The Terrahawk radar height control from Headsight is breakthrough technology. It's so new that all we could get a picture of at the 2015 National Farm Machinery Show was a picture of a banner showing a combine that was equipped with the technology last fall.

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What makes the Terrahawk radar height control from Headsight more special is that it's being developed by an Indiana company, which started out on an Indiana farm. Rich Grimm, Bremen, is carrying on a family tradition.

This system uses radar to control header height while you're on the go in the field. Several previous efforts attempted to do it by sonar, but no one could turn it into a successful product. Even Headsight first tried sonar, but soon realized it wasn't the answer.

The new radar sensor works with Headsight's Horizon header height control system. It allows you to maintain a more uniform height above the ground as conditions vary. There are no more ground-contact pieces to worry about – it's all radar controlled.

There are no moving parts and one advantage is that the new radar Terrahawk sensor can detect the soil surface through residue.

Headsight staff piloted the new system on combines this past year. It's been tried in everything from corn to milo successfully. Limited introduction begins this year, with full commercial launch scheduled for 2016.

If you want to be part of trying out the new technology, check out the company's Website at headsight.com. There's a link on the home page that allows you to fill out an application if you want to be considered to obtain the technology this year.

You can also contact Headsight, Bremen, Ind., at 574- 546-5022.

Why is it exciting technology? One farmer I rode with shelling corn last fall said a new plastic snout for a Case IH new-style cornhead cost $600. If improved header height technology can help prevent dropping snouts into the ground unexpectedly on uneven terrain, it could pay for itself quickly.