Tech Talk: Big Iron | Video

Jerame Novak | 9/12/2012

People are flocking to the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in Fargo this week to check out the latest in ag technology at Big Iron.

"It`s probably one of the bigger ones in the upper midwest for new technologies and machinery, electronics, precision planting, fertilizer systems," said Alan Woytassek, Senior Products Specialist with Butler Machinery.

More and more producers are using technology in the field.

"I think we`ve had GPS on one tractor and it would steer the thing. And now everything is all auto-steer," said Peter Leedahl, who farms near Leonard, ND.

For producers, precision is important.

"Today, one of the biggest things we get from producers is, `How can I be more efficient or utilize my investment?` And that`s where the technologies are going," Woytassek said.

One of the tools for producers is the Slingshot system, which can let producers transfer data from the field. It can also help them keep tabs on where their equipment is.

"In the case of a large producer that has multiple machinery, he can be in his office and and see exactly on Google Earth where his machines are," Woytassek said.

Another tool they have on display is a grade control system, which can help bucket operators dig more accurately.

Not only will you find lots of ag equipment at Big Iron, but you`ll also find some high tech tools. One of those tools are lasers that can set and read grade.

"So everything in the ag industry is set with water ways. We can control grade, measure grade and allow farmers and agricultural people to determine what that grade is and be able to go in and with dirt moving equipment and adjust that grade and be accurate," said Adam Stone, Machine Control Specialist for Titan Machinery.

Stone says that for contractors, lasers are becoming as common as tape measures.

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