College of Engineering News • Iowa State University

Hanna: Integrating cover crops and livestock operations

ISU Extension ag engineer Mark Hanna told attendees that a proper planter setting is critical for the row crop. He advises placing the corn seed at a soil depth of 2 inches using down pressure to ensure consistency of seed placement, and having the disk openers set such that they would hold a piece of …Continue reading “Hanna: Integrating cover crops and livestock operations”

Hanna: Match sprayer to new herbicides

Don’t assume application requirements of new products and strategies to control resistant weeds will mimic those of glyphosate and other products you’re familiar with, cautions Dr. Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension Agricultural Engineer. Look now at labels of herbicides you’re considering for use next spring to prepare for proper nozzles and travel speeds, and …Continue reading “Hanna: Match sprayer to new herbicides”

Hanna: Installing solar arrays becomes more attractive for farmers

“Not many people realize this, but Iowa is in the top third of states in terms of solar potential,” said Mark Hanna, agricultural engineering specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “The cost per watt for generating electricity has been dropping steadily, down to about $3 per watt as opposed to $10-15 per watt …Continue reading “Hanna: Installing solar arrays becomes more attractive for farmers”

Hanna, ISU extension and outreach advises combine adjustment for wet fields

As the fall harvest continues to push on across the Midwest, frequent storms and rainfall have dampened many producers’ fields, and this trend will likely continue through October. Dr. H. Mark Hanna, an agricultural engineer with Iowa State University, has recently published a series of combine adjustment tips that could help producers better cope with …Continue reading “Hanna, ISU extension and outreach advises combine adjustment for wet fields”

Hanna: Minimizing combine loss saves money

First on Mark Hanna’s list when it comes to saving money at harvest is minimizing combine losses. “Make sure you get all the grain you’ve got coming to you,” said Hanna, an Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineer. “Two corn kernels per square foot or four soybeans per square foot equates to one bushel per acre loss. …Continue reading “Hanna: Minimizing combine loss saves money”

Hanna: 4 Items to check before your combine rolls

A lot of the latest electronics and sensor technologies require a trained eye, Iowa State University Extension ag engineer Mark Hanna notes – but not all. At the least, check for chewed wires and other signs of rodent damage – especially for equipment that may have sat idle for the past 10 or 11 months. …Continue reading “Hanna: 4 Items to check before your combine rolls”

Hanna: Is your combine ready to roll?

A common issue with any machinery stored for long periods of time can be especially damaging to electronic components, wiring and sensors, says Iowa State University Extension (www.extension.iastate.edu) ag engineer Mark Hanna. “If you have rodents, connectors can be damaged. You may have mice chewing the wiring,” he says. “It’s probably been 10 or 11 …Continue reading “Hanna: Is your combine ready to roll?”

Creativity served retired research farm manager

VanDePol concludes nearly 40 years of work “harvesting information”. Thousands of visitors from all over the world have toured Iowa State University Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Research and Demonstration Farm while Richard VanDePol co-managed it. They have ranged from second graders to heads of state.

ISU faculty, staff and students win big at ASABE in Orlando

Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering faculty, staff and students were once again a strong presence at the annual American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) conference. More winners will be announced in upcoming Inside magazines (ASABE publication): 2016 ASABE Major Award Winners: Carl Bern: Sukup Global Food Security Award Mark Hanna: SMV Technologies Ergonomics, Safety …Continue reading “ISU faculty, staff and students win big at ASABE in Orlando”

Hanna: Top causes for mechanical corn yield loss

Harvest equipment can have a lot to do with how much yield loss you experience. Being attentive to both equipment and field conditions is critical in minimizing yield loss. Research shows during harvest, 60% of yield loss typically occurs at the corn head, according to Iowa State University Extension agricultural engineer Mark Hanna.

Strip-tillage and cover Crop field day planned for July 28 in Webster County

Speaking at the field day is Matt Helmers, professor and extension specialist in ag and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University. He will highlight practices and ongoing research efforts to meet the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Mark Hanna, extension agricultural engineer, will share tips on adjusting planter settings for strip-till and no-till …Continue reading “Strip-tillage and cover Crop field day planned for July 28 in Webster County”

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