MOULTRIE —
Talk about high tech. Have you seen any of the latest innovations in farm irrigation? We’re talking about units that monitor the weather and warn farmers against theft of their property.
For the second year in a row, a Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition sponsor announced the donation of a new irrigation unit during the annual Field Day tour.
Mike Mills, district manager for Deshler, Neb.-based Reinke Manufacturing Co., said that the new center-pivot irrigation unit puts the total invested by the company in Moultrie at $150,000.
“We’re going to be replacing an aging center pivot with a new machine,” he said.
Like the unit donated last year, the new unit will include efficiency features, including the ability to monitor weather conditions and customize water applications. For example, it can be programmed to shut down during rain storms to conserve water.
It also features an end gun that can be programmed not to water non-crop areas.
Mills said that the company also is addressing a concern throughout much of the country — the theft of copper wire that costs farmers thousands of dollars. Irrigation units can be customized with alarms that alert either the farmer or law enforcement to potential thefts.
Reinke, formed in 1954, is one of the longest consecutive exhibitors at Expo, and has been coming to Moultrie each October for more than 30 years, Mills said.
About 400 people attended Thursday’s event, said Chip Blalock, Expo executive director. Field Day brings in farmers, agribusiness people, agriculture teachers and county extension agents.
This year there were 42 stations, where company representatives and researchers discussed new seed varieties and other technology.
“That’s a significant increase,” Blalock said. “Last year we had about 34.”
That growth was good and bad, as the tour took significantly longer this year, he said.
“We’ve got so many stops it really strings out the morning,” he said. “We’ve got to find a way to streamline that.
“The good thing is farmers can come in and gather information ant take it back to their farms and hopefully improve their bottom lines.”
Local News
Related Photos
-
Mike Mills, territory manager for Reinke Manufacturing Co.'s irrigation sales, talks Thursday to a group the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition annual Field Day. Alan Mauldin
Discussion
High-tech irrigation monitors weather, warns against thieves
- Local News
-
-
Local man fights deadly bacteria
A Colquitt County woman is lamenting her return to her hometown, a move that she said cost her son his arm.
-
2 indicted in drive-by slayings
Two men accused of unleashing a deadly hail of gunfire into a yard full of people in March, killing two, have been formally indicted on multiple murder, aggravated assault and weapons charges.
-
Harrell named federal programs director
James Harrell, principal of Odom Elementary School, has been named the new Federal Programs Director for Colquitt County Schools.Harrell will replace retiring director Gerald Burke as of July 1, 2013.
-
Colquitt Regional honored for patient safety
Georgia Hospital Association’s Hospital Engagement Network (HEN) recognized Colquitt Regional Medical Center for its accomplishments in the patient safety field in 2012.
-
Good Samaritan loses money, cell phone
From the no good deed goes unpunished files, a Moultrie woman who gave three children a ride on Monday later found her cell phone and cash missing.
- Your Agenda 06/19/13
- 2 hurt in Friday crash
- Mother awakes to find her infant deceased
- Domestic issues highlight weekend police reports
-
Crisis plans coming into focus
Plans to meet emergency mental health needs in South Georgia after Southwestern State Hospital in Thomasville closes continue to take shape.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
