BOONE, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — The largest outdoor agricultural event in the United States is underway, with thousands of farmers and ranchers gathering in Boone, Iowa, for the Farm Progress Show. RFD-TV is on the ground at the show, where John Deere is highlighting new technology designed to make hay and forage operations more efficient while reducing operator fatigue.
Kaylene Ballesteros, John Deere Hay and Forage Market Manager, joined FarmHER + RanchHER host Kirbe Schnoor at the show to discuss the company’s new hands-free baling technology.
Automation Takes on More of the Baling Process
John Deere’s hands-free baling system builds on automation features many farmers may already have on their equipment.
Ballesteros said existing technologies such as AutoTrac, AutoTurn and tractor-baler automation can now work alongside new Weave Automation on John Deere’s RB baler.
The system is designed to allow the operator to bale with less hands-on involvement, reducing in-cab operator activity by up to 76%, according to John Deere.
“This is really just an extension of current automation that we have with our customers today,” Ballesteros said.
Building on Existing Equipment Investments
The technology is designed for operations baling materials such as corn stalks and wheat straw, while building on precision technology farmers may already have invested in.
Ballesteros said the goal is to help producers get more value from their existing equipment rather than requiring them to completely change their operations.
Testing has shown improvements in productivity and fuel efficiency while reducing operator activity.
Reducing Fatigue During Long Baling Windows
For farmers and ranchers facing narrow windows to get hay baled, reducing fatigue can be especially important.
Ballesteros said producers told John Deere they wanted less mental fatigue, denser and more consistent bales, and greater value from their existing investments.
The automation can help maintain a more consistent path while baling, potentially improving fuel efficiency by reducing unnecessary movement.
“We’re just trying to help them have more tools in their toolbox so that when they do need them, they can pull them out and use them,” Ballesteros said.
Giving Operators More Flexibility
The technology is also designed to give experienced operators more flexibility and help less-experienced operators achieve more consistent results.
Ballesteros acknowledged that highly experienced operators can already produce consistent, square-shouldered bales. The benefit of automation, she said, is giving those operators the ability to focus on other responsibilities while the equipment handles more of the baling process.
That could mean monitoring another field, making a phone call or simply freeing up time during demanding stretches of the season.
For operations where baling sometimes extends into the early morning hours, reducing the mental and physical demands on the operator could be particularly valuable.
FarmHER + RanchHER at Farm Progress Show
RFD-TV is also highlighting the women working across agriculture during the Farm Progress Show.
FarmHER + RanchHER’s Kirbe Schnoor is leading a panel discussion featuring four finalists for the Women in the Field “Producer of the Year” Award. The winner will be announced at 2 p.m. during the show.
The Farm Progress Show continues in Boone, Iowa, with agricultural equipment, technology, and producers from across the country taking part in the event.
