VRT.. Echelon or Farmers Edge

[JDGreen]

Will be starting my VR program this spring and have to decide on using farmers edge or Echelon. Will be chatting with them extensively at CPS in Saskatoon. Anyone have experience with either of these companies? How about some real world data?? Looking for any and all input.

[Klause]

Both are crap.


We don't understand how to use Vr technology. These companies just charge you to give you their take on it.


You take yield maps right? Work off of those and tissue tests you'll be a step ahead of this guy's

[JDGreen]

You would know there crap because you have a precision drill that you have used their services on before Klause?? Seriously I want good discussion Klause not your opinion based on the fact you think your smarter than everyone else. If you were actually in the game I may consider hiring you, however your not.

[Klause]

Actually we have rawson VR drives run through a Trimble FM750... so yes.

And we did 1 Q out west with farmers edge Vr.

Their idea of fixing a hilltop in wheat is adding more N.

[blackpowder]

My private agronomist can do the same end result for half the money.
Just not as impressive a sales pitch. And your data stays close. Doesn't US money essentially own both now?
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

[Klause]

And I know you love to day pics or it didn't happen.


This is what a Rawson looks like... we have two we do variable rate seed and fert... Our liquid gets top dressed and obviously the sprayer can do variable rate along with micros through injection pumps (haven't done that).


<a href="http://s896.photobucket.com/user/HerrnbockFarms/media/20140507_122839_zpssp2yestp.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac163/HerrnbockFarms/20140507_122839_zpssp2yestp.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 20140507_122839_zpssp2yestp.jpg"/></a>


Vr seeding rates are neat... seed valleys a bit higher than hills and things mature more evenly. We straight cut all our wheat peas and half the oats in this rolling country, remember?

[Klause]

Exactly, BP.

Those big time companies are into big data...

It's prescriptions created by computer simulations.

A local agronomist would understand your farm already and go from there.

Prior yield maps define boundaries. Boots on the ground diagnose issues.


Do you up the fertility on hills to try and make them catch up? Do you seed them heavier to try and achieve better yield?
Do you cut back on nutrients on high spots because they don't have the potential? Do you bump fertility in low runs because they are capable of producing? Or do you cut it back a bit to even maturity?

You have a field area that produces very little... could be alkalinity... could fix it with elemental S. Or you could simply drop seed and fert rates and abandon it.


Thee are decisions that have to be made by people that get your fields. Not by computer simulations run off of blanket rulesets

[JDGreen]

Ahhh klause your brain is capable of discussion.. That's good... Now we on the right track.. I agree with your comments however both services echelon or farmers edge are much less money to have initial map work and prescriptions done. The maps are only starting points.. As I know my fields better than any agrologist or vrt company at any rate. It's long term system im really looking for. Development of maps and Prescriptoons take more than one year in my opinion

[SASKFARMER3]

Each has their strong and week points. We did variable rate back in the 80s the last time farming was on the up. Some they will save huge dollars if you over use certain fertilizers etc.
Were back to basics, good soil test know your land and soils, have a plan, work with a agrologist etc.

[SASKFARMER3]

Neighbor just proved the slow down is happening. House was listed for two months I guess in Regina their starting to drop. 786 peak down 20% wonder how long till some owe more on their mortgage than their house is worth. Condos are also down and inventory is up.
Check out the number of sleds on kajiji in Lloyd!
Seed chem fuel and fert plus equipment are all over priced.

[farmaholic]

I would be interested in hearing about the cost savings or productivity gains from people who have been doing this for a while.

To me it still seems like hair-splitting, but I could probably benefit with the type of land I farm(rolling with(can be) stingy hilltops and rich lowspots). I need other things first.

[Klause]

So are you just looking for a basic starting map? Or do you plan on using them every year?

[ColevilleH2S]

How can anyone write a VR presciption with any confidence, if they don't know what the growing season weather will be? This tech is almost 20 years old and we are still taking stabs in the dark with it.

[SASKFARMER3]

The 80s were to dry to make it pay. Did save on ammonia at the time. .18 cents a lb really wasn't a big expense compared to now.

[agstar77]

Time for a little reality check. Human nature being what it is no one wants to believe things have gone too far. Maybe they don't need that million dollar house or fancy toy. The Oil industry will recover but there will be painful transition to reality.