Summer 2011

Volume 2

A Quarterly Publication by MacAllister Machinery

What is SCR?
To meet the emissions regulation standard set forth by Tier 4, which requires a 90% reduction in particulate matter and a 45% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx) for all engines with horsepower ranging from 174 to 750, AGCO has adopted the Bosch selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology. AGCO first unveiled its use of SCR paired with AGCO Sisu Power engines in the Challenger MT600C Series in February 2009. The SCR system mixes the NOx emissions with the required 32% aqueous urea solution (diesel exhaust fluid or DEF), resulting in the final engine emissions into the air being nitrogen and water. SCR is considered a complete after-treatment because the process occurs after the engines combustion process. So how exactly does SCR accomplish this? Utilizing e3 technology, AGCOs SCR begins when the exhaust system leaves the turbo charger and enters the diesel oxidation catalyst, which reduces particulate matter and hydrocarbons. Next, the DEF is injected into the solution. The heat in the chamber vaporizes and separates the ammonia from the urea solution. The ammonia then combines with the NOx in the exhaust gas, which is one of the main components being regulated by the EPA. Next, the mixture flows to a second canister, the SCR catalyst. Here, the compound formed by the combination of the ammonia and the NOx is broken down into simple nitrogen and water, which drastically reduces the NOx produced by the engine. This technology allows for a very high fuel consumption performance. Users get more out of the fuel than with other engine technologies. Even with the purchase of the DEF, the overall efficiency makes the total cost of operations less. Also, because it is a complete burn of the fuel, less particulate matter is produced. To learn more about SCR, contact MacAllister Machinery.
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Volume 2

Challenger Hay Balers Provide Easy Baling

The Challenger RB Series round balers offer the strength, dependability, and technology already synonymous with Challenge tractors. With six different models and four different bale sizes, the RB Series has a model for all your baling needs. The RB Series hay balers were designed for years of trouble-free baling. Even the smaller models do not sacrifice large-scale features, as they are equipped with a rugged steel channel and high-strength welded box beam frame for a longer service life. In addition, each model has flotation tires to spread the weight on soft or irrigated fields and dual twine tubes for faster tying. All Challenger RB Series hay balers feature an open-throat design that feeds the hay directly into a vertical, variable bale chamber. As the hay moves into the cavity created by the forming belts, a starting roll begins rolling it into a tight core. The variable chamber ensures a dense bale produced with minimal horsepower. It also allows for quicker starts and less opportunities for plugging, bunched crop, stripped leaves, or dead spots. The wedgegrip bale-forming belts have a deep tread that aids with bale core formation in difficult crops, while the hydraulic density control ensures uniform density from the bales core to the outer wrap. In addition, Challenger RB Series hay balers have narrow Ttongue frames, which combine maneuverability, strength, and visibility into one simple design. The balers one-piece side shields allow easy access to the drive system and twine storage compartment. The simple drive system is located on the left side of the machine for quick, easy inspection and maintenance. Challenger and MacAllister Machinery offer the most advanced balers in the business. The RB463A and RB563A models are truly automatic; simply hitch the baler to the tractor, connect the PTO and monitor, and start baling. The hydraulic system wraps the bale, declutches the pickup and forming belts, opens the tailgate, ejects the bale, closes the tailgate, and re-engages the pickup and forming belts, then signals to the user to start a new bale. The self-contained hydraulic system and superior electronics allow the operator to focus on the field instead of the controls. The simple touch -pad controls every aspect of the baling process from bale size to the number of twine end wraps, while the monitor screen displays vital data including bale count, bale growth, and twine arm position. The amount of automation is customizable to your preference. The machine can be set to perform the entire cycle at the push of a button (Auto Kick) or it can be set to wrap a bale automatically once the preset bale diameter has been reached (Auto Wrap). Contact MacAllister Machinery to learn more about the Challenger RB Series round balers.

Above & Left: Challenger RB Series round balers provide years of trouble-free baling. With a variety of sizes and automatic models, there is a Challenger baler for all your baling needs.
Information provided by Challenger. Summer 2011
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Volume 2

National Sun Safety Week June 2011

Sponsored by The Sun Safety Alliance, Inc. (SSA), a communication and educationally focused non-profit organization, National Sun Safety Week aims to reduce the development of skin cancer in America through education and communication of the dangers associated with sun exposure. The role of sunscreens is to absorb, reflect, or scatter damaging UV rays before they have a chance to interact with the skin. There are, however, many types of sunscreen available on the market today with many types of ingredients for various purposes and lifestyles. Whatever you choose, you should make sure your sunscreen provides both UVA and UVB protection. To better understand which sunscreen is best for you, the SSA has clarified general sunscreen terms. Broad-spectrum Protection: sunscreen products that contain ingredients to protect against both UVB and UVA rays Noncomedogenic: products that will not clog the skin's pores, these are designed for those who experience frequent or occasional breakouts Sunblock: used by sunscreen manufacturers to represent products that provide an SPF 12 or higher Sunscreen: all sun-protection products labeled with an SPF of 2 or higher that absorb, reflect, or scatter UV light Sweatproof: the degree of sunburn protection is maintained after 40 minutes of water exposure Water-resistant: the degree of sunburn protection is maintained after 40 minutes of water exposure Waterproof: the degree of sunburn protection is maintained after 80 minutes of water exposure
For more information about sun safety, visit the SSA website at www.sunsafetyalliance.org.
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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 Rick Crafton at RickCrafton@MacAllister.com.

Summer Solutions
Kazoo: Kids will love blowing a bubble symphony. Dip the end of a plastic kazoo into soapy water and blow. Two toys in one! Rocks: Create an outdoor tic-tac-toe game. Paint Xs and Os on small stones or paint them two different colors. Draw a grid on the sidewalk using chalk and enjoy one of the most popular games outside this summer. Sponge: Save energy and keep your house cool. Fill gaps between the air conditioner and the window with sponges.

About the Editor

Brittany Swackhamer is a freelance writer from Cicero, Indiana. She has a passion for agriculture, livestock, and rural life.
Volume 2

Know Your

Enemies
was confirmed to be in Indiana to expand eastward. The stink bug has

Last fall the Brown Marmorated Stink for the first time. It was also found in Ohio and is expected the potential to cause trouble for Indiana farmers, however based on previous experiences, experts are predicting that it will become a pest in homes before it becomes a serious crop pest. Nonetheless, you should still keep an eye out for these bugs so you can prevent any crop damage. This bugs sucking mouthparts and dietwhich consists of: corn, soybeans, fruit crops, vegetables, and various ornamental plants cause small spots of dead tissue and misshapen fruits. Pyrethroids such as cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, cyhalthrin, and cypermethrin have proven to be the most effective insecticides for this stink bug. The stink bug got its name because they release a pungent chemical as a defense mechanism when it feels threatened. It can be identified by its alternating light and dark bands on the edges of its abdomen and on the last two segments of the antennae. Adult brown marmorated stink bugs have a five-sided shield shape with the upper body mottled brown and grey.

Bug

Above: The brown marmorated stink bug is new to Indiana, but it is not new to causing serous crop damage. Look for the alternating light and dark bands on the edges of its abdomen and antennae.

Weed scientists are discovering that Common Lambsquarters is developing an increasing resistance to glyphosate. As one of the most prevalent weed species in the Corn Belt, glyphosate-resistant common lambsquarters has the potential to become a serous threat to agriculture production in Indiana and across the country. In addition to competing with corn and soybeans for light, nutrients, and moisture, common lambsquarters stems can impede harvest by clogging combines. This plant is a summer annual and can begin emergence prior to spring corn planting. According to experts, delaying summer crop planting until June can reduce the early emerging common lambsquarters. It is also advised to avoid using Roundup Ready crops and glyphosate repeatedly in the same fields on an annual basis. Stirring the top one to Above: Common lambsquarters two inches of soil has proven to be highly effective at conleaves alternate. The flowers are trolling emerging seedlings during the first four to six weeks green and tightly clustered at the after planting. Other practices that aid in the control of this tips of the stems and branches. weed include planting to narrow rows and using higher seedMature plants can reach heights of ing rates for greater crop competition, alternating planting two to six feet. dates relative to weed emergence dates, and implementing annual crop rotations.
Information provided by the Indiana Cooperative Ag Pest Survey (CAPS) Program and Purdue University.
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Volume 2

Farmers Future Forecast

The Old Farmers Almanac has been 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, Indiana will experience above average temperatures, but below average precipitation in June. Northern and Central IN will encounter average precipitation and below average temperatures; whereas Southern Indiana is expected to be below average for both temperature and precipitation in July. August will bring below average precipitation and temperatures to Northern and Central IN, but above average precipitation to Southern IN.

Holidays & Events

11 14 19 21 4 16 17 4 5 20 21 26 5 18 21 23 24 Corn on the Cob Day Flag Day Fathers Day Summer Begins Independence Day MM CLOSED Cow Appreciation Day National Ice Cream Day National Chocolate Chip Day Indiana State Fair Begins Homeless Animals Day Indiana State Fair Ends Womens Equality Day Labor Day MM CLOSED National Respect Day International Day of Peace Autumn Begins Family Health & Fitness Day June September August July

Watch For!
As Indianas fastest growing full-line agricultural equipment dealer, we are continuing to expand with two new locations! We will be opening new stores in Indianapolis and Renssalaer. Also, there will be multiple Field Day events throughout the state. Watch for further information and dates.

Did You Know

Fun Facts About MacAllister Machinery
MacAllister Machinery is Indianas fastest growing full-line agricultural equipment dealer. We sell and service the highest quality of agricultural equipment from a variety of distributors including: Challenger, AGCO Advanced Technology Solutions, Caterpillar, AgChem, Gleaner, Sunflower, J & M, White Planter, Lexion, AgLeader, MacDon, and Trimble.
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4-H Fairs Across IN

One of the best parts of summer is the County 4-H Fairs. For a complete list of fair dates for each Indiana county, visit www.four-h.purdue.edu and click on 2011 County Fair Dates on the right sidebar. A pdf file including an alphabetical listing of the counties and a map of Indiana showing each countys fair dates will open in a separate window. Support the youth involved in agriculture at the County 4-H Fair nearest you!
Volume 2

The Dangers of Heat Stress

You already know that working under the Indiana summer sun is hot, but you might not realize just how dangerous the heat truly is. As the heat increases, body temperature and heart rate rise. A slight increase in body temperature of only two degrees Fahrenheit can affect mental functioning, while an increase of five degrees Fahrenheit can cause serious injury or death. Heat stress is a buildup of body heat generated either internally by muscle or externally by the environment. When the body is overwhelmed by heat, it can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. During the summer, heat stress may be an underlying cause of several injuries including heart attacks, falls, and equipment accidents. Agriculture workers suffer from heat stress more than employees in any other occupation. Preventing heat stress is your best defense against heat-related accidents. By preventing heat stress, you will improve safety and productivity since heat stress can impair mental functioning and cause people to work slower. Most importantly, you will protect your health and the health of your employees. Remember that heat illness is preventable and treatable before it becomes life threatening.

To prevent lost body fluid, drink one glass of water every 15 to 30 minutes worked, depending on the heat and humidity. Take breaks to cool down. A 10 to 15 minute break every two hours is effective. Inform your workers about the dangers and symptoms of heat stress. Know heat stress first aid techniques.

To Prevent Heat Stress

Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion

Dry, hot skin Very high body temperature Confusion Convulsions Coma

Moist, clammy skin Normal or subnormal body temperature

First Aid

First Aid
Move the victim to a cool place. Immediately cool the victim by any means available, such as placing ice packs or cool wet towels in areas with abundant blood supply (armpits, neck, and groin). Keep the victim lying down with his or her legs straight and elevated 8-12 inches. Give the victim cold water to drink if he or she is fully conscious. If there is no notable improvement within thirty minutes, seek medical attention.

*This material is solely for informational purposes. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Move the victim to a cool place. Immediately cool the victim by any means available, such as placing ice packs or cool wet towels in areas with abundant blood supply (armpits, neck, and groin). Keep the victims head and shoulders slightly elevated. To prevent hypothermia, continue cooling until his or her body temperature drops to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. Seek medical attention immediately. ALL heat stroke victims need hospitalization.

Information provided by Ohio State University Extension.

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Volume 2

Location: Washington, IN
What makes this location unique? The Washington location is open 24 hours a day for ordering and picking up parts. It is only closed on Sunday mornings. Who is who at Washington? Aaron Weinhold, Sales Rep: Has been with MacAllister 4 years. Lives in Washington with his wife, Laura, and their son, Joel. Brad Hislip, Technician: Has been with MacAllister 20 years. Lives in Oaktown with his wife and their child. Jamie Theroff, Technician: Has been with MacAllister 13 years. Lives in Washington with his wife and their two children. Josh Christenberry, Parts Specialist: Has been with MacAllister 1 year. Lives in Washington. Matt Brackall, Field Service Supervisor: Has been with MacAllister 15 years. Lives in Terre Haute with his wife.

Submissions
Submit your comments, questions, pictures, and ideas to Rick Crafton. We look forward to hearing from you! RickCrafton@MacAllister.com Summer 2011
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Volume 2