The event will begin with a discussion of agronomic considerations for strip-tillage. Sessions on fall versus spring strip-tillage and the use of UAV technology for crop scouting will follow. The day will conclude with lunch and an optional field tour of strip-till research at Iowa State. Matt Darr and Mark Hanna will make presentations during the …Continue reading “Strip-till technologies focus of ISU field day, July 13”
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 agricultural engineer Mark Hanna. “It’s probably been 10 or 11 months since you’ve run that machine, so it’s important to watch for rodent damage.”
Mark Hanna, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension agricultural engineer, and other ISU researchers conducted tractor efficiency trials at seven ISU research and demonstration farms. Here are some of the findings they discovered that you can use in both the short term and the long term.
“It is a great way to test something a little bit before you actually jump in and use it,” said Mark Hanna, an agricultural engineer at Iowa State University. He says that new thing might be the latest piece of technology, but it could also be a different farming practice. He offers strip tillage as …Continue reading “Hanna: Sharing economy comes to farm country”
Tighter economic conditions will require a new examination of what iron is in your shed and how much it’s impacting your bottom line. Mark Hanna, Extension agricultural engineer at Iowa State University, says with each machinery need, these questions should be asked: Why do I need it? What do I want it to do? And what …Continue reading “5 ways farmers hold the line on equipment costs”
Original post by Mark Hanna and Dana Schweitzer A new publication, Farm Energy: Case Studies – Techniques to improve tractor energy efficiency and fuel savings (PM 3063D), is now available for download in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Store. This publication is part of the Farm Energy: Case Study series and outlines ways …Continue reading “Publication offers solution to improve tractor efficiency and cut fuel cost”
The rainy spring resulted in financial challenges this year for many farmers whose crops were damaged or not planted, and it may have residual effects next year. “This year was financially bad. Next year, managerially it will be challenging,” said Ray Massey, Missouri State University professor of agricultural economics. The wet weather in 2015 may …Continue reading “Region feels lingering effects of wet weather”
Chisel plow components include a wide variety of sweeps, spikes and shovels. In the Midwest, 3- or 4-inch-wide twisted shovels and 2-inch wide straight points are common, says Mark Hanna, Iowa State University agricultural engineer. All chisel plow points loosen the soil, fracturing the ground mainly off to the sides of the tool, he says. …Continue reading “Hanna: Change chisel points to boost residue”
When you have green stems, check the pods. If they are still green, you will want to let them dry in the field. But if the pods and soybeans are dry, waiting an extended period could put you at risk of pods opening and losing soybeans. “Recognize it’s not business as usual,” says Mark Hanna, …Continue reading “Hanna: How to harvest tough soybeans without yield loss or combine damage”
2015 has been a perfect storm to bring down corn. Wetter than normal conditions across a vast portion of the Corn Belt have led to an increase in stalk rot and diseases. Plus heavy rains, wind, and hail have knocked down healthy corn plants. If you are dealing with downed corn in a number of fields, …Continue reading “Hanna: 9 tips for dealing with down corn”
As harvest approaches, propane is a key ingredient for anyone using a high-temperature system to dry corn. A case study conducted by Mark Hanna, agricultural and biosystems engineering specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, can help farmers as they plan for harvest and winter storage.
Farmers and those who advise farmers about crops will want to attend the annual fall field day at the Iowa State University Southeast Iowa Research Farm near Crawfordsville on September 10, according to Rebecca Ahlers, Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Field Agronomist. The field day begins at 1:30 p.m. and will include four stops. “One …Continue reading “Fall Field Day tour at ISU SE Iowa Research Farm”
Everywhere you look, farm equipment keeps getting bigger and heavier and concerns over soil compaction increase as well. Combine and grain cart axle loads are some of the heaviest on row crop land, with axle loads for larger grain carts easily exceeding 75,000 pounds, according to Mark Hanna, an extension agricultural engineer with Iowa State …Continue reading “Axle loads, tires, equipment contribute to soil compaction”
Mark H. Hanna, PhD, has been selected as the Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health’s (I-CASH) 2014 Hall of Fame award recipient. Hanna holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees from Iowa State University and has been an Agricultural Engineer at ISU Extension for many years. As a machinery expert, Hanna works to include safety …Continue reading “Mark Hanna named I-CASH 2014 Hall of Fame recipient”
Eleven College of Engineering faculty and staff were among those honored during Iowa State’s University Awards Ceremony, held Sept. 22, 2014. Mufit Akinc, professor of materials science and engineering: Regents Faculty Excellence Award, Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award Tonia McCarley, assistant director of Center for Biorenewable Chemicals: Regents Award for Staff Excellence Vikram Dalal, …Continue reading “College of Engineering faculty and staff recognized with university’s most distinguished awards”
