The Angus Journal is a monthly magazine known for in-depth coverage of American Angus Association programs and services; the Angus business; herd management techniques; and advertising reflecting genetics herd philosophies.
Issue link: http://angusjournal.epubxp.com/i/435083
154 n ANGUSJournal n January 2015 New Products @ Introducing products, services for cattlemen; compiled by Linda Robbins, assistant editor Nitrogen stabilizer Eco Agro Resources has announced that testing during the 2014 growing season has confrmed that N Yield™ CX makes stabilized nitrogen fertilizer more affordable and is equally effective. Testing showed just 2 quarts of its nitrogen stabilizer with Penxcel™ Technology performed just as well as a labeled rate of the industry standard product. The company announced that the new product label includes the high-effciency, lower rate for the 2015 season as a result of the testing. The unique patent-pending formula of the nitrogen stabilizer delivers more stabilizing power by volume, while maintaining nitrogen effciency and performance in the feld, according to the release. The Penxcel delivery system drives active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the prills of urea fertilizer, so it works more consistently. It coats more evenly for faster, more consistent coverage of the batch, according to the release. The low viscosity of the new stabilizer helps it pour easily and quickly coat fertilizer, even in the cold. The company says it blends 15% faster in tests performed in drum blenders and is easier to handle than other industry standard formulations, saving time during the critical application season. The company says the new nitrogen stabilizer performs just as well in UAN liquid fertilizer, so one product can meet both needs. For more information visit www.ecoagroresources.com. Largest crossover hydrostatic tractor Kubota Tractor Corp. has introduced the MX8500, a four- wheel-drive HST model delivering 61.4 gross hp. The new tractor meets Tier 4 Final emissions standards, and, according to the release, boasts increased engine power and operator comfort. Available in November at dealerships nationwide, the diesel engine in the new tractor provides a smooth transfer of power, low noise and quick starts. A common rail system (CRS) and diesel particulate flter (DPF) deliver cleaner emissions, and electronic common- rail direct fuel injection maximizes fuel economy. The MX5800 features hydraulic servo HST systems that increase pedal responsiveness and shifting ease regardless of load size. The tractor comes equipped with easy-turn hydrostatic power steering, and a touch-and- turn electric PTO (power takeoff) switch is positioned to the right side of the console for convenient operation with a push and turn start. Additional comfort features include a convenient cup holder, behind-the- seat toolbox, and a newly designed LCD dash panel with large, easy-to-read gauges. The tractor features a larger fuel tank with a 13.5-gallon (gal.) capacity for longer, more productive operation, with fewer stops to fll up. Attaching and working with large implements is simplifed with the Category I and II three-point hitch, as well as the telescoping link ends and stabilizers that come standard on the new tractor. For more information call 1-888-458- 2682, ext. 900, or visit www.kubota.com. I N D U S T R Y Books & Looks Midwest Cover Crops Guide Soil researchers and educators from the Ohio State University (OSU) College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences have collaborated on a newly updated Midwest Cover Crops Guide that can help growers learn how to improve the state's water quality while improving soil health, increasing yields, lowering input costs and earning higher farm income. Jim Hoorman, OSU Extension educator and an assistant professor studying cover crops, along with OSU Extension educators Rafq Islam, Alan Sundermeier, Curtis Young, Sarah Noggle and Randall Reeder, and researchers from the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, assisted agronomists and researchers with the Midwest Cover Crops Council in revising the cover crops guide. The Midwest Cover Crops Council also includes members from several universities, including Ohio State, Hoorman said. With all the increased interest in the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus on watersheds that drain into Lake Erie, this guide can offer really good insight to farmers on some of the benefts of using cover crops and how to grow them, Hoorman said. The question of whether agriculture can signifcantly reduce off-site movement of soluble nutrients can be addressed through the use of cover crops, Hoorman said. Experts say soluble phosphorus runoff from farms is an important cause of harmful algal blooms plaguing Lake Erie and other lakes in recent years. In August, a toxic bloom in western Lake Erie led to a two-day drinking-water ban in Toledo. Ohio soil test data using phosphorus speciation shows that phosphorus is tied up by calcium, magnesium, iron oxides and aluminum oxides, Hoorman said. The Midwest Cover Crops Guide, second edition, is now available for $5 and can be purchased from OSU Extension county offces and through the Midwest Cover Crops Council at www.mccc.msu.edu. Farm Bill Resource The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) has published a comprehensive digital guide to the key federal farm and food programs that support sustainable farm and food systems. The Grassroots Guide to Federal Farm and Food Programs will help farmers and nonproft organizations navigate the numerous farm bill and other USDA programs that have been championed by NSAC. Kubota MX8500 tractor