An agricultural tool as small as a thumb can mean the difference between a 25 to 50 percent increase in yields or a 25 to 50 percent decline, according to an expert from Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Sioux Falls, SD, June 5, 2013 Raven Industries, Inc. introduces the industry™ first, patent pending, multi-hybrid planter control solution. This new multi-hybrid system is an enhancement to Ravenâ OmniRow advanced planter control solution, and when combined with variable rate seeding, it will help increase yield potential and profitability.

Greg Witt, precision application specialist with Raven Industries, unveils the company's new OmniRow multi-hybrid planting technology. Working in conjunction with South Dakota St. Univ., Raven is testing the technology, which takes the twin-row planting concept to the next level, by allowing for two different hybrids to be planted within the same row.

Available both on new drills and for retro-fitting to existing machines, Claydon has developed a range of fertiliser placement systems for its Hybrid drill range. On the three-metre working width machine the system uses a split hopper capable of carrying 750kg of fertiliser and 750kg of seed, positioned forward on the drill for improved stability, says the manufacturer. Fertiliser and seed are fed through two individual metering units so varying rates can be applied.

Sean Arians, product marketing manager for Precision Planting, explains the features of the new FieldScripts field maps.

Video describing the features of the exciting new Dawn M-Series closing system that combines modularity with other performance features.

Ryan Hulme, product marketing engineer for Orthman, talks about the company’s inaugural Expo and discusses its first liquid fertilizer applicator, the 3LP.

Orthman senior vice president of marketing Rod Haarberg shares how the 5BC Seedbed Conditioner helps manage residue and create a firm, consistent seedbed in strip-till operations. He also discusses what strip-tillers can do during harvest to ensure the residue breaks down properly over the winter.

Orthman senior vice president of marketing Rod Haarberg talks about the features of the new 5TT pivot track tiller and what separates it from current track fillers on the market.

Luc van Herle, Director of Global Sales and Service for Kinze, introduces the new 4900 planter. The planter was introduced to dealers in January and at the 2013 National Farm Machinery Show. The 4900 model is a front fold planter with several innovations that add to the flexibility of the frame. The biggest innovation in the 4900 model is an upgraded row unit and meter that increases overall efficiency.