New Products
NCGA, NGFF debut grain bin safety video
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the National Grain and Feed Foundation (NGFF) Feb. 3 unveiled a joint video project to promote awareness about grain bin safety on the farm.
The two organizations teamed up in November to develop the video in response to an increase in U.S. fatalities and injuries associated with entry into grain bins. Statistics show that 92% of victims who become fully engulfed, which can happen in a matter of seconds, do not survive.
NGFF had developed a video in 1998 on prudent practices to prevent engulfment incidents in commercial grain-handling facilities. This material was updated when the organization produced a comprehensive new safety video for the industry in 2010.
The new video focuses exclusively on farm bins. Shot on location in several states, the new video provides a wide range of information, from prevention tips to background data on grain bin accidents. The project also involved interviews with professionals in the fields of grain bin safety research and rescue to provide as much information to viewers as possible.
The video is available at www.ncga.com and on NCGA's YouTube channel. It is also being distributed by NCGA to affiliated farm organizations. The NGFA has also made the video available on its website at www.ngfa.org, and will be encouraging its grain elevator members to distribute it to farmer-customers.
Online fence-planning tool
Woodstream Corp. has added a fence planner to its Zareba Systems website. Powered by Google® maps, the guide allows users to configure an extremely accurate electric fencing system using satellite technology. Because users do not need to physically go outdoors and measure, the tool decreases errors in needed wire lengths, connectors and other related components.
The new tool also allows the user to view various fencing scenarios before settling on the one that is right for their application. By answering a few questions in the fence planning guide, such as the perimeter of the powered fence, what kind of terrain the property is, and what type of fence is desired, property owners can view their property and map out a fence from an aerial view. The guide also walks users through the necessary items needed to ground the fencing system and suggest other useful accessories.
The planner is a free service offered on the Zareba website and takes less than 20 minutes to use. It includes everything needed to map out and purchase an electric fence online or at a local retailer and can be used on a Smart Phone.
For more information contact Andrea Itnyre at aitnyre@woodstream.com, 717-626-2125 ext. 464 or visit
www.zarebasystems.com/fence-planner.
Improved biopesticide
Gowan Co. LLC has launched an improved formulation of Aza-Direct® biopesticide containing the active ingredient azadiractin, which is extracted from the seed of the neem tree.
Because azadiractin products are susceptible to degradation once formulated and packaged, the product had been a time-sensitive problem for growers. The company's chemists developed a product to stabilize the formulation, and then tested the new product against all other major azadiractin-based products on the market.
The results of the lab tests concluded that every single azadiractin brand assayed had degraded at least two times more than the new formulation, and some brands had degraded more than 50% from their label claim.
Biopesticides are a valuable resource for conventional and organic growers due to their reduced re-entry interval (REI) and preharvest interval (PHI). The new formulation has a four-hour REI and a zero-day PHI, meaning it can be applied up to the day of harvest.
The improved formulation is available at company-authorized dealers and retailers. Learn more at www.gowanco.com.
New seed company
Channel Bio LLC is a new seed company specializing in corn and soybeans. Though Channel is new, it is not small, as the company has access to Monsanto's top-performing genetics and delivery pipeline, as well as offering the latest Genuity brand traits.
The company maintains a network of expert district sales managers, seed and technology advisors and agronomists across their coverage areas who are available for one-on-one consultation and service throughout the planning, planting, growing and harvest seasons.
For more information on the company's service area, advisors or seeds, visit www.channelbio.com.
Protection for the iPhone 4 on AT&T
and Verizon networks
OtterBox®, Fort Collins, Colo., has announced the Defender® Series of cases for complete protection of the iPhones from AT&T and Verizon. A polycarbonate shell with built-in screen protector completely encases the device. The case is finished with an impact-absorbing silicone skin that covers all ports and plugs, protecting them from wear and debris, while still allowing for easy access. A holster-style swivel belt clip that doubles as a media stand is also included.
For more information visit www.otterbox.com.
Protective case for iPad
Otterbox® Defender® case for iPhone
Designed to help users get the most from their tablet experience, the OtterBox® Utility Series™ provides versatility with the introduction of the Latch™ for the Apple™ iPad.®
The elastic straps wrap around the corners of the tablet, encased in an OtterBox Defender Series®, Commuter Series® or simply by itself to securely hold the device. The padded hand strap allows for quick and easy securing of the tablet to one hand, eliminating fatigue and reducing the likelihood of a drop.
The elastic strap serves the dual purpose of fastening the device to the back of a car seat headrest or to the leg for increased productivity and hands-free carrying. The lanyard attaches to the back of the Latch and can be adjusted for carrying over the shoulder or around the neck in either landscape or portrait orientation. Finally, the s-biner utility clip allows the user to fasten the device to a belt for easy access, while a lightweight screen cover provides protection from the elements. All these accessories fit inside the removable storage bag, which doubles as a display stand.
For more information visit
www.otterbox.com.