Data tool helps farmers earn more cash by mapping profits.

Data tool helps farmers earn more cash by mapping profits. Growers using a precision farming software package from UK crop production specialist Hutchinsons can now compare the profitability of different fields, and even map differences within an individual field. The new Yield Performance mapping feature of the Omnia Precision Agronomy software enables growers and agronomists to analyse multiple layers of field data – including yield maps – to identify areas that are performing less well than others, thereby inform management decisions. “Generating yield maps is no more than an exercise in data collection,” says Omnia services leader Matt Ward. “It’s how this data is interpreted in conjunction with all the other factors that can affect yield that’s valuable.” more

5 steps to start in precision farming.

5 steps to start in precision farming. Many farmers across the world are starting out on their precision farming journey and are looking to make better use of inputs and increase profitability. However, there are some basics to consider before setting out, which can remove a lot of the pain later on. This could be the hassle of setting up A-B lines for a guidance system every time a tractor goes into a field or the problem of duplication of field records, because imported data did not match field records. 1) Importance of measuring Consider why you are collecting data. Basically, if you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it. It’s a term farmers have heard many times, but how much attention has been paid to it and more importantly action taken, based on the results? Getting the tape measure out is as important now as it was seven years ago when I started advising farmers on the fundamentals of precision farming. Taking a few measurements in the field and on farm would make a huge difference to the success of any precision farming investment. Many times I have heard farmers saying: “My tramlines aren’t 24m wide, I must invest in a steering system to help become more accurate.” In theory, this was an understandable observation, but the fundamental measurement hadn’t been taken; the width of the drill. On 75% of occasions, the drill wasn’t as wide as the farmer thought it was. For example, a 4m drill came out to be closer to 3.8m rather than 4m. On that basis, the tramlines were never going to reach 24m, so the farmer may have been 100% accurate without realizing it. Getting the fundamental measurements for all equipment will form the basis for improving accuracy on the farm. 2) Precision agronomy I’m really excited about the potential for precision agronomy using the vast array of sensors and tools available. However, as with the rest of the precision farming process is keeping it as simple as possible. The deciding factor on resolution is the application equipment, which is going to be used to apply the agronomic knowledge. If, for example, the fertiliser spreader has a spread width of 36m, why look at creating variable rate maps with a resolution of 12m? In many instances less will be more. continue

New PED wave hits 56 places in Manitoba .

New PED wave hits 56 places in Manitoba. Where Canada has escaped from too many outbreaks of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv) since 2013, the country has now reported 56 outbreaks in this year alone since 2 May. All positive confirmations were found in Manitoba – the vast majority being in the province’s south east, surrounding the city of Steinbach, a city about 60 km from Winnipeg. A recent outbreak, however, was confirmed in south central part of the province. In a very recent update, Manitoba Pork reported that July has so far resulted in 11 new outbreak reports, against only 10 before this year since the first outbreak was recorded in the state in 2014. The outbreaks were found on 21 sow operations, 13 nursery farms and 22 finisher farms. The majority of the most recent outbreaks were on finisher farms.more

Pigs can help improve IVF efficiency.

Pigs can help improve IVF efficiency.In a trial involving female pigs, researchers from the University of Missouri, USA, have discovered that IVF efficiency can be improved for humans. The researchers published the article in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. R. Michael Roberts and Randall Prather, both professors of Animal Science at the University of Missouri, usually work with pigs to research stem cells and the mechanisms these cells use to proliferate, communicate and grow in the body. During an attempt to improve how they grow these cells, researchers in their labs discovered a method that uses a special liquid medium and improves the success of IVF in pigs.more

Pigs feel neuropathic pain due to tail mutilation.

Pigs feel neuropathic pain due to tail mutilation. Tail mutiliation causes neuropathic pain-like sensations in piglets – that has become clear from recent UK and Danish research. In their published paper in Nature, researchers from Newcastle University, the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) and Aarhus University concluded: “Tail amputation in pigs appears to evoke acute and sustained changes in peripheral mechanical sensitivity, which resemble features of neuropathic pain reported in humans and other species and provides new information on implications for the welfare of animals subjected to this type of injury.” more

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Knowing more about animal bites and rabies may save your life .

VETERINARY MEDICINE: Knowing more about animal bites and rabies may save your life . Cases of rabies have come up in the past week with children in villages near Serian, Sarawak being hospitalized after animal bites.

 VETERINARY MEDICINE: Knowing more about animal bites and rabies may save your life .Two children have died so far. Rabies is caused by a virus (genus Lyssavirus), and is derived from the Latin word for “to rage”. The disease has been recognized for over 4,000 years, though it was only in 1885 that the first vaccine for it was created by French biologist Louis Pasteur. 

 That vaccine is the predecessor of the highly effective vaccines we have today.The virus is transmitted through the infected saliva of a host animal, usually through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.more VETERINARY MEDICINE: Knowing more about animal bites and rabies may save your life . 

 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dogs are the main source of infection, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Many animals can be host to the rabies virus, although it’s most common in dogs, cats, bats, foxes, jackals and mongooses.

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First child to undergo double hand transplant surgery achieves dream .

First child to undergo double hand transplant surgery achieves dream .Zion Harvey was also able to write and also feed and dress himself independently 18 months after the procedure which took nearly 11 hours. The American youngster, who was aged eight when the procedure took place, is able to complete the tasks following months of occupational therapy and psychological support, according to a medical report published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal. Dr Sandra Amaral, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said: “Our study shows that hand transplant surgery is possible when carefully managed and supported by a team of surgeons, transplant specialists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation teams, social workers and psychologists. “Eighteen months after the surgery, the child is more independent and able to complete day-to-day activities. more