The Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation's Plugfest gives agriculture equipment software engineers the opportunity to test ISOBUS compatibility to better the global ag industry.
From specialists evolving into on-farm “Google” resources for customers, to sneak peeks at some of the autonomous and robotic systems coming to market, the last year saw some innovative advancements by dealers and manufacturers.
Tech engineering veterans trade cautionary tales and share optimism that the transition to high-speed ISOBUS connectivity can improve applied prescriptions, data logging and cost-effective controls on farm machinery.
Taking a break from the rigors of round-robin compatibility testing at the Agricultural Electronics Foundation (AEF) Plugfest in Lincoln, Neb., this spring (also referred to fondly as “speed dating for ag nerds” by one attendee), AGCO software engineer Mike Schmidt and Dave Smart, staff systems engineer for John Deere and team leader for AEF’s high-speed ISOBUS Project, discussed the progression of compatibility over the years through AEF conformance testing, the simplification of equipment connectivity for farmers of all brands and expectations for ag functionality with high-speed ISOBUS network capabilities on the horizon.
Progress on developing true plug-and-play compatibility through ISOBUS connections has been ongoing, although at times, it’s an arduous process, especially in North America. But the collaboration of two independent organizations aiming to streamline equipment functionality could help accelerate the rate of progress.
Go behind the scenes with Chad Baker, co-owner of Baker Precision Planter Works in Orangeville, Ill., as he hits the road for on-farm visits and pre-season maintenance checkups. Baker helps a first-generation no-tiller prepare for planting season, and later runs into a couple big challenges with a customer’s new, high-speed, 24-row planter.
The college offers an associate degree in Applied Science in Agriculture (60 credit hours). Students enrolled in this program may specialize in precision farming technology by selecting up to 15 credit hours in this area and agriculture business, sales and agronomy.
The college offers an AAS in Precision Agriculture and customized precision ag- related training for agricultural producers, insurance underwriters, equipment dealer and agricultural cooperative employees and others.
Offering training on Ag Leader, Trimble, Reichhardt, Norac and Integris Systems in twice yearly customer training events (spring/fall). Also offering individual training opportunities on any HTS Ag products and SMS software, year round.