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How to a Growers Tips for ST Pathfinder Maintenance

Maintaining your equipment is essential to ensuring longevity and optimal performance. In this blog post, we share maintenance tips from Joe of VanQuaethem Farms, based on over five years of hands-on experience with the ST-8 and ST-10 models. Learn how to keep your ST-Series Applicator running smoothly with minimal effort. 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

There are a few key things to keep in mind to extend the lifespan of your equipment and ensure optimal performance: 

1. Regular Calibration 

  • Ensure that you calibrate the machine correctly when you first purchase it. 
  • Once calibrated, you rarely need to recalibrate unless there is a notable change in your operation or product. 

2. Keep Equipment Clean 

  • Like with any large machinery, maintaining cleanliness helps prevent buildup of debris or residue that could affect the machine’s performance. 
  • Focus on cleaning the metering rollers and any moving parts to avoid unnecessary wear and tear. 

3. Check Moving Parts Regularly 

  • Inspect moving parts such as the metering drive and metering rollers and ensure proper lubrication to avoid any malfunctions. 
  • Make a habit of checking the hydraulics and chains for any visible signs of wear. This can prevent unexpected breakdowns. Newer models have direct drive hydraulic motors. 

4. Simple Adjustments as Needed 

  • The Salford Pathfinder is designed for minimal intervention. Once you get the machine set up, it runs smoothly. 
  • Keep an eye on the machine’s components, but you should rarely need to make adjustments beyond basic checks. 
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US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops

Video: US “Flash Drought” Worst in 133-160 Years + Disease taking a Bite out of US 2025 Corn/Soybean Crops


A dry August and a “flash drought” in the ECB (Eastern Corn Belt) the driest top 10 to 15 years in 150 to 160 years (Ohio the driest in 133 years) plus disease is taking a bite out of the 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops.
It's going to be an early harvest. This could be the start of the 89-year drought cycle that may have been delayed until 2026 as La Nina maybe returning.
The USDA September crop report is all about record corn ears and record soybean counts but the October USDA crop report will be about pod and ear weights.
Stats Canada reported higher forecasts for the 2025 Canadian Prairies all wheat and canola crops vs. last year based on satellite imagery but are they overestimating production?
The 2025 Great ON Yield Tour and Quebec crop tours are projecting corn and soybean crops below the 10-year average.
China's Vice Commerce Ministry Li Chenggang visits Washington this week as we continue to connect the dots is a positive sign towards a China/U.S. trade deal. But will U.S. farmers have a winter without China as they buy more soybeans from Uruguay/Argentina? U.S. Northern Plain soybean farmers are seeing red with flat prices at $8.97/bu!
U.S. corn exports on record pace up 99% vs. last year.
Fund short covering continues in corn futures bottom is in!