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Fall 2012

Volume 7

A Quarterly Publication by MacAllister Machinery

To Store or Not to Store?


The drought has caused this to be a year of tough decisions and unusual timing for farming practices. While you are certainly getting closer to the end of this farming cycle, there are still more difficult decisions to be made. Primarily: to store or not to store? Agriculture economists are urging farmers to sell their grain directly to the elevator and skip storage this year. In short crop years, prices tend to peak early then decline through the remainder of the marketing year. Current market trends are signaling that farmers need to deliver at harvest because storing grains and hoping for a higher price will not be profitable. The US Department of Agriculture estimates a thirteen percent decrease in corn and a twelve percent decrease in soybean yields compared to 2011. Although these reports (coupled with the summer-long drought) caused corn and soybean prices to soar, experts warn against waiting out the market for even higher prices as they are expected to decline during the first quarter of 2013 when the South American farmers harvest their corn and soybeans. With that, specialists are asserting farmers should only store grain if you have a contract with ethanol or food processors with specified later delivery dates or if you are a livestock producer supplying your own feed. Experts also note that farmers choosing to store their grain this year should be mindful of the possible abundance of challenges this fall, including insects, dry down methods, mold, and leftover fine material in bins. Be sure to look into all options this harvest and chose what is best for your operation.
Information provided by Purdue University Extension. Fall 2012
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Volume 7

NEW Challenger MT700D


To further cut operating costs, AGCO has released three new models in the Challenger MT700D Series. These machines combine the most advanced, economical engines with the industryleading Mobil-TracTM systems superior traction with low compaction. The MT700D Series tractors are powered by the newest 8.4 liter, six cylinder AGCO POWERTM engines, which are designed and built specifically for agricultural applications and equipped with four valves/cylinder and common rail injection along with Generation 2, e3 Select Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology. Efficiency is taken to a new level with this system as it cuts fuel consumption by ten percent, while complying to the Stage IIIB emission standards. Plus the engine is lightweight and quiet during operation. Challenger remains the first and only tractor designed specifically for use on rubber tracks and the new MT700D Series continues to offer the Mobil-Trac systems unmatched traction with low compaction. Challengers exclusive Mobil-Trac technology is the result of twenty-five years of experience in leading track design that spreads the load over a larger footprint. This provides ultimate traction while reducing ground pressure and soil compaction, which protects soil structure and helps improve crop root development, and ultimately increases yields. Operators will get more work done in less time with this exclusive system, as it transmits unmatched levels of drawbar power with minimal slip. All three new models are standard equipped with highly durable poly mid-wheels with a hard-wearing polyurethane working surface. The high resistance to chipping and damage extends work life in harsh environments. Durability is also increased by the new bearings with larger bearing cups that hold more lubrication oil. MT700D Series tractors feature refinements to future boost performance and durability. Most visibly noticeable is the new oval-shaped exhaust stack that contains the catalytic converters. The new design improves forward visibility and benefits the SCR system. Operators will also notice a slight change to the transmission that improves comfort and control while shifting. The cab is equipped with a new power strip providing more connections for implement terminals. The strip can also be used to power telephone chargers and other devices requiring electric power. Doors on these new tractors can be locked and unlocked using the new ignition key, which will help protect your optional factory -installed radio. Contact your local MacAllister Machinery representative to learn more about the new Challenger MT700D Series tractors.
Above: Challenger MT700D Series tractors combine AGCO POWERTM engines, the most advanced engines available, with the exclusive efficiency of MobilTracTM.
Information provided by Challenger. Photo courtesy of AGCO.
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Fall 2012

Volume 7

NEW Sunflower 5056 Field Cultivators


AGCO has released five new Sunflower 5056 Series field cultivators for 2013 that are designed to cover acres quickly while providing consistent field preparation. The new models join the industry-leading Sunflower 5000 Series of field cultivators. Ranging from 45 to 63 feet wide, they are among the largest in the industry. The 5056 Series field cultivators are designed for maximum residue flow and consistent field preparation. They feature deep frames with 26-inch clearance and precise shank placement, which provides unrivaled performance and unobstructed residue flow-through. Shanks are available in either an S-tine design for lighter soils or a 190-pound point load, spring-tension design for rougher soil conditions. The 9-inch cultivator shovels on 6-inch centers design, which provides 1.5 inches of overlap on each side, creates a full cut to guarantee that all grasses and weeds are sheared and that shallow compaction layers are shattered. Stability and even shovel depth across the machine's width is provided by heavy-duty walking tandems and swiveling front-gauge wheels on each of the five frame sections. This feature enhances seedbed consistency and ensures consistent crop emergence for improved yields. The five finishing attachment options customize these machines to tackle a wide variety of soil types and varying residue-management needs for optimal field preparation. Contact your local MacAllister Machinery representative to learn more about the new Sunflower 5056 Series field cultivators.

Information provided by Sunflower. Photo courtesy of AGCO.

Show Us Your Winter Wonderland!


Winter will be here in no time and we want to see what your farm looks like under snow! There are few things in life more gorgeous than a snow-covered farm, barn, or tractor. Send us winter pictures of your AGCO equipment in use or simply buried in the beauty of winter, your farm or barn, country Christmas lights, or livestock in pastures that have now become a winter wonderland and we will feature them in the upcoming Winter 2012 edition of The Grain Bin. Anything farm or farm equipment, current or past we want to see it! Send your photos via email to Leo Leighton at LeoLeighton@MacAllister.com no later than Saturday, November 24th. Be sure to include your name, your farms name, and the location of the photo/your farm. Please also include the equipments model (since it will most-likely be covered in snow). Feel free to include any additional details youd like to share. We are looking forward to spending another great winter with you and want to start by sharing your winter wonderland photos in The Grain Bin Winter 2012.
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Volume 7

Know Your

The early spring planting and the summer-long drought have caused corn and soybeans to mature earlier than usual. Add the recent rains to the equation and farmers are left with an abundance of green weeds in mature crops. Purdue weed scientists warn that fields with actively growing green weeds could create problems for farmers during harvest. This is expected to be a statewide issue. And in a year where crop yields and quality are already expected to be low, the last thing you need is the extra problems brought on by pesky weeds during harvest. Generally, late-summer droughts or a killing frost dry out the ground and prevent new, green weed growth from occurring. However, crops matured much earlier this year so scientists are recommending the use of herbicides to dry down weeds for a timely harvest. Herbicide application is not mandatory, but if weed growth is bad enough it could cause more wear and tear on your machinery and diminish grain quality. HarAbove: Green weeds in mature crops are on vest equipment is designed to gather mature crops, not the rise this harvest season. green growth. Green weeds passing through combines and other harvesting equipment can cause the machinery to break down and delay harvest. Green weeds growing alongside corn and soybeans can also cause problems after harvest. Weeds can increase moisture in yields and decrease grain quality. The primary weeds seen thus far include velvetleaf, foxtail, morning glories, winter annuals and cover crops that are already starting to re-germinate. It is important to remember that most harvest aid products are contact herbicides and the selection of spray volumes and nozzles is vital to adequate coverage. Select nozzles that allow for smaller droplets to penetrate the canopy and cover the vegetation, but are large enough to avoid drift issues. Most labels recommend at least ten gallons per acre for ground application and a minimum of five gallons per acre for aerial application. Always check the herbicide label for proper application techniques prior to use. Also check the label for application periods because many herbicides cannot be used soon before harvest. Between the added moisture from the green weeds and the early planting and harvesting, grain could be going into bins at much higher moisture and temperature levels than under normal harvest conditions. Unless grain is dried to appropriate levels, farmers could lose their crops to mold. Grain quality specialists warn that this is particularly true for corn. In fact, mold will grow at 15 percent moisture if the corn is fairly warm. It is recommended that early harvested corn be stored at a moisture content of 14.5 percent, or at 13 percent if the grain will be stored through next summer. To achieve these lower moisture levels quickly, farmers should use high-temperature cross flow drying. You can also increase the drying rate by using a technique called layer drying, where grain is placed into a bin in layers while continuously drying.

Enemies

Above: Increased moisture means greater chance of moldy crops.

Information provided by Purdue Weed Science Department and Purdue Extension.


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Volume 7

Harvest Safety Uses for Everyday Items


Each issue will include creative uses for everyday items. This column will provide clever and creative solutions using items already found in your home. Have a creative use for an ordinary item? Submit your idea and see it featured in The Grain Bin. Submissions can be emailed to Leo Leighton at LeoLeighton@MacAllister.com. The pressure of harvest easily leads to fatigue - a major factor in farm accidents. This harvest season, take your time and put safety first. Be sure to get plenty of rest and know your limits. Your farming operation cannot afford for you not to. While AGCO has built safety features into their equipment, some farming hazards simply cannot be eliminated. That is why you need to keep these tips in mind. Do so and youll be sure to harvest a safe and plentiful crop.

Turn the engine off before unplugging clogged equipment. Be sure all guards and shields are secured before operating your equipment. Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing and protective shoes or boots. Remind kids not to approach machinery while it is running and that farm equipment is not a jungle gym. Always let someone know where you will be working. Avoid sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Take time to enjoy your harvest. Youve earned it!

Kitchen Fixes
Jewel CD Case: Keep the messy ingredients off your grandmothers famous recipe. Set the jewel case on the counter with the lid standing up, then slide the recipe card inside to protect it from splatters and spills. Bonus! This doubles as a recipe stand. Toothbrush: Find the end of the plastic or cling wrap. Rub the brush around the roll to find the hiding edge. Zippered Plastic Bag: Knead dough without getting sticky fingers. Put the dough in a bag and knead, or slip a bag over your hands like a glove.

About the Editor


Brittany Swackhamer is a freelance writer from Cicero, Indiana. She has a passion for agriculture, livestock, and rural life.
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Volume 7

Farmers Future Forecast


predicting the weather since 1792, when Robert E. Thomas devised a secret formula for forecasting. Todays forecasts are based on three scientific disciplines: solar science, climatology, and meteorology. The predictions are determined by comparing solar patterns and historical weather conditions with current solar activity. According to the Almanac, we will see above normal precipitation with lower temperatures throughout the entire state during October. With a much more significant deviation from normal in the Lower Lakes region. This region will then experience below normal precipitation and temperatures in both November and December. Whereas the Ohio Valley will experience below normal temperatures with normal precipitation in the final two months of 2012.

Holidays & Events


2 4 8 27 31 3 4 6 12 22 23 26 6 9 21 24 25 31 World Farm Animals Day Ten-Four Columbus Day Make a Difference Day Halloween Sadie Hawkins Day Daylight Saving Time Ends Election Day Veterans Day ThanksgivingMM CLOSED Black Friday Cyber Monday St. Nicholas Day Hanukah Begins Winter Begins Christmas Eve Christmas DayMM CLOSED New Years Eve October December November

The Old Farmers Almanac has been

Maize Mazes
One of the best parts of fall is getting lost in a corn maze! Grab your family and truly enjoy the crops you love. Start by going to www.CornMazesAmerica.com and click on the Corn Maze Visitors tab. Next click on the Maze Directory option. From there, click on Indiana and a list of Hoosier corn mazes will open. There are several throughout the state - no doubt there is one near you.

Penny For Your Thoughts

~James Allen, Author


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The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.

Right: Get lost in acres of fun at a corn maze. There are several throughout the state with varying levels of difficulty and some are even haunted!
Volume 7

Location: Lafayette, IN
Who is who at Lafayette? outboard motors.

Dan Troyer, Service Representative: Interests: bow fishing, camping, and working on old David Hayse, Sales Representative: Has been with MM 7 years. He and his wife, Kim,
have 3 children: Olivia (12), Isaiah (8) & Garrett (6). Interests: building furniture, spending time with family, and hunting.

Joel Redmond, Technician: Has been with MM 15 years. He and his wife, Michelle, have 2
daughters, Kyleigh (13) & Josie (9). Interests: bow hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. Has also owned and operated an archery pro shop for 6+ years.

Kenny Kincaid, Parts Specialist: Lives in Lebanon with his wife, Nancy; his children, Katie, Derek, & Jared; daughter-in-law, Abby; and granddaughter, Hadley. Interests: golfing, spending time with his family, and enjoying the farm that has been in his family over 100 years. With his background in Ag, Kenny has developed many relationships that he will always cherish, and he would like to thank MM for helping expand them.

Submissions
Submit your comments, questions, pictures, and ideas to Leo Leighton. We look forward to hearing from you! LeoLeighton@MacAllister.com
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Volume 7

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