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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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USDA Feb Crop Report a WIN for Soybeans + 1 Year Trade Truce Extension

Video: USDA Feb Crop Report a WIN for Soybeans + 1 Year Trade Truce Extension


USDA took Trumps comments that China would buy more U.S. soybeans seriously and headline news that the U.S./China trade truce would be extended when Trump/Xi meet in the first week of April was a BIG WIN for soybeans this week! 2026 “Mini” U.S. ethanol boom thanks to 45Z + China’s ban of phosphates from Feb. – August of 2026 will not help lower fertilizer prices anytime soon! 30 mmt of Chinese corn harvest is of poor quality and maybe a technical breakout in wheat futures.

*Apologies! Where we talk about the latest CFTC update as of 10th Feb 2026, managed money funds covered their net short position in canola to the tune of +42,746 week-on-week to flip to net long 145 contracts and not (as we mistakenly said) +90,009 wk/wk to 47,408.