Regardless of where you are in the world, the main focus of all farmers is to increase their yield and get more out of every acre or hectare. What's different is how that goal is accomplished in different areas of the world. There are a number of global planter and seeder technology trends dealers should keep an eye on that will make their way to North America. Looking ahead, technological advancements in planting equipment will come from marrying the needs and developments abroad with those of North America. The combination of Western European speed and North American accuracy would result in highly efficient and precise seeding and planting equipment.

When partners Ryan Speer and Steve Jacob started adopting precision farming technology at Jacob Farms near Halstead, Kan., in 2002, they immediately appreciated the assistance of their precision farming dealer.

When farmers trade equipment, they often take a few steps ahead in technology and productivity. For Jason Starnes and his father, Kim, they ended up taking a step backward when they upgraded to a newer combine.

Give them a few good days and U.S. farmers can do amazing things when it comes to getting their corn crop in the ground. This afternoon, USDA reported that for the 18 states that accounted for 92% of the corn acreage last year, 71% of corn acres were planted as of yesterday, May 19. While it doesn't match up to last year's 95% that was planted as of that date, it certainly is a big leap from a week earlier when only 28% of corn acres had been planted.

Mixing red, green and blue equipment in a precision farming system can create a rainbow of headaches, but Jamie Shenk, operations manager at Beauregard Farms, thinks he has found a good pain reliever: an independent precision farming supplier.

There was no shortage of innovation at the 2012 Farm Progress Show, held August 28-30 in Boone, Iowa. From precision ag smart phone apps to sprayers never before seen in North America, the new products featured at this year's show were impressive and had attendees talking.

Great Plains introduces its new Yield-Pro YP-1630F 16-Row Planter, which combines the efficiency of one-step bulk dry fertilizer application and 30-in. row spacing.

U.S. farmers planted 96.4 million acres of corn, up 5 percent from last year, making it the highest corn acreage in the last 75 years, according to the Acreage report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

If you want to talk about the rising price of commodity grains, you need to include peanuts. Consumers are being told to "Get your peanut butter - before prices soar".? Kraft will raise prices for its Planters brand peanut butter by 40% starting October 31.

Aftermarket precision farming suppliers help farmers and dealers use the latest technology when buying new isn't an option.