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Choosing the right tractor tire has an impact on safety

Choosing the right tractor tire has an impact on safety
Nov 13, 2024
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

Why choosing road-optimized tractor tires benefits farmers

As fields become farther apart, farm equipment like tractors spend more time on the road. Road-ready tires increase comfort, safety, and tire life, making them essential for modern farms. They are specially designed to endure high-speed travel, minimize wear, and provide stability in diverse conditions.

“Tire designs are evolving to include features that enhance the tire’s ability to perform at higher speeds and across a range of conditions,” says Bill Durivage, senior agricultural product strategy manager, Firestone Ag. “These features make tires more reliable and versatile for all types of farm operations.”

The benefits of road-optimized tires include improved tread patterns for reduced vibrations and a smooth ride, making travel between fields easier.

Strong sidewall construction offers better support and stability on the road, while advanced rubber compounds resist heat, preserving tire quality over long trips.

Inflation management also plays a key role. Properly inflated tires prevent excessive heat and irregular wear, ensuring a smoother, fuel-efficient ride.

Underinflated tires increase wear and fuel use, while overinflated ones cause uneven wear and a rougher ride. Regular maintenance and checking tire inflation levels enhance performance and extend life.

The right tire depends on your travel needs. As Durivage notes, “If you’re running on the road a lot, you need a tire that provides comfort and ride smoothness on the road but also traction where it truly matters, in the field.”

Photo Credit: firestone-ag-tractor-tire


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

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.