Incentives to test propane
Farmers learn firsthand about the cost effectiveness and low environmental impact of propane-powered engines from a new program through the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC). A limited number of farmers who purchase one of three types of propane equipment will receive financial incentives ranging from $2,500 to $1,000 from PERC. The propane equipment included in the program is irrigation engines, mowers and tankless water heaters.

Any farmer is eligible for the Farm Equipment Efficiency Demonstration (FEED) program as long as he or she uses the equipment for the farm. Farmers are asked to provide feedback about the equipment.

For more information about FEED, contact Doug Bugalski at Osborn & Barr, 314/746-1941, [email protected], or visit www.agpropane.com/demonstration. For more information about PERC, visit http://www.propanecouncil.org.

Automatic opener for hoppers, tarps
A wireless transmitter from Shur-Co operates the new ProTrap electric hopper door opener and roll tarp systems. Shur-Co’s SmarTransmitter offers five functions and replaces the single-purpose key fobs previously used on only one piece of equipment. Price of the new transmitter is $150 to $200.

The new ProTrap electric hopper door opener is a fast, clean and convenient way to empty grain from a trailer. The operator doesn’t need to use physical strength to open the hopper door and instead can stand back out of the dust to open it. The ProTrap features a high-torque motor with electronic brake and is ready to install from the box. One- and two-hopper door openers are available for $1,600 and $1,850, respectively.

Shur-Co also introduces a new Cable-Lok spool roll tarp system for smaller wagons like a seed tender, spreader and some grain carts. The Cable-Lok tarp system features a spring-loaded tension with cable attachment to keep the tarp tight. The tarp moves smoothly from fully open to closed.

For more information, call Shur-Co at 800/474-8756, visit http://www.shurco.

Online profit calculator
The free Guidance and Section Control Profit Calculator is now available on the PrecisionAg Institute Web site. The calculator shows the return on investment for precision technology such as guidance systems and section controllers on sprayers and planters. It takes into account planting and spraying overlap when precision equipment is not used.

A farmer using the online calculator keys in farm data, such as acreage and width of field. The calculator also asks for information about planters, fertilizer rigs and other equipment. It then determines how much of a payback in dollars per acre is possible and the number of years it will take for payback to occur, based on the cost of the equipment required.

Kansas State University Ag Extension developed the calculator with support from the PrecisionAg Institute. To use the calculator, go to http://www.precisionag.com/works//profit calculator.

Grain monitoring updated
Integris introduces a new software program in the company’s suite of advanced grain-monitoring equipment. Called Integris ProModel, the software will calculate the results of a grain system and then help a grower design the best system for the desired outcome. ProModel ties together all the grain-monitoring equipment — from fans and heaters to moisture cables — and then operates them so that the grain condition targets are met. Dave Crompton, Integris CEO, calls it a “very comprehensive platform with a broad range of capabilities.”

Price of the program depends on the equipment and options used. For example, the price of complete monitoring and control of four 50,000-bu. grain bins may be about $0.10/bu. For more information, call Integris at 913/653-8350, visit http://www.integrisusa.com.