U.S. propane stockpiles are at about a 15-percent surplus, but farmers are finding propane in short supply in some areas of the country when they need it the most with their wet harvest. (Photo courtesy of GT Manufacturing) Corn Drying Needs Boost Propane Demand Shortages Due to Distribution Issues, Not Supply Fri Nov 13, 2009 04:39 PM CST Pipeline companies are struggling to keep pace with the high demand for propane to dry wetter-than-normal corn, resulting in shortages in some areas of the Midwest.

Corn cobs and other residue could be used to create fertilizer for the following year's corn crops. (DTN file photo) Bio-Ammonia Coming Fertilizer to be Made from Corn Residue Subscriber Content Mon Oct 19, 2009 04:59 PM CDT San Francisco-based SynGest, Inc. has announced plans to make nitrogen fertilizer from corn cobs and other biomass.

New technologies can provide useful tools to help farmers, but be challenging to learn all at once. (DTN photo by Greg Horstmeier) The Pain of Technology Adoption Learn to Use New Technology to Improve Efficiency, Productivity and Profitability Subscriber Content Thu Nov 12, 2009 07:44 AM CST Learning new gadgets can be challenging. DTN's staff agronomist and farmer says take on only as many new tools as you can master -- and have a good coach nearby.

New telemetry system from AGCO helps tell where the tractors are. (Photo courtesy of AGCO) New Tech Tractors that Talk Telemetry Systems Track Equipment's Every Move to Enhance Efficiency Subscriber Content Wed Nov 11, 2009 01:24 PM CST New on-board telemetry systems allow farm managers to track equipment from the farm office. The ability will be especially beneficial to growers with large fleets and fields spread over far distances.

GPS-driven irrigation maps help avoid applications over ponds, drainage ditches and other noncrop areas. (DTN photo by Greg Horstmeier) New Systems Help Water Applications Variable Rate Irrigation Saves Water, Protects Sensitive Areas Subscriber Content Wed Nov 11, 2009 01:17 PM CST Smart irrigation systems can accurately apply water based on soil conditions, even allowing fields to be planted in multiple crops.