AGRICULTURE is steeped in history and tradition, but it also utilizes technology to improve, increase production, and stay relevant in a global market. Apps simply require a smartphone — which are now pretty inexpensive these days and can be useful in the field — and many will work with computers as well. Try these apps to improve your agribusiness:
AG APPS FOR MARKETS
• agExchange. Stay up-to-date on world ag markets.
• agIndex. Stay up-to-date on ag markets and more.
• Growers Edge. Focuses on local markets.
APPS FOR PLANTING
• Pioneer Field360 Plantability. This app gives you planter setting recommendations and more for your corn seed.
• ImPlant-Field. For iPhone only.
APPS FOR CHEMICALS, PESTICIDES, MIXING, AND MORE
• Tank Mix Calculator. Get mix measurements for over 14,000 chemicals based on your operation’s acreage, tank size, and more.
• TankMix by DuPont. For iPhone only.
• Pesticide and Field Records. Keeps records of your applications and field records, as offered by Iowa State University.
• Manure Valuator. Offered by the University of Arkansas, it lets you know the cost of fertilizer, how much to apply to your fields, and more.
• Apply Yourself. Works with Agri-Inject pumps for applications.
APPS FOR EQUIPMENT
• JD Link. Get alerts, machine information, maintenance data and more for John Deere equipment.
APPS FOR AG INFO
• Weed Spotter. This app by Bayer CropScience utilizes photos and descriptions of over 100 weeds.
• ID Weeds. By the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture.
• Farming Simulator. Take farming for a test drive with any number of simulator apps.
APPS FOR AG IN THE NEWS
• USDA News Reader. Stay abreast of news out of the USDA.
• SF Plus. Offered by Successful Farming magazine.
There are many more ag-related apps that you can use to improve your ag operation, help things run smoother, and to keep better records. Search the app site for your smartphone — Android or iPhone — download it and go.
CREDIT
column by MICHAEL MARTIN
BIO: Michael Martin of Martin Law Office in Lakeland specializes in agriculture and environmental legal representation. A native of Polk County, Mike attended college at Sewanee in Tennessee, before obtaining a doctorate in law from the University of Florida. He has tried numerous cases nationwide since that time. Mike also serves as the director of the FFA Foundation and is the author of the novel, The Crestfallen Rose.