Brownfield» Innovations

It’s a form of Herbal Art

brownfieldnetwork@learfield.com (Brownfield Ag News) — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:00:35 +0000

Soybeans can be used in a variety of different products. Brian Paffen, owner of Herbal Art, a Fishers, Ind. based company, has found a very aromatic use for Indiana grown, organic soybeans. “Soy is cleaner burning compared to a paraffin based candle,” he says. “It’s virtually sootless and it is also chemical free.”

Paffen doesn’t just make candles; he makes a variety of products using herbs and other natural products. It all started with what he calls a “hobby” and has grown into everything else. “We have a variety of 100 percent natural soaps, soy candles, and skin care,” he says. “We also have a variety of pet, garden, and salon products that are all natural based.” Paffen has developed a full line of health care products for the skin and the body using a wide array of herbs and other natural products.

Paffen says moving forward he wants to continue to incorporate the use of agricultural goods into his product line.

Early spring brings different set of challenges for soybean growers

brownfieldnetwork@learfield.com (Brownfield Ag News) — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:26:10 +0000

Like many other Midwestern states, Nebraska’s planting season has been running two to three weeks ahead of normal. We visited with Steve Johnsen, an Asgrow territory agronomist in southeast Nebraska, about what farmers should prepare for in terms of early season insect, weed and disease pressure in their soybeans.

AUDIO: Steve Johnsen (5:51 MP3)

Nebraska-based Plains Equipment Group plans special events

brownfieldnetwork@learfield.com (Brownfield Ag News) — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:46:09 +0000

It’s that time of year when many John Deere dealers around the country hold special Green Tag Events.

Plains Equipment Group, which has 15 locations in Nebraska and Kansas, will hold Green Tag Events at its North Platte, Nebraska location on May 19^th and at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 22^nd and 23^rd.

Both events will feature “Ride and Drive” opportunities.

Plains Equipment Group’s marketing manager Angela Armagost talks about the North Platte event on May 19^th.

AUDIO: Angela Armagost (2:20 MP3)

Several of Plains Equipment Group’s sales professionals will be on hand for the May 22-23 Green Tag Event in Lincoln. We visited with some of them about what visitors will be able to see and do at the event.

AUDIO: James Feak on tractors (2:35 MP3)

AUDIO: Ty Eret on mowers (1:51 MP3)

AUDIO: Rod Nelson on Gators (2:00 MP3)

Plains Equipment Group is also holding what regional manager Kent Kirchhoff calls “our biggest sale ever on used equipment.” Kirchhoff tells Brownfield that Plains has thousands of pieces of equipment on sale and is also offering special financing on used equipment purchases through July 31^st.

AUDIO: Kent Kirchhoff (1:48 MP3)

Raven’s guidance and steering systems continue to evolve

brownfieldnetwork@learfield.com (Brownfield Ag News) — Wed, 09 May 2012 03:25:17 +0000

One of the biggest changes in farming in the past decade has been the introduction of auto guidance and steering systems. Raven has been one of the leaders in that area. During a recent visit to Raven headquarters in Sioux Falls, we asked Tim Heins, product manager for guidance and steering, for an update.

AUDIO: Tim Heins (3:51 MP3)

Ag Connect Expo “Masters & Mavericks”

brownfieldnetwork@learfield.com (Brownfield Ag News) — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:59:30 +0000

In an effort to “introduce experts and innovators who are shaping the world of agriculture” Ag Connect Expo & Summit is running a “Masters and Mavericks” contest on their website. Starting this week, clues will be given about the identity of an individual each week on the website and via Facebook and Twitter. The first person to correctly identify the individual will win a $150 Visa gift card.

Christina Wade with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says “These are the people that AG CONNECT is all about; the producers that want to talk about the emerging trends before they become a problem, the people that want to make their operation stronger, faster and more progressive.”

Details and the contest are available here:

Audio: Sara Mooney talks about Masters and Mavericks 3:49 mp3