08/17/06 On combine protein sensors part II

Farm and Ranch August 17, 2006 On-the-combine, on-the-go protein sensors can not only help producers segregate wheat by protein but in combination with yield mapping could be useful in spatially variable nitrogen application. Dan Long, supervisory agronomist with the USDA-ARS at the Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center, says adoption of the protein sensors by farmers has been slow. They can cost 10-15-thousand dollars and farmers want to see a return. Long believes in the next few years researchers will be able to develop a profitable operational system for nitrogen management. To help with cost, Long has been talking with USDA conservation officials in connection with the Environmental Quality Incentive Program. Long: " Yes, I have approached the NRCS to look at the idea of using protein and yield mapping in deriving the nitrogen recommendations for a spatially variable fertilization program as another preferred practice that might fall under EQIP. And it would allow a producer to get into a second rotation with the program. They wouldn't find that they are finishing up with one acceptable practice right now. They could adopt another one to continue the benefits of these government programs for another rotation." Long says he has found NRCS officials in Oregon very receptive to the idea. There are three on combine protein sensors on the market and Long has tested all three. The patent on one is held by David Mayes whose company Dsquared Development Inc. is located in La Grande, Oregon. I'm Bob Hoff and that's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.