Hi-tech Systems On Display At Indiana Farm Management Tour

Today's large-acreage farmers can't be everywhere at once on their sprawling operations, but a farm family featured in this year's Purdue Extension Farm Management Tour comes close.

Gary and Larry Neal of rural Frankfort use logistics and inventory management technology to monitor various parts of their farm operation from remote locations. The Neal farm is one of five Clinton County operations on the 81st annual tour, scheduled for June 26 and 27.

Tour visitors also will see farms that specialize in pork products, grow cover crops and non-genetically modified corn, practice no-till crop production, and run a custom manure-application business. Tour stops are free, with complimentary lunches provided each day for those registering in advance. The Indiana Prairie Farmer Master Farmer Banquet takes place June 26 and costs $25 per person.

The tour, hosted by Purdue's Department of Agricultural Economics, showcases successful farms across Indiana, said Alan Miller, Purdue farm business management specialist and tour coordinator.

"We've got a diverse collection of farms on this year's Farm Management Tour that I think are very interesting," Miller said. "Those who attend will go away with ideas they might implement on their own farms."

The Neal farm should provide plenty of food for thought.

"They've been able to tie together the information that's available at different units of their farm and account for all of the product they're producing," Miller said. "For example, they are able to manage the grain drying process right from the cab of their combine so that they don't actually have to go to the bins to check the drying."

The Neals also have modified their farm machinery to improve productivity and have a center pivot irrigation system on part of their cropland. Tour visitors will get to see both at 8 a.m. EDT June 27. The Neal farm is at 492 N. County Road 200 W, Frankfort.

Source : purdue.edu