Fendt - AGCO

AGCO/Fendt suspends tractor production due to supplier problems

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 10:34:00 GMT

Agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO/Fendt is suspending production at its Marktoberdorf and Asbach-Bäumenheim sites for seven working days from April 22^nd 2021.

AGCO’s AutoDock Praised As Novel, Time-Saving Innovation

Progressive Farmer — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:31:00 GMT

AGCO's AutoDock header docking system allows drivers to connect and disconnect the header from the cab to speed up the harvest.

AutoDock Header Docking System Available on Fendt IDEAL Combines

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:00:00 GMT

News at a Glance

AGCO introduces its latest harvesting solution, the AutoDock™ header docking system for Fendt^® IDEAL^® combines. AutoDock, the industry’s first automatic system for connecting and disconnecting combine headers, is a time-saving, convenient option offered on DynaFlex^® 9300 Series draper heads and 3300 Command^™Series corn heads for IDEAL combines.
By reducing a two-minute or longer manual chore to a five-second automated process, AutoDock can save several hours of harvest time over a season for operators who change headers frequently.
AutoDock allows operators to stay in the cab, avoiding contact with the dust, chaff and hydraulic oil that comes with making header connections manually.
IDEALdrive™, a joystick steering system that is unique in the industry, will be demonstrated in 2021 and is available as an option on IDEAL T-model combines. This smart harvesting innovation that replaces the steering wheel with joystick steering reduces operator stress and fatigue while increasing visibility of the header and crop feeding process.
AutoDock and IDEALdrive were recognized as 2021 AE50 winners. The 9350 DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock also won the prestigious 2021 Davidson Prize for agricultural engineering excellence.

DULUTH, GA – AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology, introduces its latest harvesting solution, the AutoDock™ header docking system for Fendt^® IDEAL^® combines. AutoDock, the industry’s first automatic system for connecting and disconnecting combine heads, is a time-saving, convenient option offered on DynaFlex^® 9300 Series draper heads and 3300 Command^® Series corn heads for IDEAL combines.

“Farmers need to make every minute count during harvest, and using AutoDock can save several hours of harvest time over a season for operators who change heads frequently,” says Kevin Forth, AGCO senior tactical marketing manager. “One touch of the in-cab control terminal starts the five-second AutoDock process, eliminating trips for the operator from the cab to the combine head.

“We’re very excited to introduce this technology, because it is a key first step on the way to totally automating the harvesting process in the future,” Forth says. “And it’s a nice follow-up to IDEALdrive™ joystick steering, which is another example of AGCO’s intentional creation of smart solutions for our farmer customers.”

Automated functions help keep harvest moving
The AutoDock header docking system eliminates the job of manually lifting and attaching or detaching drivelines, which normally takes two minutes or longer each time a header is connected or disconnected. Instead, the operator maneuvers the combine to the header, lifts the header from the ground or trailer with the combine, then simply pushes the attach icon on the touch-screen control panel. AutoDock uses guide pins and hydraulic actuators to automatically connect the drives on both sides of the header, connecting all mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems with a single-point coupler while mechanically latching the header in place in only five seconds. Pushing the detach icon reverses the process when it’s time to remove the header.

“Changing headers is not only time consuming, but it can be a dirty, tiring job,” Forth says. “Staying in the cab lets the driver avoid contact with the dust, chaff and hydraulic oil that comes with handling header connections manually.” AutoDock also reduces the need for a second person on the ground to manually attach drivelines which can also minimize the opportunity for errors.

Adjusting the combine for header width and setting the sensitivity for the header height control are two additional steps that take time away from putting grain in the bin. The IDEAL combine solves these challenges. Once header settings are initially programmed into the combine’s computer, the operator simply selects the specific header, and the combine automatically configures the appropriate settings to use.

Available on all IDEAL combines and headers
The AutoDock system may be ordered as an option on all Fendt IDEAL combines. It is available for the DynaFlex 9300 Series draper head and 3300 Command Series corn heads equipped with AutoDock drivelines and adapters for the multi-coupler attachment. DynaFlex 9300 Series headers come in five cutting widths from 30 to 50 feet. The 3300 Command Series corn heads are available in chopping and non-chopping models with 30-inch row spacing in eight-, 12- and 16-row configurations.

Although the AutoDock system is currently available only for AGCO headers, Forth says it will be made available for third-party headers in the future.

See AGCO smart harvesting innovations in action
During 2021, a Fendt IDEAL combine equipped with AutoDock will be in fields for demonstrations, including at the Farm Progress Show 2021 in Decatur, Illinois. For an up-close look now, watch this animation.

Another new smart harvesting solution from AGCO is the IDEALdrive joystick steering system, which also will be demonstrated in 2021 and available as an option on IDEAL track combines. Replacing the steering wheel with joystick steering lets operators experience less stress and fatigue while increasing comfort and visibility of the header and feeding process.

Both AutoDock and IDEALdrive were recognized as 2021 AE50 winners by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). The 9350 DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock also won the prestigious 2021 Davidson Prize for agricultural engineering excellence as one of the three top-scoring AE50 entries.

To learn more about Fendt IDEAL combines and the full line of harvesting innovations from Fendt, locate your nearest Fendt IDEAL dealer at Fendt.com/us.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt is a worldwide brand of AGCO. DynaFlex and IDEAL are registered trademarks of AGCO. AutoDock, Command corn head, and IDEALdrive are trademarks of AGCO.

About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision ag technology. AGCO delivers customer value through its differentiated brand portfolio, including core brands like Challenger^®, Fendt^®, GSI^®, Massey Ferguson^® and Valtra^®. Powered by Fuse^® smart farming solutions, AGCO’s full line of equipment and services helps farmers sustainably feed our world. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $9.1 billion in 2020. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

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Fendt sales partner BayWa Bamberg receives "Top Retailer" Award

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:01:00 GMT

On Friday, March 19th, the independent award “Top Retailer- Agricultural technology 2021” was presented to the BayWa technology region Franconia. BayWa Bamberg was honored for its outstanding business achievements and merits in the professional sale of agricultural equipment.

Fendt Sprayer Specialist Discusses New RoGator Range

Farmers Weekly — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:31:00 GMT

James Wallington, Fendt’s sprayer specialist, spoke with Farmers Weekly about how the new range of RoGators is offering farmers the choice of new spraying technology in its trailed range.

AGCO Among Companies Developing Autonomous Farm Tech

PrecisionAg — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 12:29:00 GMT

AGCO looks to innovate certain tasks with technology solutions based on farmer need, much of it centered around seeding.

Auction of old machines helps young people learn

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:03:00 GMT

A large sum was raised at an auction of old production machinery from the round baler factory in Wolfenbüttel. The money was donated to the Kinderschutzverbund Wolfenbüttel for the project “Besser vorher Nachhilfe“.

Fendt team in France donates tractor noodles to food banks

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:04:00 GMT

For almost a year the Corona-pandemic has determined our day to day life but also the economy worldwide. Some industries, and thus also the people employed in them, have been severely affected by economic repercussions. The French employees of Fendt are therefore supporting the initiative “Farmers with heart”.

Fendt is leading the DLG-ImageBarometer 2020

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:39:00 GMT

Every year, German farmers rate the awareness and image of companies from the agricultural sector for seven different areas as part of the DLG-ImageBarometer. The survey started in August 2020 and over the course of time 712 farmers and farm managers were surveyed by telephone on the brand strength of the companies.

Fendt wins several AE50 Awards in the USA

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:52:00 GMT

For 2021, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE) honored six Fendt products with the prestigious AE50 Award. In addition, the DynaFlex AutoDock System was one of only three innovations to receive the Davidson Prize on March 2nd.

AGCO’s 9350 DynaFlex® Draper Header with AutoDock™ Header Docking System Wins 2021 Davidson Prize

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 14:35:00 GMT

DULUTH, GA – AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, today announced that its 9350 DynaFlex^® draper header with AutoDock^™ header docking system for Fendt^® IDEAL^® combines has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Davidson Prize for agricultural engineering excellence.

“The Davidson is among agriculture’s highest engineering honors, and AGCO is immensely proud of this recognition from ASABE and AEM,” said Kevin Forth, AGCO senior tactical marketing manager. “The Dynaflex with AutoDock is a perfect example of AGCO’s intentional development of smart solutions that are designed from the ground up with farmers’ needs in mind.”

The 9350 DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock™ header docking system is a 50-foot flexible header with the industry’s first automatic system for efficiently attaching all mechanical, electrical and hydraulic connections of the header to the Fendt IDEAL combine. AutoDock allows operators to connect and disconnect the header without leaving the cab of the combine, a necessary first step on the way to future total automation of the harvesting process.

The Davidson Prize is awarded by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) to their three top-scoring AE50 winners that represents the best of each year’s new products. The DynaFlex, along with seven other AGCO products, was awarded an AE50 award in November 2020.

“AGCO’s DynaFlex Header with AutoDock represents the diversity of agricultural engineering that continues to bring advanced technology and exciting improvements to the marketplace. J.B. Davidson would be amazed at how advanced farm equipment has become,” said Darrin Drollinger, executive director at ASABE.

“This is AGCO’s first Davidson Prize and we’re very proud of the honor,” said Barry O’Shea, AGCO vice president, product line leader, upon accepting the award on behalf of AGCO. “It’s the result of a tremendous amount of work by many dedicated people at AGCO, but it began with input from our farmer-customers and we’re very happy to provide them with a solution that makes their jobs easier and more productive.”

Consistent with AGCO’s deep focus on the farmer, the AutoDock was inspired by voice-of-customer surveys and interviews designed to uncover specific customer needs and develop solutions that address them. AutoDock was developed to reduce the time farmers spend hooking up and disconnecting their headers, which the new product now handles in five seconds. The system also recognizes the specifications of the header and can automatically configure combine settings, such as header dimensions and sensitivity settings for header height control. Safety features provided by the system’s autonomous capabilities mean that operators can configure the header without climbing in and out of the cab, docking and undocking may be performed without assistance, and driveline and hydraulic connections are accomplished automatically. These advantages reduce time-consuming chores, eliminate errors, and improve farming performance.

“We’re excited about the advancement of ag engineering and the positive impacts it has on farmers’ ability to work more efficiently,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president of Agriculture for AEM.

The 9350 DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock header docking system is compatible with AGCO’s Fendt IDEAL combine. More information regarding the Fendt IDEAL combine and the DynaFlex draper header with AutoDock may be found at fendt.com/us/combines/ideal-highlights.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt is a worldwide brand of AGCO. IDEAL and DynaFlex are registered trademarks of AGCO. AutoDock is a trademark of AGCO.

About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through five core brands, Challenger^®, Fendt^®, GSI^®, Massey Ferguson^® and Valtra^®, supported by Fuse^® smart farming solutions. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $9.1 billion in 2020. For more information, visit https://www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

About the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
ASABE is an international scientific and educational organization dedicated to the advancement of engineering applicable to agricultural, food, and biological systems.

About the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)
AEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. The equipment manufacturing industry in the United States supports 2.8 million jobs and contributes roughly $288 billion to the economy every year.

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Fendt tractors are "favorites of the nation“

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 09:08:00 GMT

The results of the PS-Bundesliga are always published at the beginning of the year and Fendt achieved top scores in all performance classes. The evaluation of the most popular tractors shows that German farmers particularly appreciate Fendt tractors.

Development of Fendt’s e100 Electric Tractor Continues

Grainews — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:28:00 GMT

Fendt's e100 concept electric tractor is making measurable progress toward possible future commercialization.

Fendt: Expansion of market shares in the EME region

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 08:46:00 GMT

The market for standard tractors in the EME region (Europe & Middle East) is very heterogeneous. In total there were less new tractor registrations on the European market in 2020 than in the previous year. Fendt was able to expand its market shares in important regions.

AGCO and Universal Technical Institute Announce Agricultural Manufacturer Training Program

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:00:00 GMT

DULUTH, GA - AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, today announced the creation of an agricultural manufacturing training program with Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI), the nation’s leading provider of trained technicians to the transportation industry. The Fendt^® Technician Academy will launch at UTI's Lisle, Illinois campus, outside of Chicago, in Fall 2021.

“It’s extremely exciting to launch UTI’s first-ever agricultural manufacturing training program at our Lisle campus with an impressive manufacturer like AGCO,” said Sherrell Smith, Executive Vice President of Campus Operations. “Since many of our Diesel program graduates go to work in the agriculture industry, we saw true value to our students in offering manufacturer-specific advanced training and credentials in agricultural equipment. It has been an honor to work with AGCO to develop an innovative program to meet the growing demand for trained tractor technicians.”

This 12-week advanced program trains students to work with Fendt’s exclusive technology to gain in-depth knowledge about the brand’s engines, powertrains, hydraulics, electronics and Fuse^® technology. Classes will be limited to 12-15 students and will be taught by Fendt-certified program instructors who will bring their real-world industry experience to the program. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be associate, expert and Fendt Technical Theory certified.

"AGCO’s premium Fendt brand has experienced tremendous growth and expansion across North America in recent years, and that’s led to increased demand from farmers and dealers for qualified technicians to support Fendt's industry-leading equipment,” said Ed Barry, director, after sales & customer support training North America. "The caliber of students graduating from UTI’s core Diesel Technology program is tremendous, and we are excited to launch the Fendt Technician Academy to train and certify more Fendt technicians to meet industry demands and create excellent jobs that serve America’s agriculture industry."

Despite record numbers of Americans filing unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, demand has risen for skilled technicians across the transportation and agriculture industries. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has deemed many of these jobs essential to supporting the nation's infrastructure during the health crisis, and UTI employer participants, including AGCO, continue to report a need for trained technicians.

For more information about AGCO, visit AGCOcorp.com. For more information about Fendt, visit Fendt.com/us.

For more information about Universal Technical Institute, visit www.uti.edu.

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Fendt and Fuse are worldwide brands and registered trademarks of AGCO.

About AGCO:
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through five core brands, Challenger®, Fendt®, GSI®, Massey Ferguson® and Valtra®, supported by Fuse® smart farming solutions. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of approximately $9.0 billion in 2019. For more information, visit www.AGCOcorp.com . For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

About Universal Technical Institute, Inc.:
With more than 220,000 graduates in its 55-year history, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) is the nation's leading provider of technical training for automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians, and offers welding technology and computer numerical control (CNC) machining programs. The company has built partnerships with industry leaders, outfits its state-of-the-industry facilities with current technology, and delivers training that is aligned with employer needs. Through its network of 12 campuses nationwide, UTI offers post-secondary programs under the banner of several well-known brands, including Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. For more information, visit www.uti.edu. Like UTI on www.facebook.com/UTI or follow UTI on Twitter @UTITweet, @MMITweet, and @NASCARTechUTI.

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AGCO Crop Tour Harvest Report No. 2: Prioritize Seed Placement

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 13:00:00 GMT

DULUTH, GA – AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, has released the final yield results from its 2020 Fendt^® Momentum^® Crop Tour.

During the 2020 growing season, field demonstration plots were planted in five locations in the United States, including Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota and South Dakota. In addition to evaluating the effect of equipment-induced soil compaction at all locations, the AGCO team continued its comparisons of various planting depths, downforce levels and seed singulation on corn yield at the South Dakota, Minnesota and Ohio locations.

“During the past five years, we have conducted more than 50 field comparisons in North America and around the globe demonstrating the importance of proper corn seed placement,” says Jason Lee, AGCO agronomist and farm solutions specialist. “What we’ve shown is that there’s no substitute for getting seed planted into adequate soil moisture at a depth sufficient enough to allow for uniform emergence and good nodal root development.”

The AGCO team compared corn plant performance and yield based on three variables:

1. Depth – Corn was planted at six depths ranging from 1 inch to 3.5 inches.
2. Downforce – Corn was planted with light downforce, heavy downforce and real-time automatic downforce control provided by DeltaForce^® automated downforce from Precision Planting^®.
3. Spacing – Corn was planted at two singulation rates – 93% and 99% seed spacing accuracy.

Corn was planted with a Fendt Momentum planter pulled by a row-crop tractor running dual tires. All comparisons were planted in 30-inch rows, with the exception of the North Dakota location, where the corn was planted in 22-inch rows.

Takeaway No. 1: Plant into moisture and no less than 1.5 inches deep

Crop Tour comparisons verify there can be yield penalties when corn is planted too shallow or too deep. Plant too shallow (1-inch-deep or less), and the corn plant’s nodal roots will develop at or just below the soil surface. Limited nodal root development is detrimental especially when conditions turn hot and dry. Lee says this was especially evident at the Ohio location where soil was wet at planting, then dry during the growing season. Corn planted 1-inch-deep exhibited more tip-back on the ears than corn in rows planted at 1.5 inches or deeper, due to the combination of poor nodal root development and dry growing conditions.

“When we get tip-back, there is little or no kernel development on the last one or more inches of the ear tip. That’s lost yield potential,” Lee says. “Over the past five years, we found that corn planted 1.5-inches-deep yielded 13 more bushels per acre on average than corn planted 1-inch-deep. At current corn prices, we’re talking about $50 or more in lost return per acre due to planting too shallow.”

In certain conditions, planting too deep can reduce the total number of plants that emerge and cause uneven emergence. Reduced emergence lowers the overall plant population; uneven emergence leads to runt plants that can’t compete with their neighbors for resources. Both reduce yield potential. At the Ohio location, corn planted 3 inches deep yielded 6 bushels per acre more in 2020 than corn planted 3.5 inches deep — a difference that closely mirrors the five-year average.

“Typically, a planting depth of 2 inches will provide the maximum yield potential in most planting conditions. This can vary, however, and adjustments should be made based on soil moisture and the extended weather forecast,” Lee says. “We know that planting depth is a simple adjustment to set, but it’s such a critical piece to maximizing corn yield.”

Takeaway No. 2: Don’t skimp on downforce

Once proper planting depth is determined, it’s crucial that enough downforce is placed on each row unit to maintain that depth. Inconsistent depth control can also lead to uneven corn emergence, resulting in yield loss.

Since 2016, AGCO Crop Tour plots have compared light, heavy and automatic downforce. Too much downforce (right) can create sidewall compaction in the seed trench, which can lead to root development issues, causing yield loss. Crop Tour comparisons show a yield reduction of about 13 bushels per acre when downforce is too light and a 2- to 3-bushel-per-acre penalty for heavy downforce as compared to automatic downforce (left).

“Soil type and condition changes across a field, and growers have different options for maintaining corn seed depth, including spring, air bag and hydraulic downforce systems,” Lee says. “As with planting depth, downforce is a balance. Set it too light, and the seed doesn’t get placed to the right depth because there’s simply not enough force to keep it there. However, too much downforce can create sidewall compaction in the seed trench, which can lead to root development issues.”

During the past five years, AGCO Crop Tour™ trials have compared three downforce protocols: light downforce, heavy downforce and automatic downforce. The results demonstrate that automatic downforce, which adjusts to field conditions in real time, provides a yield advantage.

“On average, when downforce is too light, we see a yield reduction of about 13 bushels per acre when compared to automatic downforce,” Lee says. “By contrast, we see a 2- to 3-bushel-per-acre penalty for heavy downforce. So, if you aren’t running a planter with automatic downforce and want to err on the side of caution, set your downforce on the heavy side.”

Takeaway No. 3: Uniform seed spacing increases yield

In addition to uniform emergence, the uniform spacing of corn plants within the row is crucial to maximizing yield potential. Evenly spaced plants result in equal competition for essential resources, allowing for optimal growth. The result is more bushels per acre.

Uniform spacing of corn plants within the row is crucial to maximizing yield potential. AGCO Crop Tour plots compared 93 percent and 99 percent seed singulation using the vSet metering system. Yield results over five years show that a 6 percent reduction in singulation results in a yield loss of about 5 bushels per acre, a good reason to avoid skips and doubles when planting.

“We want to avoid what are referred to as ‘skips’ and ‘doubles,’” Lee says. “Skips occur when the planter doesn’t drop a seed, resulting in a missing plant and no ear whatsoever. Doubles occur when the planter drops two seeds close together. The result is two smaller ears that don’t produce the same yield as ears from evenly spaced plants.”

A planter’s ability to drop one seed at a time is referred to as seed singulation. Crop Tour field demonstrations have compared plots planted at two singulation rates – 93% and 99% using the vSet^® metering system.

“Our five-year data shows that 6% reduction in singulation results in a yield loss of about 5 bushels per acre,” Lee says. “So growers really want to avoid skips and doubles.”

Crop Tour 2021: New year, new questions

Lee adds that while the AGCO team will continue many of the field trials from the past five years, some new questions are likely to be posed in 2021.

“We’re still working out the details, but we would like to do some plots comparing plant populations, the impact of starter fertilizer, as well as differences between types of tractor tires and tracks,” he says. “The whole team is excited to ask new questions, help growers improve their planting practices and ensure their corn crops reach full yield potential.”

For more information about best planting practices and observations from the 2020 AGCO Crop Tour, watch the 2020 Virtual Crop Tour online at https://youtu.be/Viqxt06_NMw. Visit www.fendt.com/us/planters or contact your local dealer to learn more.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt and Momentum are registered trademarks of AGCO. AGCO Crop Tour is a trademark of AGCO. Precision Planting, DeltaForce and vSet are registered trademarks of Precision Planting LLC.

About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through five core brands, Challenger^®, Fendt^®, GSI^®, Massey Ferguson^® and Valtra^®, supported by Fuse^® smart farming solutions. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $9.0 billion in 2019. For more information, visit https://www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

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AGCO Crop Tour Harvest Report No. 1: Planter Compaction Yield Penalties

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 13:00:00 GMT

DULUTH, GA – AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and solutions, has released yield results from its 2020 Fendt^® Momentum^® Crop Tour.

During the 2020 growing season, field demonstration plots were planted in five locations in the United States, including Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota and South Dakota. In addition to continued comparisons of the impacts of various planting depths, downforce levels and seed singulation on corn yield, the AGCO team also measured the effect of equipment-induced soil compaction on the crop in 2020.

“Soil compaction caused by wheel traffic is an increasing concern among farmers, especially due to the weight of today’s tractors and high-capacity, central-fill planters,” says Jason Lee, AGCO agronomist and farm solutions specialist. “Compaction can restrict root growth, limit nutrient and water uptake and ultimately lower corn yield. Our plots in 2020 looked at ways growers can reduce compaction at planting and avoid those yield penalties.”

The AGCO team asked three questions regarding planter-induced soil compaction:

1. Is there yield loss in the center rows planted with high-capacity, central-fill planters?
2. Can yield loss be mitigated when planting with high-capacity, central-fill planters?
3. Does pinch-row soil compaction cause yield loss, and if so, how much?

Corn was planted at all five locations with a Fendt Momentum planter pulled by a row-crop tractor running dual tires. All comparisons were planted in 30-inch rows, with the exception of the North Dakota location where the corn was planted in 22-inch rows.

To compare the impact of compaction caused by tire pressure and planter weight, the plots were planted using one of three settings on the Momentum planter:

Load balance. The planter’s optional Load Logic™ system automatically monitored and hydraulically transferred weight equally to all wheels, while also automatically adjusting tire pressure to the lowest manufacturer-recommended psi for the weight.
Controlled traffic. The system intentionally pulled weight from the wings and concentrated it on the in-line tandem transport wheels, also with auto-adjusted low tire pressure.
Disabled. The Load Logic system was disabled so the planter operated much like other central-fill planters, with the weight concentrated in the middle of the planter and tire inflation pressures at a static 55 psi, a common road-transport pressure level.

To allow for yield comparisons, rows from wing sections of the planter were harvested separately from the center section at four of the locations. At the Ohio location, each row was harvested individually to determine its yield.

Takeaway No. 1: Eliminating pinch rows likely to improve yields

Of all the yield data, none was more telling than the row-by-row comparison made at the Ohio location, where Lee described the soil condition at planting as “a little tacky.” This led to some soil compaction, which restricted root growth and impacted the corn crop later in the season when the weather turned dry.

Rows were designated as pinch rows (those with a tire track on both sides of the row), affected rows (those with a tire track on one side of the row) and non-affected rows (no tire tracks). The resulting agronomic message was clear: Pinch-row soil compaction reduces yield, especially in less-than-ideal planting conditions.

“Because of its in-line tandem wheel design, Momentum creates no pinch rows unlike other planters where there are tire tracks on both sides of a row,” Lee explains. “The dual wheels on our row-crop tractor created two pinch rows, and those rows averaged about 194 bushels per acre, whereas the rows without wheel compaction averaged a little more than 203 bushels per acre.”

The two pinch rows created by the tractor yielded 9 bushels less than the rest of the rows across the planter. When that loss is averaged across the entire planter, the total yield penalty from pinch rows was 2 bushels per acre in this comparison.

“While it’s only one year of data at one location, our results mirror the same yield penalty that others have demonstrated. The more pinch rows in your setup, the larger the potential impact on overall yield in a field. That being said, how many pinch rows are you creating at planting?” asks Lee.

Lee notes it was interesting that the plot showed virtually no yield difference between rows affected by compaction on only one side and rows without compaction.

“I would have expected some yield loss. We’ll repeat these demonstrations in other soil types with varying planting conditions and tillage practices to see if the trend continues,” he adds.

Takeaway No. 2: Planting into ideal soil conditions is best

Lee says that at three of the five locations, there was no yield difference on average between wing sections and the center planter section, regardless of the combination of air pressure in the tires and how the planter weight was managed.

“We recorded an average yield difference of less than 1 bushel per acre, so you have to ask why,” Lee says. “And the answer is simple: When we planted at those three locations, the conditions were ideal. The soil moisture was incredibly fit for planting, to the point we weren’t going to create enough compaction to produce yield differences. I think it really emphasizes the importance of planting into fit conditions.”

Takeaway No. 3: Yield loss from center-fill planter compaction can be mitigated

The 2020 AGCO Crop Tour demonstrated the effect of equipment-induced soil compaction on corn yield. This photo illustrates the impact of soil compaction from planting into wet soils in a field that was “super flat and poorly drained”. The poor stand establishment shown is a stark reminder of the importance of planting into fit conditions whenever possible.

At the North Dakota location, wet soil conditions at planting led to soil compaction, providing a different yield result. With Momentum’s weight-transfer system enabled and spreading weight across the entire planter, rows from the planter’s center section averaged 8 bushels more per acre than when the system was disabled and weight was concentrated in the center rows.

“Yes, we want to plant into fit conditions, but oftentimes Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate,” Lee says. “That’s what happened in North Dakota. Our location was super flat and poorly drained. Planting into that wet soil made it quite evident that by spreading the weight of the planter across the entire machine we can mitigate compaction-induced yield loss from high-capacity, central-fill planters, especially in the center section where the planter weight is typically concentrated.”

Growers often select high-capacity, central-fill planters to increase productivity and maximize the acres they plant during the short planting windows that provide optimum yields. However, the planter’s weight may have negative agronomic consequences leading to yield loss. The 2020 Crop Tour confirmed this conundrum but offers a solution in the form of Fendt’s innovative planter design.

“With Momentum, we don’t have to sacrifice the agronomics to be productive,” Lee says. “I’m looking forward to the 2021 Crop Tour and learning more about how we can help growers improve their planting practices and ensure their corn crop reaches its full yield potential.”

For more information about best planting practices and observations from the AGCO Crop Tour, watch the 2020 Fendt Momentum Virtual Crop Tour online at https://youtu.be/Viqxt06_NMw. Visit www.fendt.com/us/planters or contact your local dealer to learn more.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt and Momentum are registered trademarks of AGCO. AGCO Crop Tour and Load Logic are trademarks of AGCO.

About AGCO
AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural solutions and delivers high-tech solutions for farmers feeding the world through its full line of equipment and related services. AGCO products are sold through five core brands, Challenger^®, Fendt^®, GSI^®, Massey Ferguson^® and Valtra^®, supported by Fuse^® smart farming solutions. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, USA, AGCO had net sales of $9.0 billion in 2019. For more information, visit https://www.AGCOcorp.com. For company news, information and events, please follow us on Twitter: @AGCOCorp. For financial news on Twitter, please follow the hashtag #AGCOIR.

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Fendt achieves record market share in tractor registrations in Germany and France

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 12:13:00 GMT

In January, the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes the numbers for new tractor registrations for the previous year. For the year 2020, AGCO/Fendt is market leader in all power classes. Fendt also achieves a new record for the market shares starting at 51 HP in France.

Fendt is leading in the Industry 4.0

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMT

Since 2013, the management consulting agency ROI-EFESO has presented the prestigious Industry 4.0 Award to companies that implement pioneering projects in the fields of "Smart Factory" and "Smart Supply Chain". The AGCO/Fendt competence center for cabin production in Asbach-Bäumenheim received the "Smart Production" award 2020 for their digitization projects and integrated 4.0 processes. For the first time international applicants also took part besides companies from the German-speaking regions.

Three AGCO Brands Win Agritechnica Tractor Of The Year Awards

FarmProgress — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:57:00 GMT

Fendt brings home two awards for its Fendt 211 V Vario and G 135 Versu, while Massey Ferguson's 8S .265 received the designation of 2021 Tractor of the Year.

Fendt - AGCO

AGCO/Fendt suspends tractor production due to supplier problems

AGCO’s AutoDock Praised As Novel, Time-Saving Innovation

AutoDock Header Docking System Available on Fendt IDEAL Combines

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018 Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt sales partner BayWa Bamberg receives "Top Retailer" Award

Fendt Sprayer Specialist Discusses New RoGator Range

AGCO Among Companies Developing Autonomous Farm Tech

Auction of old machines helps young people learn

Fendt team in France donates tractor noodles to food banks

Fendt is leading the DLG-ImageBarometer 2020

Fendt wins several AE50 Awards in the USA

AGCO’s 9350 DynaFlex® Draper Header with AutoDock™ Header Docking System Wins 2021 Davidson Prize

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018 Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt tractors are "favorites of the nation“

Development of Fendt’s e100 Electric Tractor Continues

Fendt: Expansion of market shares in the EME region

AGCO and Universal Technical Institute Announce Agricultural Manufacturer Training Program

AGCO Crop Tour Harvest Report No. 2: Prioritize Seed Placement

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018 Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

AGCO Crop Tour Harvest Report No. 1: Planter Compaction Yield Penalties

MEDIA CONTACTS: Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018 Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

Fendt achieves record market share in tractor registrations in Germany and France

Fendt is leading in the Industry 4.0

Three AGCO Brands Win Agritechnica Tractor Of The Year Awards

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Bob Blakely, AGCO | Bob.Blakely@AGCOCorp.com | 770-232-8018
Dee Weeda, Dee Weeda Communications | Dee@DeeWeedaComm.com | 641-344-0757