New Products
Body condition score app
Crystalyx® Brand Supplements, owned by Ridley Block Operations, has released an updated version of the body condition score (BCS) app that is used to monitor BCS for beef cow herds. The BCS Phase 2 app has additional features and added content to make it more responsive while retaining its simplicity of use.
Producers can now edit or save a record as a draft. That means a producer can collect photos in the pasture and score the cattle at a later time or edit the records when time permits. They can also now delete records that are no longer needed.
Having a picture record can be valuable when a producer can take a BCS photo of the same cow 45-60 days later to determine if the management changes are having the desired effect. Producers are encouraged to condition score cows at least four times during the year to determine best management practices in the four key areas of late lactation, weaning, precalving and breeding.
Another new feature of the updated app is the ability to calculate the mean or average for a date range or a specific date. Producers can then compare that with another point in time and determine if cows are gaining, slipping or maintaining their condition. Producers can now place their own photos of cows within their herd or cattle type to use in the reference gallery.
The updated app is available on IOS for iPhone and Android platforms by going directly to the app stores with the QR codes.
For more information contact Dan Dhuyvetter at 507-388-9400 or Dan.dhuyvetter@ridleyinc.com.
Third e-book released
The National Grange has released the e-book, Notes and Quotes: On the Origin of the Ritual and Early Years of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, as a Kindle download available through Amazon's Kindle Store.
The text, written by C. Jerome Davis, delves into the early history of the Grange, as well as the meaning of many of the ritualistic aspects of the organization. The digital version of the 1974 text has 121 pages, including index, introduction and footnotes.
The National Grange has signed a 90-day exclusivity deal with Amazon and the Amazon Kindle Store. The -ebook will be added to the Barnes & Noble Nook Store after the exclusivity deal expires.
For more information visit www.nationalgrange.org.
Self-propelled forage harvesters
with new technologies
John Deere has introduced six new self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH) for 2013. The new machines feature more fuel-efficient and powerful Interim Tier 4 (IT4)-compliant engines, factory-installed dual tire options, a new spout-turning system and KernelStar kernel processing technology, all designed to improve forage harvesting performance in the field.
The new 7080 SPFH machines include the 7180, 7280, 7380, 7480, 7580, 7780 and the mammoth 7980 models, giving grain and forage producers and custom harvesters seven different-sized models to select from based on their forage harvesting needs and size of operations.
The base package for most models includes the infinitely variable length-of-cut (IVLOC) transmission, Dura-Drum cutterhead and Duraline high-wear parts, and HarvestLab™ with constituent sensing capabilities. Optional features for most models include four-wheel drive, advanced header-height control and an automatic lubrication system.
HarvestLab provides moisture and nutrient analysis and KernelStar processing increases the processing surface by 270% compared to conventional processors, while the IVLOC system lets the operator change the length of cut in 1 millimeter increments on the go, right from the cab.
The six smaller forage harvesters have PowerTech engines, while the 7980 features a 19L Cummins engine to handle the most demanding harvesting jobs without compromising on performance. All seven models come equipped with quiet, comfort-filled cabs with ComfortCommand seat and CommandArm controls within easy reach.
For more information contact the nearest John Deere dealer or visit www.deere.com.
Gas-powered post driver
Rhino Tool Co. has introduced the Rhino® GPD-30™ Gas Powered Driver, a lightweight, compact driver designed with a 2-inch (in.) chuck for the most commonly driven posts.
Powered by a Honda 4-cycle engine, the driver weighs just 35 pounds (lb.) when fully fueled and is easy to transport and operate. Unlike traditional post-driving tools, the GPD-30 does not require additional equipment such as propane, air compressor or hydraulic power source.
The company has ergonomically designed the handles for weight distribution and incorporated internal vibration dampening for the operator's comfort. The driver is manufactured from heat-treated alloy steel, "aircraft quality" aluminum and stainless steel fasteners and bearings on all rotating parts.
For more information contact Bob Tellier, marketing manager, at 309-853-5555 or email the company at info@rhinotool.com.