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The PowerNow battery-powered chainsaw delivers a combination of performance and features that makes it an alternative to gas-powered chainsaws. When not in use, the PowerNow lithium ion battery holds a charge for months, which eliminates the need to bring along a gas-powered chainsaw, gas can and oil. At just under 11 pounds, the PowerNow Chainsaw weighs just under 11 lbs., making it lightweight and easily portable....More

The new Tweco WeldSkill auto-darkening welding helmet features four sensors for enhanced performance at an affordable price. It can be used in both weld mode and grind mode and will darken when TIG welding even at 5 amps. The helmet has a large viewing area of 3.86 in. x 1.69 in., weighs 16 oz., and uses solar power to eliminate the need to change batteries....More

Controlled traffic farming barely rates a blip on the radar of farming practices across the U.S. today. But that could change as farmers become more aware of the yield-boosting potential of using real time kinematic (RTK) navigation systems to guide implements over the same tracks year after year. At least that’s the hope of promoters of controlled traffic farming, which they say not only increases yields, but also cuts fuel costs, reduces machinery wear and tear and curtails erosion....More

The mild winter and current above-normal air temperatures might impact weed management in 2012, according to Aaron Hager, associate professor of weed science at the University of Illinois.   The mild winter has resulted in an abundance of winter annual weed vegetation growing in fields across the state. “Survivorship over the winter months of weeds that emerged last fall was undoubtedly higher than usual, and the recent stretch of warm air temperatures has prompted these weeds to resume growth several weeks ahead of schedule,” said Hager....More

Last summer, when extreme heat hit his crops, Jon Kenady slept easier than he has in the past, thanks to innovative weather insurance that paid $64,000 in claims even before the crop was harvested. “It helps me sleep better at night when the weather goes against me,” says Kenady, who farms in west-central Illinois near Plainville. “Why sit up at night worrying about the weather?”...More

    Worx claims to have reinvented the chainsaw. Its new, electric JawSaw has an innovative, plunging motion that requires the operator to push the handle forward in the direction of the “jaws” to activate the downward motion of the blade. Farm Industry News put the device to the test in a real-world environment of overhanging limbs to see how it stacks up....More

A survey indicating that farmland values are expected to continue increasing is more good news for landowners but could also signal caution for buyers, an agricultural economist says. ...More

What are misconceptions people have about farmers? We asked you to tell us. “Farmers love hogging the roads with equipment. No, they are nervous that they might cause an accident.” “Confinement is bad for animals. Confinement saves baby animals from predators and saves baby pigs from being crushed by their mothers. It also eliminates sow fighting.” “Sprayers are full of herbicide or insecticide. Sprayers usually contain 1% or less of the chemical being used, which is just enough to do the job.”...More