Redball NUE Conference August 9, 2007 Jack Gerhardt Product Manager Minnesota Farmer

Non Reference Nitrogen Strip GreenSeeker NDVI Map Nitrogen Rich Strip High Vigor Zone Non Reference Nitrogen Strip Low Vigor Zone Actual NDVI map generated on a farm near Fairmont, MN Note: dark green indicates highest NDVI or vigor/biomass. Note: tan and dark brown indicate lowest NDVI or poor vigor and biomass. For optimum results, GreenSeeker readings should be taken in the V8 to V12 stage of corn growth (Knee high to waist high). Note the low vigor zone on the map.

GreenSeeker Nitrogen Target Map Lowest Rx Rate Field specific Nitrogen Prescription Map resulting from Corn algorithm selected in the Recon Console. These are recommended Nitrogen rates for 32% liquid nitrogen (UAN) based on actual NDVI values for this farm. This map is generated in real time as NDVI values are collected. Where NDVI vigor is high, no nitrogen is recommended as is indicated in red. Where vigor is marginal, high rates of N are recommended as indicated by green (max rate). Where NDVI values were the poorest, no N is recommended-- because the corn stand is considered too poor to respond to nitrogen and there is an assumption that other limiting factors exist (i.e. drown outs, etc) . Highest Rx Rate

GreenSeeker As-Applied Map Minimum Applicator Rate This is an “As Applied” nitrogen map of the same field. This map reflects the limitations of the actual applicator vs. exactly what the Prescription map called for. In this case, the applicator had a minimum application rate set at 6 lbs per acre. The other limiting factor is a minor lag associated with ground speed and the flow controllers ability to respond to changes in desired rates. While GreenSeeker does not match the prescription perfectly, GreenSeeker applied the nitrogen in a manner consistent with the macro goals being called for by the prescription, and is substantially superior to a flat rate approach. Maximum Applicator Rate

Improved Yield from Higher N Rate Yield Map High yield Zone consistent w. NDVI Map Improved Yield from Higher N Rate This is a yield map for the same field under discussion. (This is not part of the GreenSeeker software). It is important because it clearly demonstrates that GreenSeeker accurately identified the varying vigor of the field; as there is distinct correlation between NDVI values taken early in the growing season and harvest yield values. Note the improvement in the low vigor zone from the NDVI map to the more even stand in the bottom 2/3 or the field. Drainage Cuts Consistent w. NDVI map

GreenSeeker Year over Year Results

Herbicide application 6/25/06 (Arkansas) for cotton-early season collection of NDVI values—Note extreme range of stand This data was used to write a Rx for Plant Growth Regulator

This is the NDVI values collected during the VR application of PGR on July 6, 2006

This is the stand on August 2nd , approximately 1 month after the PGR application. Note historgram values are much tighter now.

This is the September 6th Pre harvest NDVI values that will be used for Defoliant VR application.

GreenSeeker Adoption Barriers Producer Resistance to Change--Easy to be Sloppy. Present Price of Corn & Wheat—Fear of Yield Loss. Lack of Awareness Regarding Alternative N Strategies. Lack of Clear Direction Among Universities. pride, lack of funding, insufficient scale, etc. Inconsistent & Confusing N Management Producer Programs Equipment Capability and compatibility. Ag Retailer Business Model. Structured around fertilizer volume, soil sampling and low margins—not based on consulting/value/differentiation. We have always done it this way… may need 2nd pass of N… fear of giving up yield…never worked with imagery based production before…universities are presently lost when it comes to n rates…ag retailers have to rethink their role.

GreenSeeker Adoption Motives Rising Price of Nitrogen…Not “cheap” any more. Falling Relative Price of Corn/Wheat vs. Nitrogen. Diminished Faith in University Recommendations. Growing Acceptance that Mineralization Rates Do Vary. “Greener” Approach… “The right thing to do”. GreenSeeker Addresses Seasonal & Spatial Variability. Producer-Friendly Technology.

A mind stretched by a new idea can never go back to its original dimension. Oliver Wendell Homes Jr.