“In six years, I went from just having a cell phone to my tractor driving itself, and having a small airplane flying and landing itself on a farm,” Blair said.

The new precision farmers are hacking together a way of making food in which the virtual and physical worlds are so tightly bound that having his tractor steered by GPS-guidance with inch-level accuracy is ho-hum. Autosteering of farm machinery has exploded over the past several years, according to an annual survey by Purdue University’s Center for Food and Agricultural Business. In 2004, just 5 percent of agricultural retail outlets offered autosteering. In 2008, more than half did.

In a 2009 issue of Precision Farmer Magazine, Montana wheat farmer Steven Swank described the benefits of a souped-up GPS called “real-time kinematic” (RTK) satellite navigation.

“RTK is so much more relaxing. It allows you to multitask, and that (allows) me to spend more time with my family,” Montana wheat farmer told Steven Swank. “I even watched a DVD in the cab with my daughter recently.”

Blair, at 40, is a leader of this next generation of farmers who are adapting the precision dreams of the ’90s to the realities of the soil and the history of their acreage. People dreamed of vastly reducing pesticide and fertilizer use by applying just the right amount to each plant, but the variable-rate technologies have been only patchily adopted. Instead, a new crop of younger growers has started to use something like augmented reality. Data draped over their land guides their tractors and their decision-making.

“The big story is the generational shift going on right now,” said Joe Russo, president of the agriculture technology company, ZeDX. “The younger people are starting to get ahold of these farms and they have a much different attitude to technology. They Twitter, they got smartphones, they’re always on the computer. Precision ag is gonna ride that wave.”
Farmers have adopted autosteer, especially, because it has made them money. By eliminating the slop-space that even the best farm machinery operators needed, it allows them to put more rows in their fields, effectively increasing their per-acre yields. For high-value crops, it was an obvious technology to adopt.

“The payback was so much more than variable rate ever was that it was a no-brainer,” said Paul Schrimpf, who has been covering precision agriculture for the magazine CropLife.
Blair wants to push further, though. He’s leading a charge to adapt unmanned aerial vehicles — like the Predator Drones zipping across Afghanistan — to the task of crop surveillance. In true maker fashion, he’s not waiting for the technology to be delivered to him. He has founded a company and built a prototype of his UAV that uses an off-the-shelf digital camera to take photos of his farm.

The images it produces aren’t just pretty pictures, they can be converted into data that can be used in water, fertilizer and pesticide decision-making.

Based on the color data captured by the CCD, Blair can obtain a value called the normalized differential vegetative index, which he can use to find patterns in his fields.

“Now we have a numeric value and we can write an algorithm to find different things,” Blair explained. “Is a stressed crop showing a different value than one that’s healthy?”
Farmers like Blair have antecedents in the farmer-scientists of the Green Revolution, but ever-cheaper information technology has let them map the data to their land with ever greater resolution. Blair is slowly turning the vast, uncontrolled experiment that is his farm into a living laboratory that also happens to make money.

Tax time will be here before you know it – and certainly before most of us want it to be. But it is inevitable. Hopefully I can ease its arrival of some farmers by reminding you of the benefits of accelerated depreciation for farm equipment.

Farmers have until December 31, 2009, to take advantage of the accelerated depreciation schedule for most farm equipment. The bonus depreciation measure (which reduced the depreciation schedule for most agricultural equipment from seven to five years) was extended until the end of 2009 under the economic stimulus package passed this year.

There is no guarantee the accelerated depreciation schedule will be extended again, says Paul Kindinger, president and CEO, North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA). In fact, the measure almost did not pass this year. If the new economic stimulus package works, Congress will likely have less enthusiasm for an accelerated depreciation tool because it costs the U.S. Treasury and is supposed to be a temporary tool, Kindinger says.

The accelerated depreciation schedule definitely helps farmers who have had some good financial years recently and would rather invest income in new equipment than pay it in taxes. 2009 net farm income is expected to be the third or fourth largest in U.S. history.

To find out how your operation might benefit from the accelerated depreciation schedule, contact your local CPA or tax attorney.

Got a job to do? There's a compact tractor that can help you do it in comfort. The market for these small workhorses is growing rapidly.

Subcompact, compact, and utility tractors represent approximately three-fourths of all tractors sold in North America today. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers report that sales of <40-PTO horsepower tractors increased each month from October 2004 to January 2005.

Used compact tractor sales are up, as well, says Greg Peterson, owner of F.A.C.T's Report (800/381-0423 or www.machinerypete.com). "Auction sale prices on tractors more than 5 years old in this horsepower range are holding very strong. It's not unusual to see particular models even appreciating in value on a year-to-year basis."
As with most tractors, several attachments are available. Mowing and loader work are the two biggest uses for these tractors, say manufacturers. Several new tractor models this spring are designed around loaders with an emphasis on comfort and convenience. Visibility is key to loaders. If you can see what you're doing, you are more productive. Now go out and get the job done!
Side by side: Compact tractors

AGCO
AGCO is introducing eight new compact tractor models this spring, including the ST34A shown here. A completely new loader, deluxe seats, and ergonomically located controls offer operator convenience and comfort previously only available on full-size AGCO tractors. Has mechanical front-wheel drive, tilt-up hood, and removable side panels. New loader uses a pedestal mount for quick mount and dismount. Suggested retail price range for the ST34A is $25,026 to $28,802 for the cab version, and $15,870 to $19,506 for the platform version.

Branson
Branson tractors are manufactured by Kukje Machinery Co. of Korea and sold by Branson Tractor Company in Georgia. Branson has five models of compact tractors. The Branson 3510 is shown here with a BL10A loader and industrial tires. It features synchro shuttle transmission. The 12 forward/12 reverse transmission gives you four gears in each of three ranges. A synchronized reverser is standard to make repetitive forward-to-reverse loading faster. Price not provided.

Challenger
Challenger MT200 compact tractors, including the new MT200B shown here, are known for ruggedness and professional-grade power. Sold and serviced by Caterpillar dealers nationwide. Ranging from 23 to 52 gross engine hp., the MT200B is now more comfortable with controls repositioned for easier use. Retail prices range from $13,500 to $35,500 (for the MT295B Cab model).

Farmall
The Farmall brand, made by Case IH, dates back to the 1920s. The new DXE, D, and DX Series include subcompact, compact, and utility tractors --15 models from 18 to 55 engine hp. For light-duty work and mowing, three subcompact models (DX18E, DX22E, and DX25E) offer nimble handling in a homeowner-friendly package. In the 23- to 45-hp. range, 10 compact models are available (DX29 is shown here). In the 48- to 55-hp. range, two models are available. The price range for DXE, D, and DX Series is $9,600 to $26,000 (not including accessories, attachments, freight, setup).

Farmtrac
The Farmtrac 270DTC compact tractor, made by Long Agribusiness, has a 27-hp., three-cylinder, indirect-injection, water-cooled engine. Features a shuttle drive, partial synchromesh transmission. Also features hydrostatic steering, four-wheel drive, rigid roll bar, telescopic drawbar, adjustable stabilizers, and rear differential lock. The ISO block-mounted platform area prevents vibrations. Industrial or turf tires are available. Matching implements such as loader, finishing mower, and tiller are also available. Suggested retail price for the Farmtrac 270DTC is $12,728.

John Deere
John Deere's newest addition to its tractor lineup is the 3000 TWENTY Series. Four new models, including the 3120 shown here, range from 30 to 44 in gross engine horsepower. Performance tracking system allows you to monitor all tractor functions with a touch of a button. Features an automobile-style console for controls. Loader joystick and four-wheel drive make tractors loader-ready. Hydrostatic transmission means no clutching or shifting. Suggested retail price for the 3120 is $18,979.

Kioti
Kioti's new CK30 compact tractor features hydrostatic transmission, single-lever joystick, and a newly designed hood and fender. Removable engine panels and front hood allow easy access. Kioti diesel engines produce low noise, little vibration, and meet or exceed EPA regulation. Rear and front PTO are standard on CK30 tractors. Select rear or mid PTO separately or simultaneously. This allows the use of various implements, including a midmount mower. The operation of the front-end loader is made easier by use of the single-lever joystick. Suggested retail price for the CK30 with foldable ROPS and ag tires is $15,818.

Kubota
Kubota offers a wide range of compact tractor models. The Grand L4630 shown here features a 44-hp. diesel engine (net), hydrostatic power steering, and a three-point hitch. Lift capacity at 24 inches behind lift point is 2,760 pounds. The L4630 offers three transmission choices and a top speed of 14 miles per hour. Performance-matched front loaders are available. Has a one-piece full open front hood. Rugged, durable, and simple to operate. Suggested retail price is $22,094 (tractor only).

Mahindra
The Mahindra 2810 has a 28-hp. engine and features easy-grip levers and handles, and ergonomic controls and pedals for operator comfort. Comes with four-wheel drive, full open hood, independent PTO with safety mechanism and electrohydraulic clutch, power steering, spacious operator platform, and tiltable steering column. Has a four-stroke, indirect-injection, water-cooled diesel engine. Suggested retail price is $13,750.

Massey Ferguson
The new 1500 Series compact tractors from Massey Ferguson feature full-size tractor styling, quieter and more durable engines, greater comfort, and enhanced operator convenience with quick removal and replacement of attachments. The tractors are simple to operate with easy-to-read automotive-style dash. The three-cylinder, turbocharged engines have from 33 to 40 horsepower. Prices range from $10,948 to $34,351 depending on options.

McCormick
McCormick International has added the C-Max Series, a new range of utility tractors for price-conscious acreage and small farm owners. The series features five models from 59 to 99 engine hp. These three- and four-cylinder engines run more quietly, reducing bystander noise levels. Operator platform is designed to enhance driver comfort and reduce vibration and noise. Retail price for the C-Max line ranges from $29,249 to $45,857.

Montana Tractors
Montana Tractors are new to the compact market in 2004. They are manufactured in South Korea with final assembly and testing at U.S. headquarters in Arkansas. Seven compact models range from 27 to 45 horsepower. Model 2740 (shown) is powered by a 27-hp., three-cylinder, diesel engine. Four-wheel drive gives extra traction and pulling power. Has a three-year warranty. Suggested retail price is $11,867.50.

New Holland
New Holland Boomer compact tractors feature power, maneuverability, and operating ease. Models range from 18-hp. subcompacts up to 55-hp. utility. Optional SuperSteer front-wheel-drive axle gives tight turnaround. Optional Sensitrak system automatically engages and disengages four-wheel drive. Sloped hood and curved-boom loaders give better visibility. Estimated retail price for the TC45A (manual transmission) is $21,127; the TC45DA (hydrostatic transmission, SuperSteer, Sensitrak) is $26,890.

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