Ghostwritten thought leadership article written for Pioneer Seeds
Choosing seed treatment
With spring’s perennial uncertainties and farmers eager to plant as early as possible, seed treatments are a critical consideration to protect seed investments.
“Each year brings the potential for heavy disease and insect pressure,” says Ron Sabatka, Pioneer technical services manager for seed applied technologies. Soil temperatures and conditions at planting primarily depend on the weather. With more farmers planting earlier for both corn and soybeans, conditions are likely to be colder and wetter. These factors contribute to the potential for disease. Using a premium seed treatment provides an extra measure of protection, ultimately improving crop health and protecting yield, he says. Understanding what’s new, what’s improved and how seed treatments specifically benefit a farming operation is essential when deciding whether to use a seed treatment and which option is best to use.
Every year weather different
Weather is unpredictable. While no two growing seasons are the same, ensuring that crops get the best start possible is critical. When choosing a seed treatment, selecting a premium broad-spectrum option is a safe bet, Sabatka says. This choice not only provides advanced protection against a variety of pathogens, but also protects crops in uncertain soil conditions.
Just as no two growing seasons are the same, not all fields are the same. “Farmers need to select a seed treatment that’s compatible with their seed genetics and optimal for their field environment,” he advises. “Premium nematicide, insecticide and fungicide seed treatments are the results of long and rigorous evaluation processes, thus delivering increased yield performance. Farmers should look for proven options that are tested in many different locations and environments across several years.”
Not all seed treatments equal
Products that offer multiple modes of action to manage a range of pest species and environments perform most reliably, even under pest and environmental extremes. Products with high-quality, fast-acting active ingredients immediately protect vulnerable seedlings in an unpredictable and potentially hostile environment.
Additionally, there are multiple product advancements that provide additional or improved protection, such as corn insecticide recipes offering multiple modes of action aimed at mitigating cutworm and fall armyworm. A new corn nematicide seed treatment option provides an additional level of yield protection, too. Tapping the expertise of local seed sales representatives or field agronomists is a great resource for farmers thinking through the potential pathogens their crops may face and the value seed treatments offer.
Role: Interviewed the agronomist and wrote the article
Agency: Bader Rutter
Press Release written for Case IH
New models include 3- and 5-bale horizontal accumulators and 3-bale vertical accumulator
To provide more options for livestock producers, Case IH is adding a lineup of large square baler accumulators to its hay and forage equipment portfolio. Designed for simplicity and handling of a variety of bale sizes and conditions, the new Case IH large square baler accumulator is fully automatic, providing peace of mind so operators can concentrate on the baling process and not bales on deck. The Case IH accumulator is available in horizontal and vertical models, creating neatly placed groups of bales ready for pickup.
“In efforts to save time, money and increase productivity, we continue to see producers looking for ways to streamline their operations,” said Brian Spencer, Case IH senior marketing manager. “Using an accumulator to pre-package and dump multiple uniform bales helps producers streamline their operation by reducing the number of trips needed across their fields, ultimately saving money on fuel, time, and equipment wear and tear.”
The new accumulator requires no daily maintenance and is compatible with closed-center, open-center, and closed-center load sensing hydraulic systems. When the accumulator reaches capacity, the bales are automatically ejected off the deck and ready for handling. An in-cab monitor allows the operator to see how many bales are on deck and to manually eject bales at any time should the need arise.
The Case IH large square baler accumulator reduces loading time by up to 50% and collects up to five bales, depending on the model, and automatically groups bales in the desired dump pattern — stacked or horizontal. It is available in four models to meet various bale sizes and horizontal or vertical stacking requirements. For horizontal stacking, a standard three-bale accumulator is available in two models: the AC3108 for 3x3 bales and the AC4108 for 4x3 bales. For larger operations, there is now a five-bale accumulator option: the AC5150. For vertical stacking needs, the VS1208 stacks three 4-foot-wide bales neatly for easy loading.
In addition to adding a lineup of large square baler accumulators to its equipment portfolio, Case IH is making updates to its large square baler models available on new Model Year 2020 balers. The TwinePro™ knotter ensures the perfect finish for bales with the addition of a second loop knot, improving the knot strength by up to 30%. Bale density may be increased by using the same twine, or current bale density may be maintained by using lower-strength twine. The new knotting technique eliminates the twine off cuts, making a more environmentally friendly baler. With previous baler models, a producer creates upward of 9,800 feet of off cuts per year.
The Case IH VS1208 large square baler accumulators will be on display at World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from Feb. 11 to 13. For more information, visit your local Case IH dealer or www.caseih.com.
RACINE, Wisconsin (February 11, 2020)
Role: Wrote and distributed press release
Agency: Bader Rutter
Press Release written for Case IH
New lineup delivers the comfort and power of a high-horsepower Case IH tractor in a compact design
Case IH is adding a premium tractor in a compact design to its livestock portfolio with the new Vestrum™ series tractor. Delivering the comfort and power of a high-horsepower Case IH tractor, the Vestrum series combines maneuverability with premium cab comfort in a compact design, making it the go-to choice for any job despite conditions or space constraints.
“Before the Vestrum, producers couldn’t get a tractor in the 100 horsepower class with this amount of versatility and comfort,” said Greg Lucey, Case IH Farmall marketing manager. “This all-purpose, premium tractor offers a range of functionality in a class all of its own.”
Power and flexibility to take on any job
Designed to handle even the heaviest tasks, the Vestrum tractor has a powerful 4-cylinder engine with a Wastegate turbocharger. The lineup consists of two models — Vestrum 100 and Vestrum 130 — with 28.5-gallon-per-minute maximum hydraulic pump flowrate. With a 100 or 130 hp1 rating and a lift capacity of 6,700 pounds, the Vestrum tractor has enough power for a variety of applications, such as planting and baling.
The short wheelbase, 55-degree steering angle and smaller chassis make tight spaces easy for the Vestrum tractor to maneuver. The size, power and maneuverability enable the Vestrum tractor to take on a variety of applications from dairy and beef operations to hay, forage and loader work, as well as winter snow removal and specialty crops. The LED light package allows work to start before sunrise and continue after sunset.
The Vestrum series offers two convenient transmission options: CVXDrive™ continuously variable transmission and ActiveDrive 8 dual-clutch transmission. Vestrum is the first Case IH tractor in the 100 hp class available with CVXDrive or ActiveDrive8 transmission options. CVXDrive automatically selects the most efficient gear ratio and engine speed to achieve target ground speed. It is optimal for applications on hilly terrains or frequent load changes. ActiveDrive 8 offers a wide range of working speeds without torque interruptions, ideal for long days in the field.
Premium comforts in a compact design
Like larger Case IH tractors, the Vestrum series tractor is designed with premium comforts but in a smaller and more maneuverable compact design. Compatible with optional Advanced Farming Systems™ (AFS) and ISOBUS technologies, the Vestrum series tractor can be customized for specific operations. From the user-friendly in-cab Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) Pro 700 display, all main settings are adjustable, including gear setting, general operation and setup displays.
“With such a wide range of customizable options — including AFS and optional suspended cab and front axle for better maneuverability and a more comfortable ride — producers can truly tailor their tractor to the needs of their operation,” Lucey said.
A SurroundVision™ cab with a standard high-visibility roof panel allows for a 360-degree view of operations. The MultiControl armrest keeps all key controls in reach for added comfort and efficiency. Modern styling, including a sleek hood and grill design, give this tractor a luxury look and feel while a Bluetooth radio with a hands-free function keeps producers conveniently connected while inside the quiet cab.
All Model Year 2020 Vestrum series tractors are covered by a two-year, 2,000-hour factory warranty. Contact your local Case IH dealer for more information. The tractor is on display at winter farm shows, including World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, from Feb. 11 to 13 and National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky, from Feb. 12 to 15.
For more information, visit your local Case IH dealer or www.caseih.com.
1At 2,200 ERPM rated engine speed.
RACINE, Wisconsin (February 11, 2020)
Role: Wrote and distributed press release, wrote web copy and brochure
Agency: Bader Rutter