Drones In Agriculture?

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Kari Cameron

RMAX Unmanned aircraft will soon have a new duty to fulfill on U.S. soil: taking care of our farms, ranches, and vineyards from high in the skies. New studies are currently underway by researchers at the University of California, Davis and elsewhere, and although the tests are still being conducted in order to work out all of the kinks, the initial data gleaned is promising in that these machines will not only be efficient but affordable as well.

According to an article published on Ag Alert’s website, UC Davis agricultural engineering professor Ken Giles “is the lead university researcher who is partnering with Yamaha Motor Corp. USA, to see how well Yamaha’s motorcycle-sized RMAX unmanned helicopter can been used for agricultural purposes in the United States, including aerial applications of agricultural chemicals.”

The Yamaha RMAX has been used over farms in Japan for years. It is 9 feet long and weighs 200 pounds. But there are many other types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, too.

The team of researchers from UC Davis began water-only applications from the helicopter last November at the UC Oakville Experimental Vineyard. Then, during the first week of June 2013, Giles and his team demonstrated the helicopter for reporters.

“We are able to cover the vineyard rows at about 12 to 15 miles per hour,” said Steve Markofski, a Yamaha business planner and RMAX operator. “Even when factoring in the refill time and so on, the RMAX is very efficient. Given the current spray method, at full spray it can operate for about 10 to 15 minutes. It can cover about four to 12 acres per hour.”

And the good news for researchers is that the helicopter seems to be providing thorough coverage across the vineyard. Moreover, according to Giles, the even better news is that the air currents stirred up by the aircraft’s rotors appear to cause the spray to reach even the undersides of the grapevine leaf canopy. The plan is to use these to not only spray chemicals, but also to survey large farms in order to pinpoint areas in need of fertilizer and pesticides, which will prevent a lot of waste.

The next step for researchers in California is to conduct application tests with common agricultural chemicals. This will allow them to compare the safety, costs, and efficiency of this new method to the classic approach using a tractor-drawn spray rig.

“From the viewpoint of agriculture, we are looking at this as a way to improve the productivity and ultimately reduce the need for a lot of crop inputs. This type of vehicle allows you to do treatment and inspection of agricultural fields on a very focused basis,” Giles said.

While drones are currently generally connected with warfare, many people feel this perception will change very soon. These UAVs will become a permanent fixture on farms, ranches, and vineyards across the country and across the world, as they will undoubtedly reduce waste and save time and money.

You can watch a video of these helicopters in action on YouTube here.

Summer Is Sonoma: Tips to Avoid Heat-Related Health Issues

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Kari Cameron

Sonoma Ranch Working out in the heat and under the sun during the summer months can have devastating effects on the mind and body, especially when the proper precautions are not taken. If you work outside or employ workers who spend long hours out in the elements where heat is an issue, consider reading through the following tips to ensure a safe and happy summer season on your ranch, farm, or vineyard.

As you work, your body produces heat. This heat is then released from the body through sweat. However, sometimes sweating isn’t enough to properly cool you down. So when you combine this fact with high temperatures and hot air outside, it is very possible to quickly become uncomfortable. The situation can become dangerous if you’re sweating out all of your water but your body still is too hot.

The negative effects of heat usually begin to affect the body before the person in harm’s way even realizes it, especially in humid and still conditions—since it takes longer to release heat under these circumstances.

Here are a few tips to help you reduce your chances of becoming a victim of heat-related health issues:

Rest often and work slowly — This will help your body release heat properly. If you take breaks and work in the shade as often as possible, your body will not become so heated through movement and the sun’s rays. Also, if it’s possible to begin work early in the morning, then you can avoid some of the afternoon heat.
Wear protective coverage — Wearing a hat and/or other cover that blocks the sun’s rays will also reduce the amount of heat your body absorbs.
Drink water — This one may seem obvious, but it is important to drink water and not anything alcoholic or caffeinated. Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink, either. In order to replace the sweat your body needs to release to stay cool you must drink roughly one quart or more per hour. Moreover, it is better to drink smaller amounts of water more frequently than it is to drink large amounts all at once. After a few days of working under such heated conditions, your body will become acclimated and you’ll be able to sweat more appropriately.
Be aware of the warning signs — Early warning signs include loss of concentration, stamina, and/or strength. Other common signs of overheating include headache, cramps, nausea, dizziness, blurry vision, and fainting.

The best way to avoid heat-related health issues is to use your best judgment. Be sure not to overwork yourself. Moreover, pay close attention to how you and the people around you feel and act. If you or another person exhibits any of the warning signs mentioned above, then it is important to quickly find shade, loosen clothing, drink some water, and fan the body until the issues subside. Overlooking the warning signs can lead to more than simply fainting; it can cause a heat stroke and possibly even death.

Benefits of Being a Farm Bureau Member

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Kari Cameron

Farm Bureau membership sure does have its perks. The Sonoma County Farm Bureau offers 4 different membership types, and the benefits include savings on insurance, wine, farm supplies, and more. Members can also feel good about supporting local agricultural education programs, helping to inform and protect family farms, and assisting with advocacy efforts and programs that ensure the well-being of our environment.

Types of Membership

“Agricultural Membership”

Agricultural Membership is offered to rural property owners; farmers and their family members; service sector businesses and their employees; and farm, processing, or winery employees who work with farmers—basically anyone connected to production agriculture. The cost is $185 per year.

“Associate Membership”

Associate Membership applies to anyone without direct correlation to agriculture, such as those who do not receive any income from an agriculturally related job or business. Anyone who wants to support California agriculture while simultaneously gaining access to the many benefits offered through membership, but are not in any way connected professionally to agriculture, should consider this option. The cost is $72 per year.

Here are just a few of the perks of an Associate Membership:

New member acknowledgement in Farm News
Receive CFBF’s California Country and Ag Alert, 3 issues of the Sonoma-Marin Farm News, 6 issues of CFBF’s California Country magazine, and the SCFB Annual Directory
Affiliate member ranch sign

“Business Membership (Silver Level)“

Farm Bureau membership can help your business grow by providing a means to meet and work with farmers. The cost for this basic Business Membership is $195 per year.

Your business will enjoy:

Entry into the Business Referral Network
Free business card advertisement in Sonoma-Marin Farm News (reaching 10,000 + customers)
Advertising discounts of up to 15 percent in the Sonoma-Marin Farm News
Farm Bureau Business Member Plaque
12 free issues of the Sonoma-Marin Farm News

“Business Membership (Platinum Level)“

At $495 per year, the Platinum Level option for businesses includes all of the previously mentioned perks as well as a free annual 1/4 page ad in Sonoma-Marin Farm News and the option of including one additional individual to your membership.

Wine Discounts

From Acorn Winery to Wilson Winery, there are currently over 50 wineries in the Sonoma County area providing Farm Bureau members with exclusive discounts. These “Member Only” savings change from winery to winery, so visit the Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Wine Discount website here: http://www.sonomafb.org/Wine/Wine+Discounts.htm

You can also download a PDF file with a list of participating wineries here: http://www.sonomafb.org/pdf/Wine_Brochure_4-11.pdf

If you’re a winery wanting to join the program, click here to download the Winery Discount form: http://www.sonomafb.org/pdf/Winery_Discount_2011.pdf

Insurance Discounts

From home and auto to health and pet insurance discounts, a Farm Bureau membership can save you big money on insurance premiums.

A list of participating agencies can be found here: http://www.sonomafb.org/Membership/Insurance+Services.htm

Business Member Directory

The Business Member Directory is great for any member looking for discounts on new equipment, rental equipment, and/or certain agricultural services.

To learn more about the specific discounts offered by the dozens of participating businesses, visit the Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Business Member Directory website here: http://www.sonomafb.org/Membership/Business+Member+Directory.htm

Farm Employers and the “Pay-or-Play” Mandate

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Kari Cameron

The “pay-or-play” mandate is a key element of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, often called “Obamacare”. It is a new law aimed at expanding health care coverage by requiring certain employers to make a choice: pay or play.

The mandate applies to “large employers” only, meaning farms, ranches, vineyards and the like who employed an average of 50 or more full-time employees – or full-time equivalent employees – per month in the calendar year prior, or for new employers who intend to employ that many in the current calendar year. The choice these large employers must make is simple: offer minimum essential coverage to all full-time employees, or pay an excise tax.

Below is some useful information for farmers and ranchers concerning the “pay-or-play” mandate and the health insurance requirements going into effect on January 1, 2014.

The Difference Between Full-Time Employees and Full-Time Equivalent Employees

The “full-time equivalent,” or FTE, concept is intended to dissuade employers from replacing full-time employees with additional part-time employees in an effort to side step the “pay-or-play” mandate.
A full-time employee is anyone who works at least 30 hours per week, or 130 hours per month. So, the FTE is calculated by adding together all of the hours worked by part-time employees in one month and then dividing that number by 120. This means an employer who has 12 part-time employees working a total of 1,200 hours per month between them (100 hours per month per employee) is considered to have 10 full-time employees, and thus is using 20 percent of the 50 full-time employee total.

The Rules Regarding Seasonal Employees

Seasonal employees do not count toward the 50 full-time employee total.
Seasonal employees are employees who worked 120 days or fewer in one year.

Time Constraints and Requirements

Hiring and firing decisions made in 2013 by applicable large employers may affect the necessary coverage required on January 1, 2014.
The IRS allows large employers to use a measurement period of 3 to 12 months of employment history to determine whether or not a certain employee is full-time.
Any new employees are subject to an administrative period. This allows applicable large employers up to 90 days to determine whether or not the new employee is eligible for coverage.
After January 1, 2014, all eligible employees must be provided coverage.

If a large employer chooses not to provide health insurance coverage to any or all of their full-time employees, fines could total $2,000 or $3,000 for each full-time employee. However, there are many factors and situational differences that can affect a large employer’s decision to “pay” or to “play”. For example, the first 30 employees are excluded from the total when penalties are calculated, so it may be economically beneficial for a large employer to choose to “pay”. This is because sometimes the health insurance coverage for the year totals more than the fine itself.

If you fall into the large employer category, seek the advice of a tax professional or insurance broker for specific details on your unique situation.

Which Fence Is Right For Your Ranch?

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Kari Cameron

With so many fencing choices out there, how are you supposed to decide which is the right one for your needs? Do you require a fence that prevents livestock from escaping, or are you simply in need of a perimeter fence to mark the boundaries of your property? This article will provide a brief overview of some different fence types, with information ranging from budget to form and function.

3-Rail or 4-Rail Pipe Fence

The benefits of a pipe fence include minimal upkeep, durable construction and reliable stability; however, some folks may consider the expense of a pipe fence to be too high, therefore making it impractical to implement. These steel rail ranch fences are ideal for keeping cattle and other adult livestock safe and secure within the confines of the enclosed space. Commonly, 3-rail and 4-rail pipe fences come in pre-fabricated sections, making installation quick and easy. They often come standard with a protective finish too, such as polyester powder or polyurethane, so there is no need to paint. This makes for an economical and worry-free product, with the power to withstand the elements and the long-lasting stability that you require.

Barbed Wire Fence

Because of its “do-it-yourself” nature, barbed wire is an economical approach to large-scale fencing projects. You need only a few tools and, of course, your choice of wood or metal posts. Be sure to research common techniques and trouble shooting guides before deciding to take on the project yourself; there are many tips and tricks to be learned that will help prevent errors and save you time and money in the long run.

3, 4 or 5-Rail Wood Fence

Wood fences are known to offer the strength and effectiveness considered necessary in a fence, but the biggest downside is routine maintenance. Wood fences must be weather-proofed, painted and updated and replaced regularly, which adds to the cost and the hassle. If you decide to go with a wood rail fence, you can affix welded wire to the wood pieces to keep smaller animals in or out if desired.

Electric Wire Fence

If you need to protect your orchard, vineyard, garden or any other prized landscape, an electric wire fence may be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Most electric fences come standard with both high and low electric wires. This means all animals, large and small, will be prohibited from entering or exiting the property. One disadvantage to electric wire fencing is the amount of upkeep required. The wires often come loose, so routine maintenance is needed to ensure the success of this inexpensive and easy to install product.

Game-Proof Fence

Also known as a high fence or a deer-proof fence, game-proof fencing offers the height necessary to keep in what you need to keep in and keep out what you need to keep out. They often feature galvanized, painted steel and can be installed with automatic gate openers if necessary. Due to their size and scale, these are typically more expensive than many other fence types.

Wire Mesh Fence

Wire mesh is recommended for farmers and ranchers who need to keep horses and cattle of varying sizes contained. The advantage is the small openings in the wire mesh that prevent even small colts from getting their hooves stuck, thus preventing unnecessary injury in farm animals. They are durable, secure and keep livestock from climbing.

Cable Fence

Cable fencing offers the durability and strength of pipe fencing with the added bonus of saving a little money. Some of the benefits of cable fencing include easy installation, aesthetic appeal and minimal upkeep. So, consider the cost effective, safe, strong and secure cable fencing for those smaller fencing jobs.

Hopefully, the information presented above helped shed some light on different fencing types, including the advantages, disadvantages and overall practicality of the most common varieties. Once you decide on the proper fence type for your specific land requirements, you’ll need to consider the amount of site preparation needed before getting started with the installation.