in an ergonomically friendly pattern. The steering wheel will replace the steering wheel of the vehicle. It is designed for quick installation and to be easily moved between vehicles. The XW-1 is a very durable design — even capable of use on an open station tractor, golf cart or UTV. The steering system can perform many guidance patterns including Straight A-B, Curved, Guidelock (Last Pass) and Steer to Boundary. An optional Headland Turn unlock allows steering to continue at the end of the pass into the next pass.
Another available unlock for the Value Line is a Virtual Wheel Angle Sensor. This helps tighten up steering when necessary for very precise environments. A third available unlock is for ISOBUS UT applications. This allows the XC1 consoles to display a single ISOBUS rate controller.
Value Line displays can be tied into Topcon’s TAP digital farm management system using Topcon’s CL-20 cellular data transfer device or USB sticks. Displays are also capable of remote tech support using a USB Wi-Fi adapter.
Pricing for the Value Line system with the 7” XC1 display starts at around $6,000. The 10” XC1 Plus display adds $250 to the price.
This system can have many applications including — but not limited to — tillage, spraying, dry fertilizer spreading, manure spreading and even planting. Future so tware updates will allow for steering of rear steered, articulated and tracked vehicles.
From ease of use to more a ordable prices, autosteer has never been more accessible for operations of all shapes and sizes. For more information about Topcon’s Value Line Steering solution, please contact a member of our precision equipment department or scan the QR code.
STRAIGHT
CURVED
STEER TO BOUNDARY
HEADLAND TURNS
GUIDELOCK
THE NITROGEN CYCLE
BY: JUSTIN HUNTER | AGRONOMY SALES
The nitrogen cycle is a complex chain of microbial and chemical processes that play a major role in crop production. Nitrogen takes up about 78% of our atmosphere and is one of the 17 essential nutrients necessary for plants to complete their life cycle. It plays important roles in the plant such as assisting with protein and chlorophyll production (Sustainable Corn, 2015). The nitrogen cycle is a natural occurrence, but farmers can influence this process based on the 4Rs of nutrient management: right source, right time, right rate and right place (“The 4Rs”, n.d.).
It might be helpful to explain the nitrogen cycle by giving a real-life example:
Farmer Joe is on a corn-soybean crop rotation and applies 180 pounds of nitrogen in the fall with anhydrous ammonia to his soybean stubble. His corn yield goal for the next crop year is 230 bushels per acre. The term “anhydrous” in anhydrous ammonia means “free from water”. Once this product is injected into the soil, it searches aggressively for water and if there is proper soil moisture at the time of application, anhydrous ammonia (NH3) will quickly react with water and convert to ammonium (NH4+). At this point, positively charged ammonium ions attract and bind with negatively charged clay particles and organic matter. If there is not an adequate amount of soil moisture at the time of application, the anhydrous ammonia will likely volatilize and be lost to the atmosphere. Ammonium is a very stable source of nitrogen that the plant can use. When soils are 50 degrees or less, the microbial activity slows down, and the nitrogen from the fall anhydrous ammonia application will likely remain in the ammonium form until spring (“Why Do”, 2019).
Once soils begin to warm up in the spring months, the microbes in the soil will become more active and begin converting ammonium (NH4+) to nitrite (NO2) and then to nitrate (NO3-) through a process called nitrification. Nitrate is another form of nitrogen that the plant can use, but it is less stable than ammonium because its negative charge does not attract and bind with the negatively charged clay particles and organic matter. At this time, nitrate can be lost due to excessive rainfall by leaching through soil profile or by denitrification due to over saturation and ponding (Sustainable Corn, 2015).
Could Farmer Joe have decreased his chances of nitrogen loss? Looking back at the 4Rs of nutrient management will help.
RIGHT SOURCE
Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most stable forms of nitrogen, but the addition of N-Serve (nitrogen stabilizer) would have helped slow down the process of nitrification resulting in less nitrogen loss. If a farmer insisted on only applying one pass of nitrogen on their corn acres, then anhydrous ammonia would be the best product to use. Urea and UAN are more likely to be lost quicker than NH3.
RIGHT TIME
Executing at least one extra nitrogen application to spread out risk will decrease the likelihood of loss. A split application can be made on the planter with UAN, sidedress or y-drop application with UAN, or by topdressing urea. Of course, these methods do not stop the loss of nitrogen and come with their own risks, but they do help time the fertilizer application closer to when the crop will use it. A topdress urea application, for example, requires rainfall shortly a ter application or will risk the chance of volatilization.
RIGHT RATE
180 pounds of nitrogen is a respectable rate for rotated corn acres. If you figure 30 units of nitrogen as a “soybean credit” from the following year and assume there’s natural mineralization of organic matter throughout the growing season, there will be enough nitrogen to cover a corn yield of 230+ bushels per acre (assuming 2 to 3% soil organic matter and medium-high cation exchange capacity). If someone had a yield goal of 180 bushels per acre, this rate would most likely be excessive.
RIGHT PLACE
Anhydrous ammonia is placed in a concentrated band accessible for the roots to capture and utilize. Planting closer to the fertilizer band will likely increase e ciency. When looking at a split application of nitrogen, sidedressing with coulters places the product in the middle of the row compared to a y-drop application which places the product closer to the root zone.
It would take a much longer article to cover an in-depth look at the nitrogen cycle, but this should demonstrate the importance of the process and how it a ects growers. Nitrogen is one of the most di cult nutrients to manage, but using the 4R approach will likely decrease nitrogen loss and increase the ROI.
Sources Why do they do that? Anhydrous. (2019, March 21). Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. https://iowaagliteracy.wordpress.com/2019/03/20/why-do-they-do-that-anhydrous/. Sustainable Corn. (2015, April 27). Speed science: The soil nitrogen cycle [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVFywwreP0I&t=229s. The 4Rs of nutrient stewardship. (n.d.). 4R Plus. https://4rplus.org/nutrient-management/.
INTRODUCING
BY: DEREK SHALLA | PRECISION AND EQUIPMENT SALES
CONVEYORS
We’ve received multiple requests for a conveyor able to withstand years of use for fertilizer. Just like many other times when we’ve brought on new products, we listened and have been searching for a product line that can do just this. We set out to find a conveyor line that is durable, stainless, self-contained, self-propelled and easy to work on. Our search has led us to Convey-All’s conveyors, especially the stainless-steel version of their 1650 series.
Started in 1983, Convey-All has spent the last 42 years developing and fine-tuning its conveyor line and expanded product o ering. Convey-All’s stainless steel truck load conveyors are some of the most rugged conveyors on the market. Their stainless-steel design makes them ideal for commercial operators using a variety of products, especially corrosive materials like fertilizer. Convey-All o ers self-propelled, transportable or permanently fixed conveyor options. They also come equipped with Convey-All’s signature hydraulic design with the engine and fuel tank mounted on the axle. In addition to being easier to access and service the components, this allows for a low center of gravity for better towing at highway speeds. Another advantage of their hydraulic drive design is fewer moving parts and no belts, pulleys, chains, sprockets, counter sha ts or bearings (a.k.a. less servicing needed and safer use).
» 12”, 16” and 22” belt models
» Full stainless-steel construction for maximum longevity while moving corrosive materials
» Collapsible hopper
» Full-length windguards
» Heavy-duty undercarriages
» Hydraulic li t
» Spring tension drive box
2024 TRIAL PICKS PROVEN NUTRITIONALS
BY: ADAM GUY | AGRONOMY SALES
Several products exceeded our expectations during our extensive product testing and field evaluations. Network, AF-5Plus and Radiate stood out to us with their yield potential as well as their ease of application and handling.
When discussing the results of our research, it is worth noting the impact weather has on foliar products like the ones we tested. Even with adequate rainfall and minimal environmental stresses, these products showed positive results. Continued testing of these products is necessary to see the potential results in di erent environmental conditions. Typically, these products perform best when there is some kind of stress (drought, heat stress, herbicide stress, etc.). With the results we saw this past year, it will be interesting to see what they can do under di erent environmental conditions.
NETWORK
Network is a biostimulant containing humic and fulvic acid, seaweed, zinc, molybdenum, and a plant growth promoter (PGP) from ROI Biologicals. A PGP is similar to a plant growth regulator (PGR) but has a di erent formulation specifically developed by ROI Biologicals. Network helps promote microbes and increases fungi in the soil.
Network was applied as a foliar corn treatment at the recommended rate of one quart per acre. Our trials showed the following:
2024 STUTSMAN CORN SMALL PLOT TRIAL RESULTS
BIOLOGICALS VS. BIOSTIMULANTS
Two categories foliar products can fall into are biologicals and biostimulants. A biological is something that is living (you’ll o ten hear them called bugs in a jug because of this). These products usually have several di erent bacteria, fungi, protozoa and even nematodes. They also usually have certain requirements for storage, application and what they can be tank mixed with. This can make it di cult to get these products applied correctly since the organisms can die.
On the other hand, a biostimulant is something non-living. These products contain ingredients like humic/fulvic acid, seaweed and other nutrients that help feed and nourish the biodiversity already in the soil. Biostimulants also help with root and shoot development, plant vigor, metabolism, and nutrient uptake. These products are easier to apply than biologicals because they don’t have specific requirements.
AF-5PLUS
AF-5Plus from ROI Biologicals is a foliar micro-fertilizer, not a biostimulant. It contains iron, molybdenum, copper and zinc. In ideal pH ranges for growing corn and soybeans, a lot of micronutrients are tied up in the soil and not plant-available. By adding AF-5Plus in a foliar pass, we can supply the crop with these essential nutrients. In our trials, we applied a rate of two quarts per acre early post-emergence to soybeans.
2024 STUTSMAN SOYBEAN SMALL PLOT TRIAL RESULTS
RADIATE
Radiate from Loveland Products is a PGR containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), which is a plant hormone in the auxin family. It also contains kinetin, which helps promote cell division, leading to greater plant and root growth and development. Increased root mass leads to better nutrient uptake. Radiate should be applied early post-emergence at a rate of 2 to 2.6 fluid ounces per acre and can be tank mixed with a variety of pesticides. Being an older product in the world of foliars, it has been proven e ective over many years of use.
2024 STUTSMAN SOYBEAN SMALL PLOT TRIAL RESULTS
2024 STUTSMAN CORN SMALL PLOT TRIAL RESULTS
SULFUR ON SOYBEANS
Sulfur is essential for overall growth and development. Recent studies have shown a positive yield response to the addition of sulfur in a program. For our 2024 trials, we applied five di erent rates of sulfur (0, 10, 15, 20 and 30 pounds) via ATS as a pre-plant application. All plots received the same amount of nitrogen via 32% depending on the rate of ATS being applied. The trial was replicated three times.
Compared to the untreated check, all treatments had a positive response in yield to the addition of sulfur. However, there was not a significant di erence between the 10- to 20-pound rate, giving the 10-pound rate of sulfur the highest ROI. Thirty pounds of sulfur was an outlier with a 9.7 bushel per acre increase. This is a high rate of sulfur to apply to soybeans, and additional testing is needed to see if such high rates continue to show a high rate of return.
The goal of our small plot research is to help you wade through all the product noise. We hope to bring sound insights and products of consideration to assist you with making more informed decisions when it comes to new and emerging products. If you would like to learn more about our research and findings, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agronomy salesperson.
BRING ON THE PULSE WIDTH MODULATION INTRODUCING
BY: NATE SUTTON | PRECISION AND EQUIPMENT SALES
The adoption of pulse width modulation (PWM) nozzle control systems has grown in leaps and bounds over the last few years. We have been o ering Raven’s Hawkeye system since 2017, and it has been a great tool for co-ops and farmers. However, the Hawkeye system is limited in what platforms it can be installed on. To overcome this and bring PWM technology to operations not compatible with Hawkeye, we have partnered with CapstanAG™. With this new partnership, we can now install PWM control on basically every planter, sprayer or sidedress applicator on the market.
WHO IS CapstanAG?
CapstanAG is an agricultural technology company based out of Topeka, Kansas, focused on chemical and fertilizer applications. In 1992, CapstanAG was granted a patent for their PWM technology. In the past 20 years, CapstanAG has been working on improving spray quality through dri t control, flow rate, spray patterns and droplet sizes. CapstanAG's product line-up consists of technology for sprayers (PinPoint™ II Envelop™ and PinPoint™ III), planters (SelectShot™), toolbars (Tattler®), aerial (SwathPRO™) and orchards (Synchro®).
WHY INVEST IN CapstanAG TECHNOLOGY?
PRECISE AND EFFICIENT COVERAGE
CapstanAG’s PWM technology creates better spray flow control, ensuring uniform application and dri t reduction. Between increasing regulations and high input costs, making more e cient and less wasteful use of products is important.
TURN COMPENSATION
The PinPoint III system o ers turn compensation, adjusting the spray rate as the sprayer turns and ensuring consistent application even when fields are irregularly shaped.
COST SAVINGS
By reducing overspray and making better use of your chemicals, you can save on input costs. These savings mean the initial investment in a CapstanAG system can be recouped within a couple of years.
COMPATIBILITY
CapstanAG systems are compatible with most manufacturers' equipment and can be integrated with existing rate controllers or as a standalone system, making them easy to incorporate into current setups.
IMPROVED CROP HEALTH
By getting a more accurate application, crops receive the right amount of chemicals or starter fertilizer where they need it most, promoting healthier plants and potentially higher yields.
If you’ve wanted to integrate increased precision and accuracy in any of your liquid application equipment, CapstanAG has a solution for you. With increasing regulations and input costs, it’s more critical than ever to make the most e cient and financially responsible use of your chemicals and starter fertilizer.
IT’S ELECTRIC
SOLUTIONS BEYOND APPLICATION
Electric pumps have more use beyond just manure transfer. Some popular uses of these are in custom trailer washes paired with a slope screen to separate the liquid from the chips/solids. Another "unique" use of electric GEA pumps includes molasses pumping for cattle operations.
UNLOCKING FARM EFFICIENCY WITH
BY: TYSON MILLER AND ADAM MILLIKIN | PROVANTAGE ADVISOR/SPECIALIST
As the ag industry becomes more competitive and increasingly tighter in these markets, staying ahead of the curve isn’t just about working harder anymore but, in many cases, working smarter. We’ve found some of the “working smarter” and “doing more with less” solutions can be found within your farm’s data — likely information you already have and have been collecting. The boom in precision ag technology and tools over the past two decades has given growers access to exponentially more data points than ever before. But all of these data points can be overwhelming, time-consuming to analyze and hard to make sense of when you go to make decisions for your operation. And honestly, how many of you got into farming because you love sitting in your o ce and wading through data?
Giving growers the power to utilize their own data for complete operational transparency and to take farm management to the next level is the foundation of why ProVantage, our precision ag program, was started – all backed by a local advisor, so growers can focus on the tasks they enjoy the most.
ProVantage measures crop production at a sub-field level, giving growers the insight needed to continually evaluate the e ciency and profitability of their operation to reach whatever goals they set out to accomplish. Because input costs and grain prices change rapidly, ProVantage provides real-time data analysis that pinpoints yield and financial ine ciencies and can provide corrective recommendations to keep your crop plan on target with your goals throughout the growing season.
One of ProVantage's most exciting aspects is its focus on continual improvement. Unlike traditional crop management tools, which may only o er periodic assessments, ProVantage tracks crop performance over time, providing ongoing feedback to help you adjust and refine your strategy as conditions change. Your advisor will work closely with you to interpret insights, identify areas for improvement and ensure that you’re making the most out of the program. The focus on continual learning and analysis powered by a trusted advisor helps ensure your farm and fields remain at the cutting edge of e ciency and profitability, no matter what challenges lie ahead or goals you have.
Staying ahead in the current competitive conditions means embracing innovative solutions that can help you do more with less. ProVantage o ers exactly that: a comprehensive, data-driven approach to measuring and improving the e ciency of your operation with the backing of a dedicated advisor to take the heavy li ting out of the analysis. From optimizing land use to reducing costs, this exclusive program is designed to help farmers like you maximize profitability at every level. With ProVantage, you’re not just tracking data — you’re leveraging it to unlock a smarter, more e cient future for your farm.
TOP 5 PROVANTAGE FEATURES ACCORDING
TO GROWERS
MANAGEMENT ZONES - SUBFIELD ANALYSIS
» Establishment of management zones for each field to use for analysis and precise seed and fertilizer placement. Example: shi ting application rates from less productive to higher producing areas in a field.
BENCHMARKING
» Beyond the documentation and transparency into each aspect of your own crop production, you get anonymous benchmarking against other growers in southeast Iowa.
PERSONALIZED TRIALS
» Ability to easily create trials in your fields to measure yield and profitability of seed, fertilizer and crop protection applications (think your own personalized research).
COST TRACKING
» Private cost tracking analysis for growers to establish in-season costs to understand your break-evens and help guide better marketing decisions. These insights are not just theoretical — they’re backed by your real data that you can use to adjust and refine your practices for long-term profitability.
DEDICATED AGRONOMIC ADVISOR
» Industry and agronomic insights from your personal advisor focused on helping you achieve your goals; they’re dedicated to guiding you through the analysis process and helping you make sense of the data.
slipping while climbing the ladder on your bin or dryer. You might have even been carrying multiple tools, trying to make a repair and clinging onto your bin or dryer while doing so.
We’ve seen an increasing interest in safety items, which we gladly welcome because we never want to receive a dreaded phone call about an accident. Here are some improvements that can make your site safer for you and anyone else who might venture around it:
1. STAIRS
The first option for those looking to make their grain bins safer is replacing ladders with much safer steps. Stairs are also a handy addition for grain dryers. They come with a handrail for easier climbing, especially when carrying tools. When paired with a platform, stairs help eliminate the scary transition from the roof to the ladder.
Whether you’re deciding to add stairs to an existing bin or include them in a new bin build, we’ve never heard from anyone who has chosen stairs over a ladder and regretted their decision. Stairs are money well spent — and your family members will breathe a little easier the next time you climb a bin or dryer.
If you are worried stairs will make it easier for kids to climb your bins, you can install a door or guard at the bottom of your stairs to prevent unwanted access.
2. MANWALKS
If you have multiple bins, manwalks can be a welcome relief from climbing up and down each bin to perform maintenance or routine checks. Rather than having stairs or ladders on each of your bins, a manwalk makes it easy to move from bin to bin. They are also equipped with handrails and midrails for increased safety.
The main caveat with manwalks to consider is the height of your bins; they require your bins to be the same height, otherwise the elevation change can present additional challenges.
OTHER SAFETY REMINDERS
» Make sure all belt guards are in place.
» Check that sha ts aren’t sticking out where they can catch clothing and guards are on any PTO sha ts, especially augers.
» Have guards on intakes instead of having an exposed auger. This prevents the potential for losing balance and catching a foot or the temptation for someone to reach in.
Installing a platform at a bin’s eve gives you something to step onto from the stairs, making the transition into the manhole or top of the bin a little sturdier (and less nerve-wracking). Bin platforms allow you to stand on something other than the top step or ladder rung, making it easier to go from climbing to accessing the roof.
Dryer platforms are also available from the manufacturer, or we o ten work with a local welder to customize a platform to your specific operational needs. They are handy when working on dryers, which we know are prone to needing maintenance.
4. ROOF IMPROVEMENTS
There are a couple of di erent roof safety items to consider. The first is handrails from the eve to the peak. Peak walkarounds can also help reduce the blood-pumping feeling of being on a bin roof. If you want easier access to your manhole, stairs can be added to follow the line of the roof straight up to the manhole. If you don’t want to go the stairs route, a tread can be bolted to the bin with handrails.
All it takes is one moment in time, one small miscalculation or slight misplacement to change your life or the life of someone you know forever. At the end of the day, you and your loved ones (especially your spouse) will thank you for taking proactive steps to be safer.
