Posted: March 16, 2009

Integration with Ag Leader's single-screen display marks latest generation of Norac spray height control systems

Norac's UC5 Automatic Spray Height Control System uses ultrasonic sensors to control boom height by monitoring ground surface or crop height, depending on crop conditions and operator preference. It features Ag Leader's InSight display as the user interface supporting set-up, calibration and run time operation of the UC5.

To many producers, a difficult part of adjusting to any technology is the learning curve involved. The message to manufacturing companies quickly becomes clear: simplify, simplify, simplify.

That's the approach Norac Systems International has taken with its sensor-driven UC5 Automatic Spray Height Control System. The new system features Ag Leader's InSight display as the user interface supporting set-up, calibration and run time operation of the UC5. Using a CAN bus system design, only a single cable is needed to connect the interface with the spray height control system.

"The operator has one control panel in his cab," says Craig Lester, control systems manager with Norac in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. "In days gone by, every different manufacturer had a different box controlling a different function of the sprayer system. Operators would wind up sitting in the sprayer cabin, barely seeing out of it because they would have half-a-dozen different boxes mounted all over the place. By integrating with Ag Leader, everything is in one control box."

Next generation of Norac systems

The UC5 continues in the same mould as Norac's previously-released UC4+. Lester says both systems use ultrasonic sensors to control boom height by monitoring ground surface or crop height, depending on crop conditions and operator preference. The ultrasonic sensors do not depend on light to measure boom height, allowing operators to spray in any light condition.

Both the UC5 and the UC4+ feature "roll control" which allows the system to monitor and compensate for boom center section roll. "Without this technology, boom roll can only be controlled by making mechanical changes to boom design or by installing devices on the boom that prevent roll by physically making contact with the ground," says Lester. "This system allows for effective control of the boom without altering its originally engineered design."

Using the UC5 system also reduces operator stress and fatigue, says Lester. "This is because there's no need to move your head back and forth to monitor changes in field terrain. The system takes control of managing the boom by monitoring field contours and making constant boom adjustments. This allows the operator to focus on proper coverage and safety."

Year-round tool

According to Ag Leader, the InSight display is a full-featured hub for liquid or granular application operations that provides a year-round precision farming solution from planting to harvest. It features a 10.4" full-colour display that offers tools for tillage, planting, application and harvest. Its integrated DirectCommand application control system features automatic boom section shutoff, rate control, variable rate application and multiple product application among other features.

More information about the Norac UC5 Automatic Spray Height Control System is available at www.norac.ca. Information on InSight and other Ag Leader products is available at www.agleader.com.

Posted: March 16, 2009

Makhteshim Agan of North America, Canada (MANA Canada), has announced the registration of Bengal 120EC, a grassy weed herbicide for use in wheat. Bengal, which is intended for the control of wild oat, barnyard grass and green foxtail, is only for use in spring wheat – including durum – and contains the same active ingredient, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, as Puma herbicide.

"Broadleaf weed control is a breeze with nearly 30 tank-mix partners," says a MANA Canada news release. "Available in 6.2 litre jugs that cover 20 acres or 99.3 litre drums that treat 320 acres, Bengal provides tremendous grassy weed control."

Posted: March 16, 2009

Syngenta Crop Protection Canada is marketing its new Pulsar herbicide as a tool against "increasingly problematic" Group 2 resistant kochia as well as non-resistant kochia. Pulsar, which is intended for use on all varieties of durum, spring wheat and barley, contains two Group 4 broadleaf herbicides: dicamba and fluroxypyr.

"Kochia is a serious problem for spring wheat, durum and barley growers in the brown and dark brown soil zones," says Jason Pickering, agronomic brand manager with Syngenta, in a news release. "Kochia spreads incredibly quickly and can have devastating impact if is not controlled effectively. Group 2 resistant kochia is even more challenging. That's why we are pleased to offer this solution for both resistant and non-resistant forms of the weed."

Pulsar is customizable with rate range and an MCPA tank mix option, and is tank mixable with Horizon. Main pests controlled or suppressed with the addition of MCPA include kochia, stinkweed, flixweed, lamb's-quarters, shepherd's purse, volunteer canola, wild buckwheat, wild mustard, cleavers and volunteer flax.