irrigation - zimmatic irrigation association (ia) is dedicated to promoting efﬁcient irrigation,...

VOLUME 24 I ISSUE 1 I FALL 2014 advances

CONSERVING WATER, ENERGY AND LABOR

IRRIGATIONCalifornia

Dairy Farm Benefits From New 9500CC

Pivots

AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH HOWARD BUFFET

PAGE 4

h

FIELDNET KEEPS IT ALL UNDER CONTROL. PERIOD. Every season, Jeff trusts FieldNET’s ease of use and reliability so he can manage his entire operation, allowing more time with his family and team. He also trusts his local dealer to make the most of FieldNET® by Lindsay’s powerful wireless capabilities.

From pivots and pumps to injectors and sensors, he controls all of his irrigation with confidence. Season after season.

Do more with FieldNET. For details, visit your local Zimmatic® by Lindsay dealer.

See how FieldNET works for Jeff: myfieldnet.com/jeff

© 2014 Lindsay. All rights reserved. Zimmatic and FieldNET are registered trademarks of the Lindsay Corporation.

“FIELDNET IS A GAME-CHANGER FOR MY IRRIGATION.”

Jeff McBride

- Ogallala, Nebraska

- Grower and coach

- 2000 irrigated acres

- 15 pivots

Uses FieldNET for

- Pivot control

- Alerts & status updates

- Soil moisture readings

- Pump monitoring

- Weather tracking

FieldNET is available web-based and as a mobile app. Search FieldNET on the App StoreSM and Google PlayTM for Android

Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Google Play is a trademark of Google, Inc.

Sliman & Butler Irrigation

CONTENTSDEALER VIEWThe World’s Most Expensive BullPage 1

THE BUZZBy the Numbers

Page 2

ONE PERCENT, ONE DOLLAR, ONE EARTHAn exclusive Q&A with Howard G. Buffett Page 4

CALIFORNIA DAIRY FARM BENEFITS FROM NEW 9500CC PIVOTSConverting from flood to pivotsPage 8

10 WAYS FIELDNET IS AN IRRIGATION GAME- CHANGERPage 10

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONNFTrax airless wheel assembly

Page 12

ON THE FARMEnhancing research with VRI featuring FieldMAP software Page 14

GUEST COLUMNISTPivot maintainence for high efficiencyPage 16

DEALER VIEW

Contributors

Editor: Dirk Lenie; Writers: Bridget Nielsen, Ken Wurdeman, Tina Stokes Art Directors: Kathy Troia, Jasmine Hayes

Irrigation Advances is published at the corporate office of Lindsay, Omaha, Nebraska, for the educational purposes of growers, customers, dealers and employees. Editorial correspondence should be directed to Dirk Lenie, Editor, Irrigation Advances, Lindsay, 2222 N. 111th St, Omaha, NE 68164. Questions or comments are welcome. Call Dirk Lenie at 402-829-6800.© 2014 Lindsay. All rights reserved. All brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Lean, Clean and Green. Lindsay Corporation is committed to developing environmental awareness and implementing sustainable practices to reduce the use of and protect energy, water, and all other resources.

Every business has unique and interesting customers. For Zimmatic dealer Sliman & Butler Irrigation, based in Gooding and Buhl, Idaho, one of those customers has to be Guy Colyer and his unbelieva-BULL, C Miles McKee.

C Miles McKee recently sold for a record $600,000 (3/4 interest), the highest price ever paid for a bull, according to Guinness World Records. The previous record for a bull sale was $301,000. Recently another interest in C Miles McKee was sold, making his new value well over $1 million.

The Hereford bull was sold by Guy Colyer of Colyer Hereford & Angus of Bruneau, ID. Colyer retains one-quarter interest, with the ability to use the bull’s semen in his own herd.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that we would raise a bull that is worth over a million dollars,” says Colyer.

The world’s most expensive bull was renamed just before the sale in honor of Miles McKee, a professor emeritus at Kansas State University. Colyer noted that Dr. McKee is an icon in

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�

T H E B U Z ZT H E B U Z ZIA

EARLY 2014 FORECAST FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

BY THE NUMBERS

EARLY 2014 FORECAST FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTSEARLY 2014 FORECAST FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

toU

P F

RO

M

due to higher wheat prices and greater volumes and higher prices on corn, feed and fodders

$35.8 BILLION$31.3 BILLION

Grain & Feed

RALRRRRARARAAALLLLRRRRRRRRRRRRARRRRARRRAAARARARARAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL

Grain &$31.3 BILLION

Feed

from strong foreign demand and diminished competition

$10.7 BILLION$10.7 BILLION$2.1 BILLION$2.1 BILLIONcorn

to

will increase by

driven by larger volume and higher prices for soybean and soybean meal products

$2.4 BILLIONoil

se

ed

s&

PR

OD

UC

T E

XP

OR

TS

$33.8BILLIONa record

UP

increases in beef and dairy offset declines in pork

and poultry

livestock . poultry . dairy

$32.2 BILLION$600 MILLION

based on record sales to China

soybeans

$23.5 BILLION$21.7 BILLIONup from

to

will raise by

$32.2 BILLION$600 MILLION

Source: USDA, May 2014Summer statistics will be released by the USDA in late August 2014

corn

based on record sales to China

$23.5 BILLION$21.7 BILLION

I 2

The Irrigation Association (IA) is dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation, and works to improve industry proficiency, advocate sound water management, and grow demand for water-efficient products and services.

On behalf of America’s growers, the Irrigation Association supports the Farm Bill since it not only drives innovation and productivity, but also incentivizes voluntary conservation practices that decrease the need for more regulations and other harmful burdens.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is part of the Farm Bill, and provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers

in order to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation or improved or created wildlife habitat.

“We are excited to work with the USDA in implementing the 2014 Farm Bill,” said IA’s Government and Public Affairs Director John Farner. “With an intensified focus on water quantity initiatives, farmers have more tools now more than ever to become more water efficient.”

IN THE NEWS2014 Farm Bill Update

Big Iron Farm ShowSeptember 9-11, 2014West Fargo, North Dakotawww.bigironfarmshow.com

Husker Harvest DaysSeptember 9-11, 2014Grand Island, Nebraskawww.huskerharvestdays.com

2014 Irrigation Show November 19-20, 2014Phoenix, Arizonawww.irrigation.org/IrrigationShow

Amarillo Farm & Ranch ShowDecember 2-4, 2014Amarillo, Texas www.ideaggroup.com/amarillo

Potato Expo 2015January 7-9, 2015Orlando, Floridawww.potato-expo.com

World Ag Expo February 10-12, 2015Tulare, Californiawww.worldagexpo.com

Commodity Classic February 26-28, 2015Phoenix, Arizonawww.commodityclassic.com

WEB LINKS

National Corn Growers Association www.ncga.com

National Potato Council www.nationalpotatocouncil.org

USA Rice Federation www.usarice.com

California Ag Network www.californiaagnet.com

UNL Water water.unl.edu

USDA www.usda.gov

U.S. DATES

Royal Agricultural Winter FairNovember 7-16, 2014Toronto, Ontariowww.royalfair.org

Manitoba Ag Days January 20-22, 2015Manitoba, Canadawww.agdays.com

Pacific Agriculture Show January 29-31, 2015Abbotsford, British Columbiawww.agricultureshow.net

CANADA DATES

• Steady increase in funding for EQIP through 2018

• New focus on water quantity incentives throughout EQIP programs

• Creation of new Regional Conservation Partnership Program, affording farmers the opportunity to work together on basin-wide or multi-state projects

• The former Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program was folded into EQIP

• Advance payment opportunities now exist for veteran agricultural producers

• Advance payments for socially disadvantaged, beginning and limited resource farmers, Indian tribes and veterans were raised from 30 percent to 50 percent

• Payment limitations are set at $450,000 with no ability to waive

WHAT’S NEW IN EQIP?

For more information about the 2014 Farm Bill conservation title, visit: http://www.irrigation.org/uploadedFiles/Policy/AgriculturalActof2014ConservationTitleOverview.pdf

UPCOMING SHOWS

EARLY 2014 FORECAST FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

IA

EARLY 2014 FORECAST FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTSEARLY 2014 FORECAST FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

What do you feel are the most critical issues facing farmers today in their efforts to help feed a growing world population?

A. The needs are different in various parts of the world and they vary depending on the economic status of the farmers. The U.S. will continue to play a critical role in feeding the world, but we face a number of challenges. I think our biggest issues will be reduced water availability for irrigation, and regulation of crop production practices if farmers do not embrace conservation production practices faster. The reduction of available water will come from depleted water sources, demands from urban populations, and from increased costs of requiring signi�cantly deeper wells.

An example of this is on our farms in Arizona where we are replacing decades-old 400-foot (122 m) wells with 1,300 foot (396 m) wells. The

I 4

A B O U T H O WA R D G . B U F F E T T

Buffett grew up in Omaha and has been active in agriculture, business, conservation, philanthropy, photography, and politics. He currently spends the majority of his time managing the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, a private charitable foundation.

Buffett oversees a 1,500-acre (607 ha) family farm in central Illinois and farms in Nebraska with his son. He also oversees three foundation-operated research farms: over 1,525 acres (617 ha) in Arizona, 4,400 acres (1,781 ha) in Illinois, and 9,200 acres (3,723 ha) in South Africa. He serves on a number of corporate boards, including Lindsay Corporation.

In this exclusive Q&A, Buffett shares his unique insights on agriculture, water conservation and hunger around the world.

QWhat do you feel are the most QWhat do you feel are the most critical issues facing farmers today Qcritical issues facing farmers today in their efforts to help feed a Qin their efforts to help feed a growing world population?Qgrowing world population?

Buffett meets with farmers in Mozambique drawing out a one-page “business plan” to demonstrate how a center pivot would increase their income.

(Photo by Molly Wilson)

Buffett and his German Shepherd Bolek on the foundation research farm in Arizona where Lindsay pivots, LAKOS filters and Watertronics VFD’s are used.(Photo by Doug Oller)

costs that come with such signi�cant changes in well depth include increased power requirements, higher capital costs and additional maintenance – at a point where it becomes uneconomical to irrigate. Beyond a focus on water is a need for more attention on soil health, not just absolute yield. As farmers we need to consider our net pro�t and our environmental footprint above everything else.

How can we all, including farmers, continue to make better use of our existing water resources?

A. The quickest way to improve the use of water resources is simple – and we know how to do it. There shouldn’t be a �ood irrigated acre in the U.S. We could conserve tens of millions of acre feet of water a year by eliminating �ood irrigation. Farmers could cut water in half by switching from �ood irrigation to pivot or drip

irrigation, upgrading existing pivots with the most ef�cient sprinkler packages, and using soil moisture technology. Our government should be providing farmers the incentives to make those changes but farmers need also be very concerned about what government-led regulation might look like and self-regulate where possible.

What role will technology play in helping to make irrigation and farming more efficient, profitable, and sustainable?

A. I think we are entering a new era of technology as it applies to farming and speci�cally to irrigation. The ef�ciencies that can be gained are huge. From soil moisture probes that communicate and adjust pivot applications to variable rate application, we will continue to see new technology develop. When I joined the Lindsay Board of Directors in 1995, a pivot was a piece of iron on tires. The panel literally had two buttons. Today, pivots are evolving into sophisticated machines that will be a critical component of feeding a growing population while conserving our diminishing water resources.

5 I

QHow can we all, including farmers, QHow can we all, including farmers, continue to make better use of our Qcontinue to make better use of our existing water resources?Qexisting water resources?

A.QA. The quickest way to improve Q The quickest way to improve

QWhat role will technology play in QWhat role will technology play in helping to make irrigation and Qhelping to make irrigation and farming more efficient, profitable, Qfarming more efficient, profitable, and sustainable?Qand sustainable?

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 4

AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH HOWARD G. BUFFETT

�

Farmers could cut water consumption in half by switching from flood irrigation to pivot irrigation.

How has farming and technology changed over the years on your own farms in Illinois and Nebraska? How will farming change in the future on your farms?

A. I have seen a huge change in our options regarding how we plant our crops to making no-till more ef�cient and better management of our nutrient applications. We can be much more precise with guidance systems and technology. Over 20 years ago when I began no-tilling, the basic equipment from major manufacturers did not exist to accomplish conservation production at scale – today it does. It keeps getting better and I believe we will see continual improvements.

Describe the work you are doing through the Howard G. Buffett Foundation?

A. The foundation primarily focuses on addressing hunger, improving agriculture, securing water resources, and mitigating con�ict. Historically we have spent 85 percent of our annual funding internationally. However, in the past few years our expenditures are split evenly between the U.S. and international. We have stepped up our focus on hunger in America, advocating for U.S. farmer adoption of conservation agricultural practices, and preserving water resources as it relates to U.S. agriculture.

Internationally, we work in some of the most dif�cult environments in Africa and the poorest countries in Latin America. We have had projects in 44 of the 54 countries in Africa including Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, etc. Hunger and con�ict are inextricably linked, so

agriculture is a component of peace and sustainability.

How can your book, “40 Chances,” apply to farmers and those of us involved in agriculture?

A. The title “40 Chances” comes from my own farming experience. Farmers have about 40 growing seasons before they turn the planter responsibilities over to the next generation. That isn’t a long time when you think of it in those terms. Therefore, we need to take this short time and improve ourselves, support others, and do the best we can to leave our farms, our communities and our general environment in better condition than when we started. We can all accomplish some great things in our lifetime, but we can’t go back and straighten our crooked rows of corn just like we can’t look back and regret we didn’t do a better job in life.

Anything else you would like to add?

A. I think most of us face two obstacles when it comes to life outside our daily routine: (1) we want to help but we don’t always know how to do it; and (2) it becomes easy to forget that most people in the world do not live like we live.

Everyone reading this article will be what some call the “Global One Percenters,” which is anyone with an income that exceeds $34,000, because the other 99 percent of the world lives on less than that amount.1 In the U.S., the poverty line is de�ned in monetary terms at about $16,000,2 yet a typical two-bedroom apartment is out of reach in 21 states for Americans earning $34,000.3 So the gap isn’t that large from being considered poor in this country and rich in the balance

of the world. What that translates into here at home is 50 million food insecure people, 16 million children living in poverty, and one in six of our country is going to bed hungry.4

What it means globally is one in six people struggle to survive on about $1.00 per day. Food and water are the most basic ingredients of survival, and as many as four billion people do not have enough of one or the other – or both. So as farmers, those who use the earth’s resources to produce food for others, we must take our jobs seriously. U.S. farmers alone cannot feed the entire world, but we will remain a crucial part of the equation. One thing we should strive for is to ensure that no person in our own country goes to bed hungry. That is in our hands and on our watch.

1 Censky, Annalyn. “Americans make up half of the world’s riches 1%.” CNN Money. http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/04/news/economy/world_richest/.

2 ”2014 Poverty Guidelines.” U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/14poverty.cfm.

3 Seager, John. “President’s Note. Population Connection. June 2014: Page 1.

4 “Hunger & Poverty Statistics.” Feeding America. http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/ hunger-facts/hunger-and-poverty-statistics.aspx.

IA

I 6

QAnything else you would like to add?

QAnything else you would like to add?

A.QA. I think most of us face two Q I think most of us face two obstacles when it comes to life outside Qobstacles when it comes to life outside our daily routine: (1) we want to help Qour daily routine: (1) we want to help but we don’t always know how to do Qbut we don’t always know how to do

QHow has farming and technology QHow has farming and technology changed over the years on your Qchanged over the years on your own farms in Illinois and Nebraska? Qown farms in Illinois and Nebraska? How will farming change in the QHow will farming change in the

QDescribe the work you are doing QDescribe the work you are doing through the Howard G. Buffett Qthrough the Howard G. Buffett Foundation?QFoundation?

A.QA. The foundation primarily focuses Q The foundation primarily focuses

QHow can your book, “40 Chances,”

QHow can your book, “40 Chances,” apply to farmers and those of us Qapply to farmers and those of us involved in agriculture?Qinvolved in agriculture?

A.QA. The title “40 Chances” comes Q The title “40 Chances” comes from my own farming experience. Qfrom my own farming experience.

Buffett serves as an Ambassador for the UN World Food Programme and has visited 34 countries on their behalf. He is photographed here in a WFP distribution center in Ivory Coast.(Photo by Howard W. Buffett)

“Global One Percenters” is anyone with an income that exceeds $34,000 because the other 99 percent of the world lives on less than that amount. Globally one in six people struggle to survive on about $1.00 per day.

“Global One Percenters” is anyone with an income that exceeds $34,000 because the other 99 percent of the world lives on less than that amount. Globally one in six people struggle to survive on about $1.00 per day.

the cattle industry and had a long tenure in KSU’s Animal Science Department, where he taught for more than 40 years and headed up the department until his retirement a few years ago.

The Colyer family includes Guy’s wife, Sherry, son, Kyle and his wife, Bobby Jean, daughter, Katie, and long-time employees Tony Willis and Dan Juarez. Guy’s parents, Ray and Bonnie Colyer, also assist in the family cattle business.

The list of awards for their stock are many:

• C Miles McKee recently won the Supreme Champion award at the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

• The bull’s mother won the Supreme Champion award at Denver in 2004.

• Pacesetter, another Colyer bull, won the Grand Champion award in 1983 and again in 1984. The Colyers sold 50 percent interest in Pacesetter for $238,000 at that time.

• Since Pacesetter’s winning Grand Champion in 1983 and 1984, Colyer has had two other two-time Grand Champion bulls in Denver.

Colyer believes strongly that it takes a combination of factors to produce prize-winning genetics and breeding stock.

“Top feed, top irrigation like my Zimmatic pivots, and top genetics are all critical to meeting the overall goal of raising quality breeding stock,” Colyer says. “Sometimes, great genetics are priceless and happen once in a lifetime. But, you can’t stand on genetics alone, it takes high-quality feed from the crops grown with our pivots to make it all come together.”

Colyer, who has six Zimmatic pivots purchased from Sliman & Butler, raises corn silage and alfalfa and has about 500 registered Hereford and Angus cows.

“We couldn’t be happier for Guy and his family. They are pioneers in cattle breeding and genetics,” says Dave Butler, who with his partner, Michael Sliman, own the southern Idaho Zimmatic dealership.

Butler noted that the Colyers are Internet pioneers as well, purchasing the Hereford.com URL during the web’s infancy, and conducting the �rst sale of livestock via the Internet.

For more information on C Miles McKee and a fascinating audio recording of the record-setting bull auction, visit http://www.hereford.com.

SLIMAN & BUTLER IRRIGATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

4

THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE BU�

IA

“We couldn’t be happier for Guy and his family. They are pioneers in cattle breeding and genetics,”

– Dave Butler, Zimmatic Dealer

qGuy Colyer (left) and Dave Butler (right) near one of Colyer’s pivots.

One of Colyer’s six pivots.

Colyer shows off his stock awards.

7 I

When California dairy farmer Mark Ahlem looked to modernize the irrigation system on his farm near Livingston, in California’s San Joaquin Valley, he turned to Lindsay and three new Zimmatic 9500CC Custom Corner systems with GPS Guidance.

“I went with pivots because I had experience with them on farms elsewhere and I like the ability of the pivots to make a round in 12 hours, which can help with wind and seed germination,” Ahlem says.

Ahlem is now using the pivots to irrigate 145 acres (59 ha) of alfalfa, corn, oats and sudan. He may also grow carrots in the future. The land previously was irrigated using a combination of �ood, aluminum sprinkler and tape irrigation.

Crops grown on the farm are used for feed at the nearby Ahlem dairies, with milk processed into cheese and other products at the Hilmar Cheese Company. Mark’s father, Charles Ahlem, is one of the original founders of the cheese processing company (see Hilmar Cheese Company story) and is also active in the farming and dairy operation.

“Mark and his dad are real pace-setters in that they now own what are probably the newest and most modern corner pivot irrigation systems in the entire state of California,” says Eric Stein of Agri-Valley Irrigation, the Ahlem’s local Zimmatic dealer. “We’re de�nitely seeing interest from neighbors in mechanical move sprinkler systems such as those on the Ahlem farm.”

Much of California agriculture is irrigated by �ood, drip or set-line pipe irrigation systems. As water becomes more and more scarce, growers like the Ahlems are looking to new technology such as mechanical move sprinkler systems for water, labor and energy ef�ciencies.

California Dairy Farm Benefits From New 9500CC Pivots

I 8

CONVERTING FROM FLOOD TO PIVOTS

“ Mark and his dad are real pacese ers in that they now own what are probably the newest and most modern corner pivot irrigation systems in the entire state of California,” – Eric Stein

Agri-Valley Irrigation

O

9500CC Custom Corner system in California’s

San Joaquin Valley

Another key reason the farm went to pivot irrigation is the extremely sandy soil in the area, according to Steve Bellow, Farm Manager.

Compared to �ood irrigation, the center pivots on Ahlem’s farm can apply water at different rates and much more uniformly.

“Doing �ood irrigation, with our very sandy soils, it took a lot of water. Plus, we couldn’t apply the fertilizers

accurately. Now, with these new pivots, the water application is much more uniform. We just push a button to turn on the system. It’s a huge savings in labor and we can accurately inject the fertilizers through the pivots,” Bellow says.

FieldNET by Lindsay’s wireless irrigation management system is used to manage and control the pivots.

Mark Ahlem adds, “It’s too soon to tell the exact savings yet. However, now I don’t need to build levies and don’t need an irrigator. Plus, I’m hoping to save 20 percent on the water usage and see increased yields because of this precision irrigation.”

Ahlem went with the GPS Corner Guidance system on his 9500CCs, which eliminates the need for buried wire, because of several obstacles in the mostly-square �elds, including

wells, a pump station, power poles and several roads that go through and near the �elds.

An added bene�t is that millions of gallons of wastewater from the nearby 1,600-cow dairy operation can be pumped

through the pivots and used to irrigate nearby crops, saving precious water and promoting environmental stewardship on the farm.

“We had to consider several unique challenges in developing and designing a pivot package for Mark’s �elds, including obstacles in the �elds such as wells, power poles and roads. We also had to account for the extremely sandy soils and the need

for better water and labor savings,” says Chuck Powell, Lindsay Regional Manager. “We knew right away that the best irrigation system for these �elds would be the Zimmatic 9500CC because of its ability to adapt to the unique characteristics of each �eld and apply water at extremely precise rates.”

Hilmar Cheese Company was founded in 1984 by several central California dairy families seeking to maximize the value of the Jersey cows’ high solids milk. One of those dairy farmers is Charles Ahlem, father of Mark Ahlem.

Since its founding, the cheese company, like the Ahlem dairy farms, has focused on resource conservation and sustainability:

• The Hilmar, CA, cheese facility has the most advanced food processing water treatment and recycling facility in the state and likely the nation

• Nearly all of the water used in the Hilmar, CA, and the Dalhart, TX, facilities is reclaimed for use as irrigation water and used on local farmland or internally for non-food applications

• The reclaimed water is in very high demand due to chronic agricultural water shortages in the region

• Dairy wastewater is used to irrigate nearby crops via three new Zimmatic 9500CC Custom Corner systems

IA

9 I

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

b b

Charles and Mark Ahlem

FAST FACTS HILMAR CHEESE COMPANY

Hilmar Cheese Company and its business unit, Hilmar Ingredients, serves customers in more than 50 countries.

• Production facilities in Hilmar, California, and Dalhart, Texas

• Employs more than 1,200 people

• Processes more than 21 million pounds (9.5 million liters) of milk each day received from more than 230 dairies

• Produces more than 2.4 million pounds (more than 1,100 metric tons) of cheese each day

• Annually produces more cheese and whey from one site (Hilmar, CA) than any other manufacturer in the world

10101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010101010I 10

STAY IN THE KNOWOften overlooked, alerts are also one of the easiest FieldNET features to use. Choose from text message or email alerts to stay informed about your pivot: run status, pressure, and more.

CREATE MULTIPLE IRRIGATION PLANSEasily create irrigation plans based on crop, �eld or weather. FieldNET allows you to determine and schedule the amount of water applied, timing, and more.

AUTO STOPFieldNET lets you easily program your pivot – automatically or manually – to move from one part of the �eld to another and stop where you want it to.

CREATE USAGE REPORTS

Monitor performance and gain insight on your entire operation and equipment using FieldNET’s customizable water and energy usage reports.

1

2

3

MONITOR AND CONTROL PUMPS

Gain full access to pressure, �ow, water level, power, variable frequency drive (VFD) and run status.

Climate Station / Weather

Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station

Rain Bucket / Rainfall Station

Relay Input Device

Relay Controlled Device

Span Cable Monitor (SCM)

Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller

4

5

Visit MyFieldNET.com for more information.

NEW! CONTROL DRIP SYSTEMSFieldNET now remotely manages micro-irrigation systems the same way it manages pivots and laterals. You can operate and monitor drip control valves, �ush cycles, chemical and fertilizer injection, and frost protection all from one single screen.

6


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller

11 I

WAYS FIELDNET IS AN IRRIGATION GAME-CHANGER

CONTROL END GUNSFieldNET makes it easy to adjust end guns to avoid watering roads or neighboring farmland.

SIMPLIFY CHEMIGATION Reduce exposure while ensuring that chemicals are applied precisely where and when you want.

MONITOR SOIL MOISTURE AND WEATHER

Check soil moisture levels and weather conditions (rainfall, temperature, humidity) in individual �elds to make informed irrigation decisions. Track trends and run reports on daily and cumulative rainfall data and other information to ensure irrigation is applied at the right time.

MONITOR PRESSURE

If a pump fails to stop when a pivot stops, a “Stopped Wet” alert is sent. You can also receive alerts for low pressure warnings, which help you determine if your system is operating correctly.

Download FieldNET’s true mobile app from Apple App Store™ and Google Play™.

Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Google Play is a trademark of Google, Inc.

7

8

9

10


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller


Current Sensor

Flow Meter

Level Sensor

Motion Sensor

pH Sensor (4-20mA)

Power Transducer

Pressure Sensor

Pump Station


Relay Input Device



Soil Water Station

TDS Sensor (4-20mA)

Temperature Sensor

Voltage Sensor

Drip Controller

REMOTE IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT: MADE EASY. DONE RIGHT.

NFTrax Airless Wheel Assembly

I 12

REVOLUTIONARY DESIGN“I love them – I can’t praise them enough. I’m very pleased with them.” Guymon, Oklahoma grower Tab Beck is talking about Zimmatic’s NFTrax airless wheel assembly.

NFTrax is the most revolutionary wheel design ever introduced to the �eld of mechanized irrigation. It combines pneumatic properties with all-new design concepts to maximize performance, speci�cally for irrigation applications.

This ideal wheel design not only provides incredible traction, consistent performance and limits downtime, but also improves wheel tracking over standard pneumatic tires and solid wheel alternatives on the market. The airless wheel design will never go �at.

NO COMPARISONBeck grows wheat near Gruver in Hansford County, Texas. He explained that his dealer, Dennis Martin, owner of Panhandle Irrigation LLC, Guymon, OK. initially tried NFTrax on wheat to make a two-inch track, and he was unsuccessful. “I’ve been placing three times the amount

of water and it still won’t make a track. I can’t believe it.

I’ve got 10-inch tracks already on other systems. Dennis and I even experimented with pneumatic tires and NFTrax on the same circle, and there’s no comparison.

NO DOWNTIMEThe airless design means it won’t puncture or develop bad sidewalls, plus the open design provides less soil buildup and improved cleanout.

“When I used old pneumatic tires, every time I had a �at, was at least an hour of downtime to �x it.”

NO TRACKS“We’ve got gummy clay soil here, and NFTrax doesn’t get stuck. I’ve tried every other option out there, and nothing works as well as NFTrax does. They’re impressive. The smoothness of them just amazes me. They stay clean.”

The improved track maintenance is a result of the horizontal tread and high/low pressure soil interaction, which keeps wheel ruts to a minimum. The �exible track adapts to obstructions and rough terrain.

“My landlord originally wanted to place NFTrax on the entire pivot system, but I said no. I’m kicking myself now for not saying yes.”

TOUGHER THAN TOUGH CONDITIONSAccording to Leslie Koehn, Irrigation Manager for American Irrigation, Ulysses, Kansas, NFTrax is serving

its purpose well. “It’s a great �t for tough conditions, especially deep pivot tracks in our region. The ability to make pivot circles and not get stuck is critical and NFTrax helps tremendously with this.”

Through extensive �eld testing, NFTrax’s wheel track depth can be as much as 30-50% less than standard 11.2x38-inch tires.

“In our region, we run our pivots really slowly, especially during the pre-watering season. Our producers rarely shut their pivots off during the growing season so our �elds often have very deep wheel ruts, which doesn’t happen with NFTrax.”

GAME-CHANGERKoehn said, “NFTrax is making a huge difference on issues of tires getting stuck. We make so many pivot passes in the year, averaging over 3,000 hours per pivot per year.”

“There is nothing like it on the market. It’s the only one of its kind. It’s a game-changer because tires are such a huge expense.”

To learn more about NFTrax, contact your local dealer or visit www.zimmatic.com. IA

Top: One of the previous tracks on Tab Beck’s field in Texas.

Bottom: NFTrax’s minimal tracks.

“We’ve got gummy clay soil here, and NFTrax doesn’t get stuck. I’ve tried every other option out there, and nothing works as well as NFTrax does.”

– Tab Beck

“I park the NFTrax next to the highway, and I’ve been surprised at how many people stop to look at them up close. Whenever I go into town to eat lunch, everybody asks me about them.”

– Tab Beck, Oklahoma grower

3-YEAR

WARRANTY

NFTrax

Go to www.youtube.com/lindsayirrigation to see NFTrax in action. 13 I

IA O N T H E FA R MO N T H E FA R M

SMALL FIELD PIVOTS PROVIDE BIG RESULTS FOR IDAHO PRODUCERSJust 15 minutes away from Gooding, Idaho is a recreation-lover’s dream. Skiing, boating, hunting – you name it. But this blend of lush grassland and rolling hills also makes this area one of the richest irrigated agricultural districts within the United States.

Acres of corn, wheat, potatoes and pasture cover the sometimes rugged landscape. Large pivot systems draw from area canals, but look closely and you’ll find numerous Zimmatic®

by Lindsay 7500P Small-Field pivots tucked in corners, near rough terrain and in areas only smaller systems can reach.

“The 7500P is a high-value option for these environments because it’s a sound investment,” said David Butler, owner of Sliman and Butler Irrigation, Inc. in Gooding, Idaho. “It has the height growers need to irrigate anything from low-growing grasses to corn, it’s built for durability, and it’s affordable.”

The 7500P provides maximum flexibility, effectively irrigating smaller fields and corners, up to 60 acres (24.3 ha).

Featuring high tensile strength and 4.5 inch (114.3 mm) diameter pipeline, the 7500P delivers the reliability and strength that growers have come to expect from Lindsay in a compact design.

7500P

IA

“The 7500P has the height growers need to irrigate anything from low-growing grasses to corn, it’s built for durability, and it’s affordable.”

– David Butler, Sliman and Butler Irrigation, Inc.

7500P FEATURES

PIPELINE11-gauge span pipeline and tower joints

STRUCTUREExclusive Uni-Knuckle span connection offers full support, stress-free

flexibility and external design to eliminate flow restriction

DRIVELINEStandard 43 RPM center drive motor and AT gearbox

I 14

10 ½ ft (3.21m) Clearance

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC) near Mead, Nebraska is home to one of the nation’s most unique research facilities.

This multi-disciplinary research facility spans 9,663 acres (3,910.5 ha) of land with a variety of row crops and livestock. Nearly 5,000 acres (2,023.4 ha) are used for crop research, half of which utilize irrigation systems such as Zimmatic by Lindsay center pivots.

The crop production team relies heavily on technology and precise control to effectively monitor and share information on a range of areas, including prescription mapping. Among the technology used is Growsmart by Lindsay Precision VRI (variable rate irrigation) with customized FieldMAP software, FieldNET by Lindsay web-based irrigation management and Zimmatic BOSS control panels.

FieldMAP outlines the field’s unique characteristics including crop type, soil type, topography and obstacles, more accurately matching the size and shape of the field than traditional mapping tools. Using this information, individual sprinkler heads can be programmed to turn on or off or to pulse at a customized rate, assuring more efficient water use.

Further creating opportunities to improve farm management, researchers at UNL are testing

advanced technologies that can be used with FieldMAP. Cosmic ray probes that can determine soil moisture and unmanned aircraft equipped with sensors to read water use and crop stress will be used to develop dynamic irrigation prescription maps for VRI systems.

“Ultimately, we’re working toward maximum water and energy conservation,” stated Derek Heeren, Ph.D., P.E., irrigation engineer and assistant professor at UNL. “With more precise mapping and monitoring technologies such as VRI with FieldMAP, we plan to equip growers to avoid over- or under-watering, which in turn will help them save resources.”

In addition, FieldNET simplifies reporting and streamlines communication among UNL’s researchers and graduate students. Its web-based platform gives approved team members access to vital information in real-time, including

current status, water usage and scheduling. Students can monitor irrigation systems without gaining access to the controls.

“FieldNET is a time saver,” stated Mark Schroeder, ARDC director and farm operations manager. “Instead of spending much of our time communicating back and forth via phone or email, our students and faculty can access the data and reports themselves.”

The ARDC utilizes 18 pivots for row crops and livestock waste dewatering, many of which are Zimmatic 8500P and 9500P center pivots featuring BOSS control panels. These programmable controllers allow researchers to precisely control irrigation on uneven terrain and varying soil types. Intuitive and easy-to-use, BOSS panels require very little training to operate and maintain.

As more growers look to precision irrigation to conserve water and energy resources, the crop production team at UNL’s ARDC continues to utilize the latest technology and equipment to advance irrigation management.

15 I

Precision VRI’s custom mapping software program, FieldMAP, allows a user to assign application rates based on crop type, topography, soil type or any other variable. Irrigation zones are defined as polygons for ultimate flexibility.

Enhancing Research with VRI Featuring FieldMAP Software

IA

Precision VRI near Mead, NEIndividually

controlled spinklers

of the center pivot, one sprinkler can cause problems for a number of acres. Again, $30 will buy a replacement that �ts the system properly.

Sprinkler package designA third issue is when the current �ow rate and pressure does not match the design of the sprinkler package. Consider a situation where the original design of the sprinkler package called for 750 gallons per minute (2839 liters per minute) at 40 pounds per square inch (2.75 bar) at the pump outlet. Now change the situation so that the pump outlet pressure is only 30 psi (2.06 bar). The �ow rate at 30 psi (2.06 bar) is close to 660 gpm (2498 liters per minute) and the part of the system most impacted is at the distal end of the pivot, where again, a large number of acres are impacted not only by the reduced �ow rate, but the water distribution pattern is altered in a negative way.

Temporary sprinklersAnother scenario I see involves replacing a sprinkler with one that you have lying around so that the geyser discussed earlier is not visible. Most times the owner has good intentions of replacing the sprinkler with the correct one as soon as a replacement is purchased. But then a week or two goes by, and now he has forgotten to purchase that replacement and he also needs to remember just which one of the sprinklers needs to be replaced.

A �eld I visited actually had three different types of sprinklers installed on the pivot. The long-term issue with making these temporary �xes is that the sprinkler may not have the appropriate distribution pattern and in most cases, the volume of water delivered in these areas is not even close to what is on the sprinkler package chart. If the sprinkler in question is near the outside edge

BY BILL KRANZ, PH.D. Associate Professor & Extension Irrigation Specialist University of Nebraska Lincoln

The goal of all center pivot irrigation systems is to deliver irrigation water. If the initial �eld reconnaissance has taken place correctly, the �eld elevation change, �ow rate, pump outlet pressure and pumping water level all combine to match up with sprinkler requirements. Life is good.

But what should be done with systems that have been in the �eld for several years? I’ve found systems with sprinklers missing, and systems where tower boots were spewing water down toward the wheel track. There are several aspects of this that can have a very detrimental impact on water application uniformity.

Leaky systemsIf extra water is coming out of the sprinkler coupler or there is a leaky boot, the pressure delivered to every other sprinkler on the system is less than the sprinkler design chart requires. So what looks to be affecting a small area of the �eld is actually affecting the whole area. Sprinkler cost is generally less than $40, and replacing a boot won’t break the bank either.

I 16

PIVOT MAINTENANCE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY

1

Figure 1. Center pivot with the tower gasket leak which results in excessive water applied below the leak and insufficient pressure for sprinklers on the rest of the pivot.

The �eld productivity suffers as a result of the reduced �ow rate and pressure. Installing, maintaining and monitoring the pressure being supplied to the center pivot using a $40 pressure gauge will help identify when this sort of problem is developing.

Sprinkler past life expectancySprinklers have a predetermined lifespan and just cease to function properly. For example, when sprinklers begin having issues, two things normally happen: 1) part of the sprinkler is broken so that it rotates at a much faster rate than normal; and 2) the sprinkler seizes up and stops rotating all together. In both cases, water continues to be distributed by the sprinkler. However, the water distribution uniformity delivered by the sprinkler that seizes up is much lower than it should be because the de�ection pad is no longer rotating.

Remember that sprinklers are designed for an expected lifetime of about 12,000-13,000 hours of operation. If your sprinklers have been on your system for 15 years, there’s a good chance that some of these problems have already started. The interesting thing about this problem is that the malfunctioning sprinklers are easy to spot from the edge of the �eld during routine checks throughout the irrigation season.

Sprinkler spacingA problem that has developed in recent years is restricted to those systems that are used to irrigate corn and other tall crops. Several years ago, corn hybrids grew to a �nal height of between 8 and 9 feet (2.43 and 2.74 m). More recent hybrids grow to a �nal height of 12 feet (3.6 m) or more. Thus, tall corn means that low pressure spray sprinklers installed on drop tubes will be operating in the corn canopy for much of the irrigation season. The corn leaves intercept the water pattern, creating devastating effects on grain yield. Field data collected in western Nebraska found that corn irrigated halfway between the sprinklers yielded 40 bushels less per acre than corn irrigated directly under the sprinklers mounted on drop tubes.

The issue here was not that the sprinklers were operating in the crop canopy – it was that the sprinkler

spacing was too wide for these new corn hybrids. If this system was used to apply fertilizer, both water and fertilizer were not applied very uniformly. Work conducted in Nebraska and Kansas suggests that the maximum spacing between sprinklers should be less than 7.5 feet (2.28 m) if the system is used to irrigate corn. Again, it is easy to eliminate this problem.

Sprinkler positioningThe �nal concern is sprinklers that are not installed on the center pivot in the correct positions. And yes it still happens. One new center pivot had a mixture of sprinklers installed between the 5th and 6th towers. The grower did not check the system out, but the yield monitor on his combine showed that the corn yield dropped by 80 bushels per acre in the area irrigated by the 5th span, and he was not impressed to say the least.

Comparing the sprinkler package design chart with the sprinklers that are installed on the pivot can eliminate these types of problems. Verifying the sprinkler package should only need to happen once in the lifetime of the sprinkler package. The printout gives coupler number, sprinkler nozzle size, and distance from the pivot point. Often the printouts are placed in the pivot control panels. If not, contact the company that installed the sprinkler package and request a copy of the printout.

Most of the items described are quite easy to remedy. The �x is often less than $100, and does not require very much time. However, failure to keep tabs on your center pivot can result in reduced yields for a signi�cant impact on your bottom line. IA

17 I

Applying the correct amount of water at the right time is crucial for optimum yields, but it’s also important to apply it uniformly. These sprinklers are spaced properly to control evaporation and runoff.

Figure 2. Rings resulting from non-uniform water application by in-canopy sprinkler packages with too wide of spacing between sprinklers on the first two spans.

4

5 6

NEW! LAKOS FILTRATION

Lindsay2222 N 111th St. • Omaha, NE 68164

Address Service Requested

Pump Protection Separators Remove sand from wells before it reaches the irrigation system to extend pump and sprinkler operational life.

Pump Protection Separators Pump Protection Separators Remove sand from wells before it reaches the irrigation system to extend pump and sprinkler operational life.

PC Screens Remove debris from intake

through a self-cleaning screen in adjustable mesh

sizes. Optimal for canals, lakes and ponds.

Center Pivot Low Pressure Separators Remove sand from irrigation water to extend sprinkler life, eliminate sand in the overhang, and enhance booster pump and end gun operation.

LAKOS separators and filtration products are the most environmentally efficient method for removing solids from liquids.

Sand Separators and Specialty Filters: • Extend pivot, sprinkler, end

gun and booster pump life

• Help maximize irrigation uniformity and performance

• Reduce other waste, including solids being filtered

To learn more, visit www.zimmatic.com or

contact your local Zimmatic® by Lindsay dealer.

Separators and Filtration Solutions





PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

OMAHA, NEPERMIT #1722

irrigation - zimmatic irrigation association (ia) is dedicated to promoting efﬁcient irrigation,...

Documents