Ford’s new F-150 Raptor pickup: Badder just got bigger

Apr 14, 2016

Some new features of interest to farmer drivers

By Farms.com Media

The new F-150 Raptor goes on sale this fall, and this beast of a pickup truck has some features that Ford says will be of special interest to commercial farmers.

The SuperCrew model adds room for passengers and gear. An enhanced suspension, use of advanced materials, all-new EcoBoost engine technology -- plus smart engineering saves up to 500 pounds, for improved power-to-weight ratio for even better off-road agility than the previous F-150 Raptor.

And the new auto-start/stop on EcoBoost saves fuel and contributes to a reduction in CO2 emissions due to decreased idle times.

Also, segment-exclusive redesigned beadlock-capable wheels help increase grip in low-traction conditions.

The new Raptor will be built at Ford’s Dearborn Truck Plant. More details at Ford.com.

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.