Ag Geek Speak

It is one thing to have a variable rate map. It is another to have a variable rate map on a controller. In this episode of Tiny Bytes, we dive into the basics of exporting prescriptions.  In this episode, we talk polygons, polygon count limits, vertices, and file size constraints. Whether you're working with modern systems or legacy equipment, this episode equips you with the basics to help y...

Join us for a lively and insightful conversation as we dive into the world of soil sampling with special guests Kyle Okke, Jason Hanson, and Lane Bothwell, who with us, Ag Geek Speak, form the Montana Mafia. This group spent a couple of days in eastern Montana collecting soil samples for Kyle Okke, and put the GK Field Mapper app to the soil sample test. Together, we explore the challenges, innova...

Unearth the secrets of soil science with our insightful guest, Tom DeSutter, as we navigate the fascinating landscape of soil classification and its vital role in agriculture. Discover how the unique vertisol soils of North Dakota's Red River Valley challenge and inspire local farmers, and learn why understanding soil taxonomy is akin to mastering the Latin naming system for plants and animal...

Join Sarah and Jodi as they discuss the role of satellite imagery, its various sources, and how to select quality satellite imagery for use in precision agriculture applications. Jodi and Sarah cover NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) analysis and its relationship with crop yield, guiding smarter management of field crops. They share real-world experiences with tools like ADMS and insig...

Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Tom DeSutter from North Dakota State University as he unravels the mysteries of landscape variability. Dr. DeSutter's expertise offers a fresh perspective on the delicate balance between soil health and agricultural sustainability, particularly in the unique terrains of North Dakota. https://gktechinc.com/

In this episode, Sarah and Jodi explore the incredible technology that allows us to monitor plant health and field conditions from afar. Join us as we venture beyond the field and into the sky, where drones equipped with cutting-edge hyperspectral and thermal imaging sensors provide new insights into crop temperatures and plant species and satellites watch our crops from miles above the earth. htt...

Sarah and Jodi discuss drain tile and its ability to manage excess water. Through vivid analogies and expert insights, Sarah helps us understand the historical transformation of drain tiles from traditional clay to modern perforated plastic pipes, while shedding light on how soil texture and organic matter uniquely influence water retention and drainage. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the i...

Join us for an enlightening discussion with John Breker from AGVISE Laboratories as he shares cutting-edge insights into managing soils with low and high pH, plus insights on managing soil potassium. Discover how variable rate applications and the precision of zone and grid sampling can pinpoint soil pH variability within your fields, leading to more practical and accurate lime applications.  The...

Ever wondered why your shapefiles have more than one file? Discover the critical components that make up a shapefile and why each one is essential for accurate GIS and Precision Agriculture tasks. In this episode, we unpack the mystery behind shapefiles, explaining the roles of the four crucial files: .shp, .shx, .dbf, and .prj. Learn how these files collaborate to manage geometry, position, attri...

Get the download on soil tests and what they actually mean in our latest episode of Ag Geek Speak featuring AGVISE Laboratories' John Breker. We dive into the world of soil testing methods, breaking down the pros and cons of phosphorus tests like Olsen and Bray, and the "new" Mehlich-3 method. Discover why Olsen is often preferred in the Great Plains and how the Mehlich-3 method, de...

In this episode, we unpack the intricacies of soil test phosphorus methods and reveal why not all tests are created equal. We break down the specifics of the Bray 1, Olsen, and Mehlich-3 methods, explaining how they each cater to different soil conditions. Whether you're dealing with acidic, neutral, or calcareous soils, understanding the right test for your soil type can make a difference in...

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) in soybeans can be a formidable challenge. What if you could manage it with precision agriculture? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Professor Emeritus Dr. R. Jay Goos, a leading authority in the topic, as we discuss how farmers can pinpoint and treat IDC in their fields. Dr. Goos delves into the intricate world of breeding IDC-resistant soybean varietie...

In this episode of Tiny Bites, we unravel the complexities of vector files and their indispensable role in geospatial data storage. We break down the fundamentals of vector files, explaining how they use vertices and segments to form points, lines, and polygons, and why this matters to anyone working with geospatial data.  We'll take you through practical examples, from creating boundaries an...

Discover the secrets of soil fertility, straight from the expert himself, Dr. R. Jay Goos, Professor Emeritus at NDSU. From his humble beginnings on a farm in western Iowa to becoming a revered educator, Dr. Goos shares his unique journey. Immerse yourself in his passion for soil fertility and some helpful takeaways from Introduction to Soils. Sit back and listen as we discuss practical applicatio...

Discover the power of viewing and collecting data on the go with GK Field Mapper, the cutting-edge mobile GIS tool designed specifically for precision agriculture. In this episode, we delve into how this innovative app, available for both Android and iOS, enables you to view and create GIS files right from your mobile device. Whether you're a soil sampler or a casual GIS map viewer, GK Field...

In this conversation, Clint Streeter, GK Technology’s “aerospace engineer” and GIS specialist, discusses the specifics of satellite and aerial imagery and its applications in agriculture. He explains the differences between various types of imagery, such as NAIP, Landsat, and Sentinel, and how they are used to create zones for field analysis. Clint also highlights the importance of practicing and...

Raster is term that gets used in precision agriculture all the time.  In this episode, Jodi and Sarah discuss exactly what a Raster is and how is it used in Precision Agriculture and ADMS software.  https://gktechinc.com/

Jodi and Sarah discuss the difference in managing fields with grids and zones. Both of these precision agriculture soil sampling and management systems have a fit in various agronomic and landscape situations.  https://gktechinc.com/

Clint Streeter, the GK Technology resident aerospace engineer and imagery pecialist, shares his background and journey into aerial imagery for agriculture. Clint grew up in eastern Montana and worked for the US Forest Service before pursuing a degree in Aviation and Natural Resources Management. He then flew for the Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium (UMAC), collecting high-resolution aerial image...

This week Sarah and Jodi dive into the second part of their conversation with NDSU's Dr. Franzen, who shares his experience having watched precision agriculture develop over the course of his career.   In this episode, Jodi and Sarah discuss:  How management zones were developed and how they have revolutionized precision ag in North Dakota  Where grid and zone sampling fits in different field...

Successful precision agriculture programs and consultants must have three important skills.  In this episode of Tiny Bytes, Jodi and Sarah discuss why successful precision agriculture programs and consultants understand 1) Agronomy Knowledge; 2)Software and data analysis skills; and 3) Equipment knowledge.   https://gktechinc.com/

https://gktechinc.com/

On May 10th, 2024, solar storms impacted the GPS signal in our tractors.  This event happened during planting season and when planting conditions were relatively good.  Planters and other farming equipment actually stopped field operations on that day.  This brings up the question: Why is GPS in agriculture so important? Jodi and Sarah tackle the question on this second episode of Tiny Bytes! http...

In part two of the conversation, Paul Fuller discusses the history of drainage, starting with the first known drain tile in the United States in 1838. He shares the story of John Johnston, who used clay tiles to improve his farm's productivity. The conversation then moves on to the installation of drain tile, including the use of hand-dug clay tiles in the past and the modern methods of tile...

https://gktechinc.com/