It feels more like Monsoon season in Kansas these days, but I am looking forward to spending some time with friends this weekend at the 9th Annual Spring Planting Festival at the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company’s farm and Bakersville, the company’s replica pioneer town located near Mansfield, Missouri. All of this is happening on Sunday May 3 and Monday May 4 from 10 AM to 7 PM (both days).

Proprietor and festival founder, Jere Gettle expects that more than 6000 visitors will have the opportunity to visit with at least 100 vendors, listen to the music and humor of more than 60 performers, and have the opportunity to hear a number of gardening personalities speak at this year’s Spring Planting Festival. The lineup of presenters is impressive and includes GRIT editor in chief, KC Compton.

I have been asked to give a presentation on the Oscar H. Will Co. seed and nursery business, which was started by my great grandfather in 1881. I will admit to having an emotional few days of plowing through old family history to put that talk together. But I am proud that my ancestors made a lasting contribution to agriculture and gardening. I am living proof that growing things must be a genetic trait, because I feel compelled to garden every year.

You can find your way to the 9^th Annual Spring Planting Festival by pointing your vehicle to Mansfield, Missouri and following the signs to Bakersville. The company offers free tent and RV camping; no need to register. There are also hotels in the local area. Food will be available at the festival. Admission: $5.00 per person, pay at the event. Children 16 and under are free.

I hope to see you there.

 

Cub Cadet is celebrating spring by offering customers a chance to experience top of-the-line outdoor power equipment and win more than $40,000 in prizes during Cub Cadet Days. NASCAR fans, outdoor enthusiasts and everyone who enjoys a great looking lawn are invited to stop by a local Cub Cadet Dealer or Bass Pro Shops to test out their premium products and enter for a chance to win a limited edition Cub Cadet Volunteer 4x4 Utility Vehicle designed after the #1 Martin Truex Jr. Sprint Cup Series™ car and also a Nitro X-5 bass boat.

 Throughout spring and summer, customers can visit their local participating Cub Cadet Dealer or Bass Pro Shops and enter for a chance to win the limited edition utility vehicle and Nitro X-5 bass boat, or a VIP experience for two at a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ Race during the 2009 season.

“As the official outdoor power equipment and utility vehicle sponsor of NASCAR and associate sponsor for Bass Pro Shops Earnhardt Ganassi Racing Team, we are happy to announce the start of Cub Cadet Days,” says Jeff Salamon, Cub Cadet director of marketing. “NASCAR fans, Cub Cadet enthusiasts and everyone looking to own the industry’s best lawn, garden, turf, and outdoor power equipment are invited to visit their nearest Cub Cadet Dealer to demo our extensive line of products and enter for a chance to win truly one-of-a-kind prizes.”

Valued at $20,000, the limited edition, Volunteer 4x4 Utility Vehicle comes standard with a high performance 748cc V-Twin EFI engine, a solid 3-inch welded steel frame, a top rated 1,400 lb. towing capacity and other premium features like a 4-wheel fully independent dual A-arm suspension that provides a smooth ride over the roughest terrain and heavy-duty locking rear differential for additional traction through slippery and unstable conditions.

This limited edition #1 car-inspired Volunteer 4x4 Utility Vehicle comes well accessorized with 16 high-performance add-ons including a 4,000-lb. premium Warn® Winch designed exclusively for the Cub Cadet Volunteer, polished steel SuperTrapp Sport Exhaust, AM/FM Sirius Satellite-ready Stereo/CD player with 105-Watt marine grade speakers, electric bed lift, 14” aluminum rims with off-road tire kit and is even signed by the #1 car driver himself, Martin Truex Jr.

The fully-loaded Volunteer utility vehicle also includes:

• Gun Boot
• Light Bars
• Rear View Mirror
• Bed Liner
• Front Receiver
• Fog Lights
• Electrical Accessory Harness
• Floor Mats
• Head Rests
• Grab Bar

One grand prize winner and one first prize winner will be selected in October. To enter, simply visit your local participating Cub Cadet Dealer or Bass Pro Shops from now until September 7, 2009. For more information, contest rules or to learn more about the products offered by Cub Cadet, visit www.CubCadet.com.  

 

 

Massey Ferguson just announced a plan to promote its new MF 1600 Series lineup by giving away a brand new Model 1635 compact tractor to a lucky sweepstakes entrant. This program, which the company calls the “cloud 10” sweepstakes is easy to enter by mail or online. The giveaway was launched yesterday and will run through June 30, 2009.

“We are excited to offer our customers the chance to win one of the new Massey Ferguson 1600 Series compact tractors,” says Steve Barcuch, Massey Ferguson product marketing manager. “This new series of compact tractors was designed to raise the bar across the entire product class. The tractor is the ultimate combination of function and fun – a tractor that enhances the joy in the work.”

Power under the hood of the MF1635 is delivered by an efficient Iseki 3-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine with clean-air technology that meets Tier IV interim emission standards. Two easy-as-driving-your-car transmission choices include the 12 x 12 PowerShuttle and a three-range hydrostatic transmission to match the customer’s needs for economy, durability, power and agility. Heavy-duty cast-iron housings and oil-encased bevel gears mean smoother operation and longer life.

Making the tractor the most comfortable in its class are a noticeably larger operator’s area; form-hugging, standard deluxe spring-suspension seat; standard large armrests; and a platform which rests on rubber isolation mounts to minimize vibration at the operator’s level.

Redesigned, right-hand fender-mounted implement controls reduce operator back and arm fatigue by having the controls right where operators need them. Owners will enjoy the uncluttered layout, color-coded controls and easy-to-read gauges. And the wide-open platform makes getting on and off the tractor a breeze.

The ‘Cloud 10’ sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. Canada residents must be over age of majority and skills test applies. For official contest rules, visit www.masseyferguson.com/cloudten.

 

How many times have you bitten into a succulent plum only to have the experience soured by having to grapple with a clingy little plum pit – or worse yet, chomped down on that pit. Evidently, a few Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have done just that, sufficiently often enough to want to figure out how to take the pit out of the plum.

In an article published in the April issue of Agricultural Research magazine, Sharon Durham reports that ARS scientists have made significant progress in identifying and understanding the genes that control pit formation in plums, which is the first step in a project to develop pitless varieties of the anti-oxidant-rich fruit.

Durham writes that ARS molecular biologists Chris Dardick and Ann Callahan and Prunus breeder Ralph Scorza at the ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, W.Va., discovered a set of lignin-production controlling genes that is turned on specifically in pit tissue, but not the flesh or skin, just before hardening of the stone. The genes are then quieted shortly after the pit hardens.

The idea of pitless fruits is not new. In the early 1900s, Luther Burbank, a legendary horticulturalist, crossed a partially stoneless wild plum with California French prune varieties. These crosses led to commercial-quality fruit that almost completely lacked the stone, but still contained the seed. In the current study, scientists used samples of Burbank's crosses in their work.

If they are successful with creating a palatable stoneless plum, growers and consumers should see stoneless cherries, peaches and apricots in the future as well. And since the research project is shedding new light on lignin genetics and biosynthesis, the results will likely make significant contributions to biofuels and forestry sectors as well. This is exciting stuff.

Photo by Mark Demuth

With its global commitment to providing products that help folks maintain their property in an earth friendly way, Husqvarna is proud to offer its EcoSmart property-care solutions. From new zero-emission battery-powered products to high-tech, low emission gas-powered engines, EcoSmart solutions help consumers easily identify innovative, “green” products for the lawn and garden.

“In 2000, Husqvarna issued environmental declarations on several products – the first outdoor power equipment company in the world to do so,” says Dave Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna Professional Product, Inc.  “Today, we are proud to introduce new technology that speaks to our heritage, leads the way in “green solutions” for the lawn and garden enthusiast and exceeds the performance demands of our consumer.”

EcoSmart solutions from Husqvarna currently include nine products and two engine technologies that power a wide range of handheld products including chain saws, trimmers and blowers.

Automower Solar Hybrid

Husqvarna’s Automower™ Solar Hybrid is a fully robotic lawn mower partly powered by the sun and uses no fuel or oil.

The Solar Hybrid mower is designed to handle lawns of up to a half acre. Incorporating solar and battery power, it uses considerably less energy than any conventional mower with its large integrated solar panel and is emissions-free. When there is daylight available, the solar cells enable the mower to extend its cutting periods before requiring a recharge. Lower power consumption and an extended battery life enable a faster, more environmentally improved cut.

Automower™ Solar Hybrid mower is programmable to and charges itself when required by returning to its base. The 22-pound mower cuts every day, day or night, rain or shine and has a 4-digit pin code lock feature.

Automower™ 230ACX, 220AC, 210C

Husqvarna’s newest fully automatic, battery-powered lawn mowers take the manual work out of an often tedious chore.  Three models, the 230ACX, 220AC and the 210C, offer options for the homeowner looking for a “green” way to mow.

Automower™ functions in the same capacity as the Automower Solar Hybrid, however it operates on battery alone.

	Mowing capacity	Cutting Time	Charging Time
230ACX	¾ acre, very complex lawns	90 mins.	45 mins.
220 AC	½ acre, moderately complex lawns	45 mins.	45 mins.
210C	1/8 acre	2-3 hours	4 hours

TB 1000 Battery Cultivator

Husqvarna’s battery-powered cultivator delivers like any gas driven cultivator in its class, but without noise and emissions.  This cordless, multipurpose cultivator is a versatile tool that can be fitted with accessories for ridging, detaching and edging.

The high capacity battery offers the same performance of gasoline engines and delivers 30-45 minutes of battery life per charge. The touch-controls, adjustable handlebar, and overall ergonomic and compact design make this cultivator very comfortable and easy to use.

Electric Utility Vehicle, Husqvarna HUV4210E

Husqvarna’s compact, electric HUV is ideal for estate owners, nurseries, gardeners, farmers, landscapers as well as homeowners.  The 48 volt electric motor can haul up to 800 lbs. – without producing emissions and noise.

Advanced Engine Technology

X-Torq^® - Husqvarna’s X-Torq engines reduce fuel consumption up to 20 percent and emissions up to 60 percent.

LZ6131P Propane Powered Zero Turn Mower

This zero-turn mower is ideal for the professional user or large acreage owner.  The 31 horse power Kawasaki FX850LPG engine meets EPA regulations and operates with lower fuel costs.  The fuel quality remains consistent (propane does not go stale like gasoline) and the likelihood of spillage is non-existent.  It also provides a faster fuel throttle response under load.

Husqvarna 540 Push Reel Mower

For homeowners seeking less impact on the environment when mowing, there’s a renewed interest in reel mowers. The new model offers easier maneuverability, requires no gas or oil, and has zero emissions with a quieter mowing experience. Homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint with a cost-efficient alternative to lawn care and get healthy exercise while mowing.

 

Bar & Chain Oil Designed Specifically for the Environment

This EcoSmart solution is made from 80 percent canola oil, is non-toxic and extends the life of the chainsaw’s bar, chain and sprocket.  With minimal environmental impact, the oil biodegrades within 21 days.

 For more on these and other Husqvarna products click here.

 

After having been on the road for several days last week and enduring much rain and mud over the weekend, I noticed that the lawn at the farm was getting pretty shaggy. Part of the joy of working on GRIT, traveling for business and farming on the side is that "things" just get away from you sometimes. So much so that I just can't get too wound up about it.

Thanks to a beautiful sunny and windy day yesterday, my yard ... even most of the mud ... was sufficiently dry that I could mow the bulk of it. As luck would have it, the trusty 1984 Kubota-diesel-powered Cub Cadet garden tractor (with 50-inch deck) started right up with a quick jump from the pickup truck. I will need to do some work on that tractor's drive line this year, but hopefully I will be able to plan that repair and not be forced into it with the yard half trimmed.

I love the first mowing of spring. It is quite satisfying to even "things" up after a long winter and to take stock of the landscaping. I noticed that the lilacs are finally beginning to bloom, the redbud trees too. The wild plums in the hedgerow are flowering right along with the ornamental crabapple I planted last summer.

If the weather holds, I plan to mow the grass between the corral and the chicken pen this evening. I hope to trim around the trees and shrubs with the Neuton electric mower and I might even finish cleaning up the yard. And then, if light and energy allow, I might begin cleaning up the garden; if not tonight then tomorrow. Then there is the new fencing and the grading and seeding to be done ....

A couple of weeks ago, my publisher tossed a small package on my desk with a verbal message that went something like this: “They sent this to me by mistake.” Huh, I wondered as I took a look at what was inside the plain brown wrapper. To my surprise, the package contained an old-fashioned safety razor called the RetroRazor. Cool as a slab of South Dakota granite, I resisted the urge to race off to the men’s room to see if my beard looked particularly gnarly that day. Within an hour or so, I was able to quell the sick-to-my-stomach feeling that the big-boss might be telling me that he would prefer the fuzz off my face. Luckily, I remembered that I have never met anyone more direct and to the point than the captain of our ship. That’s when I decided to investigate this cool little shaver a little more thoroughly.

The RetroRazor is a lot like the device my dad used to hack his face to pieces every morning when I was a kid. Of course it was that he was so stingy with new razor blades that dad so often had those little bits of tissue stuck to his face when he headed out the door to work. I was as impressionable as the next youngster, so when it came time for me to shave – I mean really time – I chose a straight razor with strop. Heck, if the outlaw Josie Wales could shave with a straight razor, so could I. As luck would have it, I managed to avoid seriously injuring myself with the straight razor. I nicked my lip once pretty badly trying to trim-up my dripping-off-the-sides of-my-chin Wyatt Earp moustache, however. It was about then that I decided to enter the high-tech razor world; I’ve been looking for a simple, multi-bladed, fancy-named, tool that I could afford to use ever since.

Well, I believe that I have indeed found just the right razor. Actually my publisher found it and passed it on to me. The RetroRazor is a metalworking piece of art. It is fun to hold, it is beautiful to look at, there are no plastic buttons or snaps or levers to break off, and it uses regular old double-sided razor blades that are inexpensive and readily available. I used the RetroRazor to trim up my beard and shave my cheeks and neck over the weekend and it performed wonderfully. Not only did the RetroRazor work, but it worked better than my triple-bladed wonder with the super-expensive, proprietary blades. I am happy to report that my face, neck and Adam’s apple failed to shed any blood while receiving a close shave with the RetroRazor. This cool old-style shaver is now my all time favorite – so much so that I tossed all the fancy razors in the trash.

I still brood that our publisher was sending me a message when he dropped the RetroRazor on my desk. I suspect he was just being nice. In any case, I am tickled that he turned me on to the RetroRazor – it is the only shaver that, in my book, makes the cut.

 

Provo, Utah based Razor Technologies announced that it has a prototype pickup truck or SUV (they won’t reveal until later this month) with a unique drive-train that includes an electric motor, batteries, generator and efficient 2.2 liter four-cylinder petroleum-fueled, internal combustion engine.

According to an article I found in The Salt Lake Tribune, Razor Technologies is a successful geothermal electricity generating company that has had its eye on creating super-efficient and fully capable full-sized vehicles for at least 6 years. This newest project will be revealed at the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress in Detroit.

In a nutshell, the 5700 pound fully-functional, four-wheel-drive truck is powered with an electric motor that draws energy from a pack of lithium ion batteries and/or the engine-driven generator. The truck has a top speed of 100 miles per hour and can go for 40 miles on batteries alone. But when the system kicks over to generator mode, sustained performance can hit 100 miles-per-gallon of petroleum, under ideal conditions. Overall fuel economy is reported to be 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with a real-world range of 360 miles for each fill of its 12-gallon tank.

I have to say, this new concept really impresses me. It proves that we don’t need to sacrifice power and size for efficiency. And that is good news for farmers and ranchers all over this country. The only question that remains is whether such vehicles will ever become affordable. My fingers are certainly crossed.

 

If you are looking for a tractor with more than 175 horsepower this year, you would do well to take a look at the latest and largest offerings from McCormick International U.S.A. The company has just introduced the TTX Series and it includes a new generation of quality-built, performance-driven tractors, ideally suited to demanding large-scale operations.

The new TTX Series ranges from 180 to 213 engine hp, and is available in three model types:  The TTX 190; TTX 210; and TTX 230. Enhanced operating efficiencies include the new BetaPower, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine is Tier III compliant and offers improved fuel economy and up to 40 percent torque rise. The rugged Category 3 linkage provides a lift capacity of 12 tons. Wow, that’s a lot of machine.

TTX-Series fuel efficiency is further enhanced with the XTRA SPEED electronic transmission, which provides 32-forward and 24-reverse speeds over four ranges, and eight powershift speeds in each range. For applications that require slower speeds, an optional creeper unit can be factory fitted to achieve 48 forward and 40 reverse speeds.

The TTX’s live front axle, offers a steering angle of 55 degrees for improved maneuverability, ideal for working in tight areas, and exclusive features in the TTX’s PTO system reduce hassle for operators while enhancing the transfer of power to PTO-driven implements.

“Changing PTO power output in some tractors can be frustrating and clumsy,” says Wayne Buchberger, vice president, product management and sales control for McCormick USA.  “The TTX is designed with one reversible PTO shaft that doesn’t require snap rings or a series of bolts to change. Simply slide the collar, reverse the PTO shaft and release the collar to change from 540 to 1000 rpm, to properly match the implement drive system.”

Additional PTO features include a wet-disc clutch that is hydraulically operated via a push-button for smooth and progressive engagement, and an auto PTO function that – when activated – enables the PTO to engage and disengage automatically based on the position of the hitch for added convenience during operation. The unique POWER MANAGEMENT system allows the power and torque at the PTO to automatically increase under load by approximately 15 hp, resulting in enhanced performance and productivity.

There are also many things to appreciate in the redesigned TTX cab, including the greater all-round visibility of its four-post design, a deluxe air seat, ergonomically-friendly controls and an efficient heating and cooling system. But to many operators, the greatest comfort may be found in the improved dashboard diagnostics system in the TTX Series.

“Maintenance issues are bound to happen with any tractor, and the biggest frustration can be identifying the problem,” explains Buchberger. “The TTX Series offers a more comprehensive set of simple diagnostic tests than most competitors, so that most problems are easily operator-identified and resolved quickly – oftentimes in one visit – rather than waiting for a technician to come and run a diagnostic, then return a second time with the right parts to get you going again.”

Buchberger adds that McCormick USA has gone to great lengths over the past two years to improve the ready availability of parts, which essential for reducing downtime and maximizing productivity.

”We’re very dedicated to excellence in  customer response time for parts orders, and we offer one of the most competitive extended service agreements for additional peace of mind in service and support.”

The introduction of the TTX is part of the largest product launches in the history of McCormick. The company offers more than 45 models of tractors ranging from 28 to 213 hp to meet the unique needs of large and small-acre applications. More information on McCormick products and services can be found at www.mccormickusa.com.

 

I can still remember the first Earth Day – I was in freshman biology learning about ecology at that time. I bet I have the original Earth Day button that my teacher Mr. Z. handed out, now squirreled away in some keepsake box in the barn somewhere. Mr. Z., and my own extensive experience in the natural world, made it easy for me to believe that the gift of nature is one that’s worth taking care of – no matter how that care cuts into industrial bottom lines. I am mildly shocked to note that this year’s earth day is the 39^th such annual event. I am, however, pleased to learn that National Wildlife Refuges around the country are planning special events in mid-April to mark the celebration.

Earth Day will be celebrated at many of the country’s more than 550 national wildlife refuges, which are dedicated to the protection of our natural habitat and the many creatures that depend on it for survival. The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plant populations. Look for a Wildlife Refuge near you – there is at least one located within an hour of most major cities.

Here is a sampling of Earth Day events on National Wildlife Refuges. For more information on events in your area, visit www.fws.gov/refuges and click on visitors.

Saturday, April 11
Earth Day Litter Pickup
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Cambridge, Maryland

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join in the refuge’s annual litter pick-up of the roads around the refuge, and enjoy drinks and snacks, compliments of the nonprofit Friends of Blackwater. Individuals, families and groups are welcome. Meet at the Blackwater Visitor Center.

Contact: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 410-228-2677

For more information about the refuge: http://www.fws.gov/blackwater

 

Saturday, April 18
Earth Day Cleanup and Hike
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

Oceanville, New Jersey

8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join refuge staff and the Township of Galloway for a cleanup along the refuge’s Wildlife Drive. Then go for a short nature walk led by naturalists. Activities are free, but you must pre-register: 609-748-1535. A light lunch will be served. Rain date: Sunday, April 19.

Location: 800 Great Creek Road, Oceanville, N.J.

Contact: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge at 609-748-1535

For more information about the refuge: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/forsythe 

 

Saturday, April 18
Earth Day Litter Pickup and Bicycle Tour
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Folkston, Georgia - East Entrance

8 a.m. – noon

Join in a cleanup of the refuge and adjacent Highway 121. Then take off on a bicycle tour of Swamp Island Drive. Enjoy staffed exhibits and demonstrations along the way about wildlife, plants, wildland fire, fishing, nature photography, swamp culture, hiking, bicycling, recycling and more. Discover some of the amazing plants and animals found in the refuge. Create nature crafts, see live animals and get a free bicycle safety check. Find out what local organizations do in your community. Learn about what you can do to help protect the earth.

Contact: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center at 912-496-7836.

 For more information about the refuge: http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee

 

Saturday, April 25
Earth Day Volunteer Day
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge

Seymour, Indiana

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Join in a cleanup of the refuge. Then move on to other hands-on projects for all ages. Among these: improving hiking trails and removing invasive garlic mustard.

Contact: Donna Stanley at 812-522-4352 or via email Muscatatuck@fws.gov

For more information about the refuge: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/muscatatuck

 

Saturday, April 25
Earth Day Boating Tours, Butterfly Viewing and Fishing Lessons
Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge

Dayton, Texas

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of free outdoor activities, hosted by the refuge and the nonprofit Friends of Trinity River Refuge, at the Champion Lake Public Use Area. Activities will include canoeing, kayaking and boating tours; bird and butterfly viewing; walking the levee trail; and dip netting and fishing lessons in the lake for the kids. You may want to bring a lawn chair, as seating is limited.

Location: Champion Lake is located at the end of CR 417, two miles east of FM 1409 in southern Liberty County. This is approximately 10 miles south of Dayton, Texas, from Hwy 90 or about six miles north of I-10 at the Cove exit (FM 565).

Contact: Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge at 936-336-9786

For more information about the refuge: http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/trinityriver

 

Just when I thought that the only decent sources for a good caffeine jolt came from coffee, tea or pop, I discover that many of those so-called dietary supplements are loaded with the stimulant, even though it isn’t listed on the label. But, wait, I thought compounds like caffeine were required to be listed on the label. Then again, I don’t recall ever seeing caffeine listed on a bag of coffee beans or box of green tea.

It turns out that caffeine must be listed as an ingredient only if it is added to a product in its pure form. So that Diet Code Red Mountain Dew that helped me make 1000-mile 1-stop road trips lists caffeine, and a bunch of other really gnarly stuff among its ingredients. But, if that caffeine is delivered to a product as part of another ingredient, such as coffee, tea or any of about 60 other plants that make caffeine naturally, it never makes it on the label.

According to scientists at the USDA’s ARS division, about 50% of American adults consume dietary supplements on a regular basis. Some of these products are aimed at making you feel perkier and even can help some folks lose weight. And many of those dietary supplements are loaded with caffeine-rich plant products known as botanicals. So if you find yourself getting the jitters just before bed, you might be consuming something that is literally winding you up. Stimulating botanicals found in many supplements include guarana, yerba mate, kola nut, and green tea extract – all contain significant quantities of caffeine.

According to the ARS’s Nutrient Data Laboratory’s National Nutrient Database, one 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine. Of the 53 dietary supplements analyzed, 27 provided as much caffeine as 1 to 2 cups of coffee in the recommended daily dose. Eleven supplements had caffeine levels that ranged from 2 to 4 cups of coffee and 11 others offered the same jolt you’d get from consuming 4 to 6 cups of coffee. Four of the tested products provided as much caffeine as you might find in 7 to 8 cups of coffee – yikes. Can you imagine getting 7 to 8 cups of coffee worth of caffeine in just a few capsules, or a single serving of an energy drink? 

If you are like me and try to limit your caffeine intake, at least at certain times of the day, you should be sure to look for guarana, yerba mate, kola nut, and green tea extract on the ingredients list of your favorite supplements. The unwanted buzz you kill just might be your own.

Read more about caffeine in dietary supplements here.

 

They’ve been five years in the making and cost millions of dollars to develop. I am not talking about the latest in hybrid automobile technology I am talking about Massey Ferguson’s new 1600 series compact tractors.  Intended to replace Massey Ferguson’s venerable 1500 series machines, The 1600-series tractors aren’t just a cosmetic upgrade. “Every nut, every bolt, every nuance of this new generation compact is the result of one pivotal factor — our relentless dedication to understanding what our customers want,” says Steve Barcuch, Product Marketing Manager for compact tractors.

The new 1600 series includes six models from 35 to 60 gross engine horsepower, all feature steel and cast iron construction, 4-wheel drive, a choice of four transmissions, plus rear and mid PTOs. With sleek new styling and 22 different configurations, all with a factory-installed cab option, the 1600 Series meets the most discriminating personal taste and has the ability to handle any virtually job.

1600 series compact tractors are powered with efficient Iseki 3- or 4-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engines that easily meet Tier IV interim emission standards. Four transmission choices include the 8 x 8 SynchroShuttle, the 12 x 12 SynchroShuttle, 12 x 12 DynaQPS™ and a three-range hydrostatic transmission to match the operator’s needs for economy, durability, power and agility. Heavy-duty cast-iron housings and oil-encased bevel gears mean smoother operation and longer life. These tractors are the real deal.

Operator amenities specific to the 1600 series tractors include form-hugging, standard deluxe spring-suspension seat; standard armrests; and a platform which rests on rubber isolation mounts to minimize vibration. A molded rubber floor mat covers the entire platform and provides additional cushioning. Redesigned, right-hand fender-mounted implement controls are located to reduce operator back and arm fatigue and the wide-open platform makes getting on and off the tractor a breeze.

To learn more about the specific 1600 series models, visit your local Massey Ferguson dealer or simply click here.

I haven’t yet operated one of the 1600 series tractors, but I plan to this summer.

 

 

Just when I thought that health benefits related to eating nuts would be completely outweighed by risk of pathogen exposure, the Agricultural Research Service of the USDA reports that eating walnuts can help seniors complete tasks that require motor and behavior skills. Now, don’t go racing to the nut factory for your daily dose of walnuts just yet, the study used an “animal model.” Basically, rats fed diets that varied in percentage walnuts were asked to perform a series of memory and motor tests. The results indicated that in aging rats, low to moderate walnut doses improved motor and memory related test scores, while mega-doses of walnuts did not – compared with non-walnut-eating control rats.

While this news may not be directly transferable to humans, two to six walnuts is all you will need to eat each day, just in case. So, what is it about walnuts that can help improve rat brain function? Looks like polyphenols and other antioxidants and essential fatty acids are to blame.

Read more about walnuts here and other natural antioxidants here.  

Photo: iStockphoto.com/Nilgun Bostanci

I am excited to learn that Ariens, the venerable lawn and garden equipment manufacturer that traces its roots way back into the early 20^th Century, has joined Hustler Turf in the electric riding mower arena.  The Ariens AMP™ Rider shares center stage with Hustler Turf’s Zeon all-electric zero-turn mower in a show that’s bound to only get better over time. The all-electric, rear-wheel-drive and front-wheel steer AMP is very much a traditional-style riding mower that delivers as much drive and cutting power as a conventional gas-powered riding mower without the emissions, oil, belts or noise associated with petroleum-powered mowers.  

Industry sources indicate that the Ariens AMP will be available in May of this year at The Home Depot and select Ariens dealers throughout the United States.  The AMP™ Rider will sell for around $3,299, which makes it the lowest priced all-electric riding lawn mower on the market … for now anyway.

The AMP features a 34" wide twin-blade cutting deck with precise quarter-inch height adjustments from 1.5" to 4.5". The folks at Ariens say the little machine can cut an acre of lawn in an hour and that it can cut continuously for up to 75 minutes, depending on terrain, grass length and a few other environmental parameters.

Charging the AMP’s batteries is a 16-hour proposition with the standard charger, but that can be cut to 5 hours with an optional 20-amp charger. And the battery management system automatically shuts off the charger and puts the battery into hibernation mode when a full charge is achieved.

I am excited by the prospect of giving one of these mowers a whirl down on my farm. If I get that chance, you can read all about it in this blog.

For much more on the Ariens AMP, click here.

 

Cub Cadet’s 9 new for 2009 1000-series lawn tractors just got a lot more interesting with the addition of a new mowing deck. Cub Cadet turned to the aerospace industry when looking for an improved cut and what they wound up with is a new mower deck that uses completely reengineered smooth-arc cutting blades that improve air flow and therefore cut quality. All of that results in better-groomed lawn with no sacrifice in mowing speed or operator comfort.

According to corporate information, the innovative cutting system leaves virtually no grass uncut, even in the tallest, thickest stands.  All relevant components including the deep-deck design, overlapping blades and large discharge chute work together to deliver a top-notch cut.  And the new blades are stronger and more rigid, which keeps them from flexing under heavy loads caused by high-speed mowing and/or heavy stands of grass. When you put it all together, the new deck creates a powerful vacuum that lifts the grass for uniform cutting and then literally shoots the clippings out and disperses them evenly across the lawn. No more clumps or mini-windrows.

I haven’t tried mowing with this new deck yet, but I plan to as the grass-cutting season gets into full swing here in Kansas. Look for a Cub Cadet independent dealer, Tractor Supply Company outlet or The Home Depot nearest you to take a look at Cub Cadet’s 1000-series lawn tractors and the mowing deck that aerospace engineers created.