Just when you thought things couldn’t get any snazzier than autosteer powered by GPS guidance, here comes a new solution for a specific application. Raven Industries Inc. introduces VSN Visual Guidance. It’s specifically designed for use with high-clearance ground rigs applying pesticides in full-canopy crops.

Ryan Molitor, director of sales and marketing within Raven Applied Technology, says the new solution uses noncontact radar sensors and cameras to see down rows and provide sub-inch accuracy, even in fully tasseled corn.

“We’re able to use the camera system to see where the corn rows are, and steer without damaging any crop,” Molitor explains. This system doesn’t use GPS.

Early work by Raven indicates the system allows operators to apply up to 18 miles per hour and cover 20% more acres per day. At the same time, it reduces operator fatigue and practically eliminates crop damage and misapplication due to overlapping or gaps.

The product is available now and is competitively priced. Raven contends that depending upon how many acres you spray, it could pay for itself within the first year. Learn more at ravenprecision.com.

1st-of-its-kind fertilizer

The Mosaic Co. introduces Susterra, billing it as the first “biobased fertilizer with soil health at its core.” The analysis is 14-24-0-10S, meaning each 100 pounds supplies 14 pounds of nitrogen, 24 pounds of phosphate and 10 pounds of sulfur. In addition, Susterra includes up to 15% organic matter.

Spokespeople say benefits include providing immediate N availability for early-season growth plus slow-release N for use by crops later in the season. Because it includes recycled organic matter, it promotes microbial health in the soil, supporting a more balanced microbiome of organisms. Those who work with soil health say promoting microorganisms is a key component.

Susterra is a homogeneous, dry, granular product that blends easily with other fertilizers. Learn more at susterrafertilizer.com or mosaicco.com.

Agco acquires 151 Research

Agco recently announced it would acquire research and product development firm 151 Research, developers of GrainViz technology. GrainViz, which is marketed by GSI, an Agco company, is in limited release for use in grain bins this fall. A broader launch is planned before the 2021 harvest.

GrainViz, initially developed by the Canadian-based firm 151 Research, lets growers and mangers see the moisture content throughout the entire grain mass within stored grain. In acquiring the firm, Agco spokespeople say they believe it will be possible to develop other solutions using the technology. Learn more at agcocorp.com and 151research.com.

‘Smart’ utility tractors

You no longer must own a large-horsepower tractor to get feedback on performance and access important information about servicing and maintaining your tractor. John Deere recently introduced the Smart Connector and the TractorPlus app for compact utility tractors.

The Smart Connector is a physical device that is easy to install and works with most 2 Series, 3 Series and 4 Series John Deere tractors. Once installed, download the TractorPlus app from the iTunes App Store or Google Play and learn more about your tractor.

Deere spokespeople say the Smart Connector establishes a connection between your tractor and smartphone using Bluetooth technology. The connection provides access to service intervals, diagnostic codes, fuel level and much more. The TractorPlus app provides access to parts of the owner’s manual and diagrams, and even enables ordering parts online.