COMPUTER NETWORK FOR COLLECTING AND ANALYZING AGRONOMIC DATA

Abstract: A client-client-server computer network (Figs. 1 and 2) includes a portable computer (20) (client) connectable by a data link (44) to a desktop computer (24) (client) which transmits data through an offline batching data link (26) to a host or system server (30) (server) for the electronic collection, processing, and analyzing of agricultural data generated through the operation of a farm. A plurality of client-client computer sub-networks, one for each of a plurality of farms, is anticipated for connection through an offline, batching data link to a single system server such that a master database may be assembled of data for many farms. Real time, same growing season, analyses and reports may be generated for use by any individual farmer from this master database. The portable computer (20) includes a nested display driven software for a graphic user interface computer, such as a Personal Digital Assistant, to simplify the data entry process.

Description: COMPUTER NETWORK FOR COLLECTING AND ANALYZING AGRONOMIC DATA Background and Summary of the Invention There is a wealth of information utilized by a farmer in the agricultural operation of a farm. This information includes data related to the various types of soil in his fields, the types of crops planted in the past and intended to be planted in the next growing sea¬ son, the scheduled time and actual performance of various farm operations on each field such as tilling, cultivat¬ ing, etc., the various types of chemicals applied to each field such as fertilizers and herbicides, the various kinds of diseases and infestations of insects which are encountered in the growing season, weather information relating to rainfall and temperatures, etc. In the prior art, a farmer generally records only some of this infor- mation, as much of it as he considers to be usable, manu¬ ally in the field. Additionally, many farmers are com¬ puter literate and will manually record limited catego¬ ries and amounts of this information in the field and bring it back to their home for entry into their home PC. Unfortunately, as a farmer has many responsibilities and worries other than data collection, most often the farmer does not have time or on-the-spot opportunity to record what may be very significant data. Furthermore, this data collection chore can be quite time-consuming as it is generally achieved with a clipboard or notebook, or most commonly a piece of paper, which is easy to forget, misplace, or even lose. Unfortunately for the farmer, there are increasing demands on his time to collect data such as for reporting to various governmental agencies, including the EPA. Data collection has thus become a major problem which is being forced on farmers who have little help from any prior art devices. Because of the increasing competition and mechani- zation of farming, data collection has become even more important for the farmer so that he might keep better track of his costs to determine the profitability of various crops planted on various fields throughout his farm. Typically, a farmer works on a close margin such that accurate cost accounting can be critical in helping a farmer make a decision as to the various crops planted and grown. Unfortunately, for various reasons, computers have not been successfully applied to the farmer's data collection and analysis problem. In order to solve these and other problems in the prior art, the inventors herein have succeeded in design¬ ing and developing a unique computer network which in¬ cludes a portable computer with a user-friendly interface for on-the-spot data recording by the farmer having suf- ficient capabilities for satisfying virtually all of his information handling needs. This computer network is comprised of a client-client-server configuration. As envisioned, a typical farmer would have two computers, a "field" or portable computer as well as a fixed platform PC operating with a graphic user interface. The portable computer function may be satisfied by one of the several Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) computers recently mar¬ keted by a number of computer companies. One such exam¬ ple is the APPLE® NEWTON® MESSAGE PAD®. These personal digital assistants (PDA) provide a screen display cover- ing a substantial portion of a larger side thereof, sim¬ ple graphic user interface (GUI) with handwriting recog¬ nition capability, and touch screen data entry with a stylus to greatly simplify the entry of data. A PDA is compact and portable so that a farmer may readily carry it wherever he goes, in the field, on a tractor, etc. Also, the PDA is rugged enough to withstand the rigors of a farm environment. The inventors contemplate that other user-friendly interfaces will become available in portable computers, such as voice data entry, and that any computer with a "non-command line" or "non-typed" interface would be equally suitable for use herein. Of course, this simpli¬ fied data entry feature lends itself uniquely to applica¬ tion for this problem in that farmers as a group are no different from others who have shied away from adapting to the computer age because of the perceived difficulty in communicating with a computer. This GUI and touch screen, or non-command line, data entry scheme signifi¬ cantly reduces a farmer's objection and increases the adaptability of the invention for that reason alone. On this PDA, a custom stored program is loaded which includes a hierarchy of nested displays in each of four major areas. These four major areas are operations, weather, field use, and equipment. The information re- lating to a growing season may be conveniently pre-loaded into the PDA from a PC through a data link connecting the PDA with the fixed platform PC in the farmer's house. This PC includes an emulation of the GUI of the PDA and provides, through the windows mouse, the ability for the farmer to track through virtually the same operational program on his PC as is found in the PDA. This greatly enhances the system by reducing the amount of "computer- ese" that the farmer has to learn to a single, display- driven, program. In order to increase the usability of the system, the PC is provided with a program for manipu- lating the data base included in the PDA, and there is also a feature which permits the synchronization of the data base in the PDA with the data base in the PC, uti¬ lizing a paradigm of most recent data override. This helps eliminate errors which might otherwise creep into the data through use of two separate computers. A farmer may conveniently carry his PDA with him as he farms to make data entries on the spot. This data is thusly "validated" by its time stamp and place of entry. This includes the completion of various farm operations such as tilling, the application of chemicals or herbicides to a field, the observed temperature or rainfall, or virtually any other data as is explained more completely in the preferred embodiment which fol¬ lows. Thus, with the present invention, the farmer for the first time may conveniently and readily enter data with minimal interference in his farming operations. Utilizing the PDA and PC combination alone would, in itself, greatly enhance a farmer's operation of an individual farm. However, the present invention further envisions the implementation of a third step to provide a client-client-server network configuration. That entails the widespread adoption of the PDA/PC computer pair throughout various regions of the country and their con¬ nection through an offline, batched, data link with a central computer or server. With this third level, or server computer, data from many farmers and farms may be collected which can be used to assemble a master data base, in real time, to provide for the prompt feedback of "best practices" data and projections for a farmer par- ticularized as to his most geographically significant surroundings. For example, if a farmer has fields in a valley along with several other farmers, he may find out through this master data base what these other farmers have used to solve a particular problem such as control¬ ling a particular crop disease or infestation. He may also find out detail relating to the time and type of various farming operations performed on the same or simi¬ lar crops, and their success or failure in past years. This kind of information has been generally unavailable in the prior art, and certainly unavailable on a real time basis to provide information about other farmers' practices during the same growing season. This informa¬ tion may be critical to a farmer's success or failure with a particular crop. The need for this invention is thus quite apparent. In order to implement this third or server comput¬ er, the inventors have incorporated into their invention a commercial messaging service which provides for the offline, batched, collection of data from the significant number of client-client sub-networks. One such service which may be utilized is MCI MAII§>. With these services, individual farmers would call in and transmit data, and that data would then be batched and collected by the server or an intermediary computer for dispatch onto the server, as the collected data fills a "batch". As a way of encouraging farmers to utilize this messaging service, various reports and other analyses may be performed and made available to a farmer only after he has transmitted his data to the batch. A farmer's access to this commer¬ cial messaging service may be restricted by utilizing an encryption routine embedded in the PC software for trans¬ lation of a farmer-entered code into a valid account number, along with a password. Through this methodology, a significant connectivity problem may be solved with safeguards included to prevent any abuse or undesired use by a farmer of the commercial service which would run up charges for non-system use. In developing the stored program for the PDA, the inventors herein have succeeded in solving several prob¬ lems related to handling the oversized amount of data required for the large variations of possible entries. For example, there are as many as about 16,000 different types of soils from which a farmer may select for each of his fields. Storing these sizes of data bases in the PDA itself would be impractical and would impede the smooth, efficient entry of data which is a highly desired feature of the present invention. This problem has been solved by providing a PC having a much greater memory size from which a farmer may choose to load data into his PDA. Still another solution to that problem is the use of a memory card which may be inserted into a PDA from which the same selections may be made. This allows the PDA data base to be conveniently customized for each farmer. Still another feature of implementation includes the ability of the PDA stored program to intelligently prese¬ lect only logical entries to populate a number of pop-up screens from which a farmer must choose during his data entry process. The pop-up screens are thusly "context sensitive" . For example, during certain growing stages of a crop, only certain kinds of herbicides for killing a particular weed are usable without damage to the crop itself. A sub-routine in the stored program acts to limit these herbicide entries in a pop-up list so that a farmer need not scroll through an inordinate number of herbicides, many of which would damage the crop or not kill that particular weed. These details of implementa- tion are important in utilizing the PDA for the task at hand in that the size of the PDA screen is limited and long pop-up lists would require scrolling for unaccept- ably long time periods. There are still other features of implementation which are more fully explained in the preferred embodi¬ ment and which contribute to the success of the present invention. While the principal advantages and features of the invention have been explained herein, a fuller understanding and appreciation for the invention may be obtained by referring to the drawings and description of the preferred embodiment which follow which are not in¬ tended to be limiting. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a block diagram of an information handling system utilizing the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram detailing the client-client-server computer network comprising the present invention; Figure 3 is a NEWTON® display for its Extras File; Figure 4 is the "splash" screen or initial screen of the NEWTON® program; Figure 5 is a sample NEWTON® screen depicting scrolling lists; Figure 6 is a portion of a sample NEWTON® screen detailing the multi-picker routine for filling the lists of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a sample NEWTON® screen utilized in editing field operations; Figure 8 is a sample NEWTON® pop-up list for the entry of completion data; Figure 9 is a sample NEWTON® pop-up list for picking dates to be entered; Figure 10 depicts the NEWTON® screen for entering detail notes; Figure 11 is the NEWTON® screen wherein field operations may be displayed by either field or operation; Figure 12 is a NEWTON® screen depicting the pop-up list for adding soil type to a particular field; Figure 13 is a NEWTON® pop-up list for adding field operations; Figure 14 are a pair of NEWTON® pop-up lists for entering soil type and crop history information for a particular field; Figure 15 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up list for entering tillage operation information; Figure 16 is a pop-up list for entering crop information for a particular field; Figure 17 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up list for entering plant/seed operation data for a particular field; Figure 18 is a NEWTON® screen with multi-picker function as shown in Figure 19 for entering nutrient information for a particular field; Figure 19 are pop-up lists to implement the multi- picker function entry of data in Figure 18; Figure 20 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up list for entering irrigation data with a multi-picker function; Figure 21 is a NEWTON® screen for entering scout¬ ing information relating to various diseases, insect, plant injury, or weed information with multi-picker pop- ups as shown in Figure 22 for a particular field; Figure 22 are pop-up lists as used for entering data as shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up lists and multi-picker function for entering fungus/disease control information for a particular field; Figure 24 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up list and multi-picker function for entering weed control data for a particular field; Figure 25 is a NEWTON® screen and pop-up list with multi-picker function for entering insect/mite control data for a particular field; Figure 26 is a NEWTON® screen and pop-up list with multi-picker function for entering pest control data for a particular field; Figure 27 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up list and multi-picker function for entering defoliation/desic¬ cation data for a particular field; Figure 28 is a NEWTON® screen with pop-up list and multi-picker function for entering data relating to har¬ vest information for a particular field; Figure 29 is a flow chart depicting the logic used in constructing context sensitive lists; Figure 30 is a NEWTON® screen and pop-up list for entering data relating to weather for the farm; Figure 31 is a NEWTON® screen and pop-up list for entering crop information for the farm; Figure 32 is a NEWTON® screen and pop-up list for entering and displaying farm machinery information for the farm; Figure 33 is a schematic overview detailing the software disclosure and discriminating between source code disclosure and flow chart disclosure; Figure 34 is an annotated flow chart detailing the overall data delivery flow between the mobile computer, the fixed platform PC, and on to the central computer through a messaging service; Figure 35 is a flow chart for a portable computer stored program module which enables selection and storage of data entries for populating pop-up lists in the porta¬ ble computer; Figure 36 is a flow chart for a stored program module used in both the portable computer and fixed plat¬ form PC for building a datagram from data stored in a data base in stored memory; Figure 37 is a flow chart for a stored program module in the fixed platform PC which facilitates user inquiry for specified reports from the central computer; Figure 38 is a flow chart for a stored program module in the fixed platform PC which enables a user to display messages being communicated through the data link between the fixed platform PC and the central computer; Figure 39 is a flow chart for a stored program module in the fixed platform PC which facilitates the receiving of messages from the messaging service by the fixed platform PC; Figure 40 is a flow chart for a stored program module for the fixed platform PC which provides the cod¬ ing and decoding of the account number for communication through the messaging service; Figure 41 is a flow chart of a stored program module for the central computer which processes an analy¬ sis request from a user for a report or other data; Figure 42 is a flow chart for a stored program module for the central computer which accesses the cen¬ tral data base and generates a report for transmission to a user on command; Figure 43 is a flow chart for a stored program module for the central computer which parses and stores datagrams into the central computer as transmitted from the user; Figure 44 is a flow chart for a stored program module in the central computer which facilitates operator entry into the central computer of selected information for transmission to users; Figure 45 is a diagram detailing the data base setup in the central computer which ensures data privacy; Figure 46 is a flow chart for a stored program module in both the portable computer and the fixed plat- form PC for synchronizing data bases upon connection of a data link; and Figure 47 is a sample NEWTON® screen depicting the preferences screen. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment The present invention is part of a sophisticated data collection, processing, and reporting system which may be best understood by referring to Figure 1. As shown therein, a mobile computer 20, in the preferred embodiment an APPLE® NEWTON® MESSAGE PAD® PDA, is used to collect and compile farm data for transmission back to a host computer. As each farmer acquires his mobile com¬ puter 20, a customer service function 22 will be made available to aid the farmer in setting up the specific parameters for the display driven software used as an aid in collecting data and also to obtain profile information on the particular farmer who will utilize the mobile com¬ puter 20. This is indicated by an arrow labeled 1 in Figure 1. After setup, information will be entered by the farmer on his mobile computer 20 and transmitted to a messaging company. This is indicated by an arrow labeled 2. For convenience, and as explained further herein, a desktop computer 24 will interact with the mobile comput¬ er 20 and, as initially implemented, will communicate with the messaging company 26 as shown by the dotted line arrow labeled 2' . There is added functionality to accom- modate this arrangement, as will be explained below. A message gateway computer 28 periodically polls the messaging company 26 and downloads any messages waiting there. Although only a single farmer is depicted in Figure 1, the inventors' intent is that many farmers be connected such that this portion of the system will in fact be configured more akin to that as depicted in Fig¬ ure 2. The downloading of messages from the messaging company 26 by the message gateway computer 28 is depicted by an arrow labeled 3. The message gateway computer 28 parses the messages for content, performs range checking and validation of the data, and then transmits the data to the host data base computer, or central computer 30 as depicted by the arrow labeled 4. Data from the central computer 30 may be periodically processed statistically and analyzed in many ways, including further computer analysis, and is shown representationally as an analysis function 32 with data being transmitted as shown by an arrow labeled 5. This analysis function 32 may then be used to generate finished reports 34 over an arrow la¬ beled 6. These finished reports may be distributed to farmers through the message gateway computer 28 and messaging company 26 back to the farmer if the analysis was performed as a result of a query from the farmer. This data path is represented by arrows labeled 7-9. (As initially configured, the transmission from the messaging company would go to the desktop computer 24 over the dotted line arrow labeled 9'.) Additionally, the fin¬ ished reports may be distributed via postal mail, facsim¬ ile, and online bulletin boards such as COMPUSERVE™ (ar¬ row 11) for selective access by any farmer connected to the system. As alluded to above, the desktop computer 24 forms part of the initial configuration and provides additional functionality for the farmer. For example, the farmer may backup and restore the data on the mobile computer 20 from a data base maintained at the desktop computer 24. Additionally, desktop computer 24 may be utilized to perform its own statistical analysis and generate reports which are farmer specific and which do not require access to the master data base maintained at the central computer 30. As is apparent from the overview provided, the present invention provides a modular approach in a cli¬ ent-client-server network configuration for "computeriz¬ ing" the farming or agricultural process from a micro • level up to a macro level. The client-client-server network corresponds to the NEWTON®, desktop computer, and host server, with data links between those components for the free flow of information therebetween. This overall system provides ready scalability which is enhanced by the use of a messaging company 26 as the hub between the large number of farmers and the central computer 30. This messaging company 26 provides an offline batching data link as a hub or interface with a gateway computer 28 for coordinating the transfer of data in batches to the central computer 30. This provides unique advantages over any online modem or call-up configuration which would require the central computer 30 to be capable of simultaneously handling many thousands of calls. An alternative to online modem connection would be a polling function wherein the central computer 30 would regularly poll each farmer to download his data. Again, this re- quires a significant overhead for the central computer 30, or even a message gateway computer 28, and would require a farmer to be "online". These problems are avoided through the use of the messaging company 26. The master data base 36 at the central computer 30 provides storage and retrieval of collected farm data, customer/farm profiles, and agronomic information. The farm data consists of recorded field operations and daily weather data. The collection frequency of the field operations will vary according to season, weather, crop type, and farmer preference. The field operations and weather data will be formatted, validated, and loaded nightly by the data pre-processing provided by the mes¬ sage gateway computer 28. Customer information will also be provided to the master data base and will consist of a grower profile, field descriptions, farm equipment infor¬ mation, farm assets, and report order information. This information will be provided initially and updated regu¬ larly through the customer service function 22. The specifics relating to the collection of these data will be further explained below in connection with the display driven software of mobile computer 20 and desktop com¬ puter 24. Portable Computer Software The display driven software provided by the inven- tors herein for the portable computer which, preferably, utilizes a graphic user interface, may be best understood by referring to the series of drawings identified as Figures 3 through 32. Generally, the portable computer software is laid out as a series of nested displays of different levels with each level indicating the hierarchy of screens accessed by the user, the screens thus being grouped and organized according to the way they can be accessed. The layout is a relatively simple structure and is organized according to the logical sequence of features and functionality from the user's perspective. By maintaining a simple and consistent system layout, the user may feel comfortable in using the system by sensing their control and knowledge of their location in the system. This leads to a perception that the user can freely and intuitively navigate through the system to get where they want to go without repeated trial and error. Figure 3 represents the NEWTON® Extras Drawer Screen from which the user accesses the Infoline applica¬ tion, or portable computer application, by tapping on the indicated picture button. By doing so, the display of Figure 4 will appear which represents the main Infoline screen. This screen is the home base that allows the user to access the many features of the application. From this screen, the user can access or gain access to all of the Infoline application features by tapping the picture buttons shown at the bottom of the screen. As indicated in Figure 4, and going from left to right, the "CHART" picture button selects the field selection set of nested displays. The "RAIN CLOUD" button selects the weather set of nested displays. The "SILO" button se- lects the land use nested displays. The "TRACTOR" button selects the farm machinery set of displays. At the upper left corner of the screen is a "preferences" button which, when selected, will display the screen of Figure 47, permitting the user to select units of measure and enter the farm name. Before explaining the more detailed operation of the software, it will be helpful to first understand several conventions which are utilized throughout the software. As shown in Figure 5, a scrolling list display provides a set of arrows which, when depressed, scroll the corresponding display. As shown in Figure 6, multi¬ list selections may be made utilizing scrolling displays in a "multi-picker" arrangement. As depicted in the figure, an upper scrolling list may be assembled by se- lecting any one of the entries in the lower scrolling list and depressing the "ADD" button, or by selecting any one of the entries in the upper scrolling display and depressing the "REMOVE" button. Access to more detailed information is available by double selecting any entry. Where multi-picking is utilized in the program, an "MP" symbol is used as indicated. Field operations may be edited as shown in Figure 7, with the multi-picking meth¬ odology as just explained. The "ENTER INFO" button dis¬ plays a completion screen as shown in Figure 8 wherein "slide bars" are used for entering numerical data such as hours and minutes. By depressing and moving any one of the "slide bars", the number in the hours or minutes display may be moved up or down to match the desired time to be entered. A date picker is shown in Figure 9 wherein a calendar is displayed and months may be scrolled or days of any months selected by tapping a different date in the month in order to change the dis¬ played date which will then be entered. At various points in the program, additional note-taking information is made available through an auxiliary screen for that purpose as shown in Figure 10 entitled "INFO NOTES". This note-taking page is accessed by tapping on the "INFO NOTE" button. Having explained these program conventions, move- ment by a user through the nested display program may be more readily understood. As shown in Figure 4, a field selection may be selected which initially changes the display to the operations summary by field. These opera¬ tions may also be displayed by the kind of operation as also shown in Figure 11, and more detailed information about the field itself may be obtained by tapping the indicated button which moves the display to Figure 12. As indicated in Figure 13, various operations may be readily added to the displayed page when accessed through the "ADD" button. Furthermore, soil type and crop histo- ry information may be added as shown in Figure 14 by tapping the "ADD" button in the field information display as shown in Figure 12. In adding the operations, addi¬ tional detailed information may be added as shown in Figure 13 which produces one of a number of pop-up dis- plays wherein, for example, the type of tool may be se¬ lected with a multi-pick step (Figure 15) and the field may be selected with a multi-pick step as well, or the crop may be selected (Figure 16). For plant/seed opera¬ tions as shown in Figure 17, the type of seed and other detailed information may be entered through a pop-up screen with a multi-picking step. The other operations may also provide further detailed information as is read¬ ily understood by referring to Figures 15 - 28. As is apparent from the foregoing, a good many of the displays in this software are utilized to collect data entered by the farmer which relate to agricultural operations on selected fields of his farm. This data are entered through a graphic user interface and without the use of a keyboard through the multi-picking convention as previously explained. The tables which are generated for the multi-picking selections are preloaded into the por¬ table computer memory. However, in order to minimize the available choices in various lists, the software includes a subroutine for generating what are called "context sensitive" pop-up lists which eliminate irrelevant or impossible choices through which a farmer must scroll in order to select an appropriate choice. This greatly simplifies the farmer's choices in many instances and is an effective tool for minimizing the amount of time re¬ quired by a farmer to scroll through lists of available choices and make data entry. While the entire software package for the present computer is attached hereto as an exhibit, a "flowchart" of the logic used in eliminating choices for these "context sensitive" scrollable lists is shown in Figure 29. One such set of data involves prod- ucts, such as herbicides which a farmer would typically use in all the various farming operations on his crops. This corresponds to the "products" as shown in the fig¬ ure. Targets are those diseases or infestations which attack the particular crop. Thus, for any particular kind of disease, there are certain products which would be effective thereon and would be selected for display. Also, certain kinds of products are suitable for use during certain growing stages and not others. Thus, depending upon the growing stage, other products would be selected or eliminated. Using this logic, a pop-up list of herbicides could be paired down based on the crop, point in time of its growing season, and the particular disease or infestation identified by the farmer. In addition to the operations data which may be conveniently input through the nested display arrangement as previously explained, weather information may also be input by a farmer using the display as depicted in Figure 30. This weather information includes high and low tem¬ perature as well as any rainfall. Additionally, a calcu- lation may be made to determine growing degree days, as indicated. The display shown in Figure 31 permits entry by a farmer of the various kinds of fields comprising the farm, as well as crop information for each field. Last¬ ly, as shown in the Figure 32, a summary list may be conveniently assembled of all of the farmer's equipment, with further detail for each piece of equipment as de- picted in the pop-up list accessible through the "ADD EQUIP" button. Once added, selection of any line item of equipment will display the same data for reference by the farmer. The foregoing functional explanation of the nested display program for use on a graphic user interface por¬ table computer has been explained. As a further explana¬ tion of the nested display logic, a logic diagram showing the display hierarchy with word descriptors is also in- eluded herewith as Exhibit B. This information will help further explain the nested display hierarchy in order to further ensure a complete understanding of the present invention. Furthermore, the detailed data which is to be used to populate the various pop-up lists, such as soil type, is detailed in Exhibit C. However, these data would be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, readily accessible in well known reference materi¬ als, and a matter of design choice. It is anticipated that this information will be customized with respect to the particular growing area for which the invention will be provided. Not only is this data well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, but it continues to evolve as new herbicides are developed, new soil typing is de¬ termined, new equipment is developed, new seed types are developed, etc. such that the lists which are provided herein are subject to change over time. In order to enter this information into the mobile computer 20, one of several alternatives may be utilized. As explained above, this information may be entered by a customer service function 22 who may provide a data link connecting the mobile computer 20 with a lap top or other computer brought on site by the representative. Alter¬ nately, the information may be downloaded to the farmer's desktop computer 24 through the messaging company 26, or over a data service, and then transferred to the PDA over a data link, such as an RS232 connection. As still an- tain this data and may be inserted into a card slot 40 for a card reader 42 on the mobile computer 20. This is considered to be a matter of design choice for entering base data into the mobile computer 20. Desktop Computer Software The software written and implemented by the inven¬ tors as their preferred embodiment closely emulates the nested display arrangement explained above for the porta¬ ble computer portion of the network. This program is written for operation on a windows platform which pro¬ vides a graphic user interface, with a mouse instead of a stylus, to provide the same "look and feel" to a farmer for ease in learning and operating the system from either computer. Although the display may be configurable at will under the Windows Operating System, it is anticipat¬ ed that it will be loaded and recommended for use by a farmer with a representation of the display being used as an image for approximately half the screen. This repre¬ sentation gives the same "look and feel" of an APPLE® NEWTON® display. Also, a series of buttons along the bottom of the initial display will replicate the same functions as explained above for the portable computer, except that two additional buttons will be provided. The first of these will be labeled "SYNC" and shall provide the added functionality of synchronizing the data in the desktop computer with that in the portable computer. Although any of several paradigms may be utilized, the inventors contemplate giving priority to most recent data over older data when comparisons between data entries demonstrate dissimilarities. Typically, it is antici¬ pated that a farmer will take his portable computer in the field and make various entries indicating completed operations, etc. A farmer may then return to his home or base of operations and connect his portable computer through a data link 44, such as an RS232 connection, to his desktop computer 24, and synchronize the data by actuating the "SYNC" button on the desktop computer 24. This synchronization is not only a preliminary step to transmitting data to the central computer 30, but also serves as a backup for the data contained in the portable computer. Of course, this data may then be further backed up by downloading the data base on diskettes, hard disks, etc. Still another feature of the software for the desktop computer is the ability of the desktop computer to actually manipulate the data contained in the memory of the portable computer. This may be contrasted with other remote access software and data base programs which copy the other computer's data base into the desktop com¬ puter for manipulation. With these other prior art soft- ware packages, the manipulated data base must then be restored or recopied into the portable computer. This extra step may not only be forgotten, but is also subject to translational error which could result in incorrect entries or differences between the two data bases. This, of course, is very undesirable and especially so as this invention may well be used by operators who do not rou¬ tinely utilize computers in farming. Additionally, these other prior art packages are written for, and intend to permit, a smaller capacity computer to access a larger capacity computer, which is the opposite of the implemen¬ tation herein. The second extra button is labeled "NET" and actuating it leads the user through a simplified routine for transmitting data from the desktop computer to the messaging service. In the preferred embodiment, data is communicated to the system server from the desktop com¬ puter in order to implement the invention utilizing ex¬ isting hardware having commercially available capabili¬ ties. However, it is contemplated by the inventors, as is explained above, that communication of data may very well be achieved directly from the portable computer, or either computer, without departing from the scope of this invention. System Server Software The inventors contemplate that any commercially available data base software may be utilized for the sys¬ tem server software. One such example is ORACLE™. As is routinely implemented with any typical data base, client specific information, such as farmers' names, may be suppressed and/or deleted from reports such that anonymi- ty of data may be preserved. This may be an important feature in implementing the present invention as farmers generally are reluctant to provide data concerning the operation of their farm unless they can be assured that such data will remain confidential and anonymous. Imple- menting the client server software appropriately may conveniently ensure this anonymity. Statistical analysis and report generation may be achieved through commercial¬ ly available software as would be well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In developing the present invention, the inventors have focused on the user input portion of their invention and do not anticipate that custom software is needed for implementation as presently conceived. Software Design As shown in Figure 33, the software design for the present invention is detailed as an aid to one of ordi¬ nary skill in the art in implementing the present inven¬ tion. As shown therein, a dotted line circle 200 repre¬ sents the software for the mobile computer, a second dotted line circle 202 represents the software for the fixed platform PC, and a third dotted line circle 204 represents the software implemented in the central com¬ puter, it being understood that the central computer may itself be comprised of a gateway computer in combination with a central computer, or multiple central computers which provide additional capacity for serving increased numbers of users. As shown in Figure 33, many of the functions performed by the software are embedded in the source code. However, there are several functions which have been implemented through flow charts which are included herein as separate figures of the drawings. These are as follows. As shown in Figure 34, an overview of the data delivery from the data bases in the mobile computer and fixed platform PC to the central computer data base is detailed. The mobile computer includes program modules which are flow charted as follows. As shown in Figure 35, the pop-up lists in the mobile computer are populated through a PCMCIA ROM card into an application or RAM card. Datagrams are constructed using the stored program module flow charted in Figure 36. This program is used both in the mobile computer software 200 as well as the fixed platform PC software 202. As shown in Figure 46, data synchronization between the mobile computer and the fixed platform PC may be achieved by merely interconnect¬ ing the two with a data link. The fixed platform PC software 202 includes the "display messages" flow chart of Figure 38 which permits messages communicated to and from the central computer to be displayed on the fixed platform PC. The capability for the fixed platform PC to receive messages through the messaging service is flow charted in Figure 39. The coding and decoding of account numbers to prevent misuse of the messaging service by a user is achieved through the stored program module flow charted in Figure 40. The central computer software 204 includes the analysis and reporting program module flow charted in Figure 37 for handling inquiries from a user and trans¬ mitting reports back to him. The preparation of specific analyses based upon customer inquiry is achieved through the central computer software flow charted in Figure 41. Responding to inquiries is achieved through the software program module flow charted in Figure 42. The parsing and storing of data from datagrams is achieved through the software program module flow charted in Figure 43. Additional, offline news or other information may be entered into the system at the central computer through the software program module flow charted in Figure 44. Privacy of the data contained in the central data base is achieved through the methodology flow charted in Figure 45. There are various changes and modifications which may be made to the invention as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the present disclosure describes the invention in a farming applica- tion where individual farmers are raising crops on their own fields, plantations, orchards, groves, and vineyards, the present invention is readily adaptable and usable for many other "growing" arrangements whether for food or other reasons such as seed crops, ornamentals, etc. These include, but are not limited to, raising cattle in feed lots where the crops are instead herds of cattle and the fields are instead pens; poultry raising operations where chickens are the "crops" and hen houses are the "fields", or similarly for swine or dairy; contract grow- ing arrangements where a major user of "grown" foodstuffs has contracted for the full output of one or more "farms"; and other such situations where it is desired to monitor the growing, raising, breeding or other produc¬ tion of a living organism. However, these changes or modifications are included in the teaching of the disclo¬ sure. EXHIBIT B JnfoLine Application Path Testing Opaque InfoNote Transparent Weather Screen - Go to Weather Screen Hierarchy Go to Page 2 Land Use Screen - Go to Land , Use Screen Hierarchy Go to Page 3 Farm Machinery Table Screen - Oo to Farm Machinery Screen Go to Page 4 Hierarchy Field Selection - Go to Field Selection Screen Hierarchy Go to Page 5 Close Box - Closes InfoLine Application - verified. Weather Screen Path Hierarchy Opaque Close Box Returns to Parent Weather Screen verified InfoNole Transparent Close Box Returns to Parent Wcalher Screen verified Returns to From Dale Select Date Dialog Close Box Weather Calculation verified Dialog Weather - Calculate Button . Calcu e Returns to lation To Dale Select Dat Dialog Dialog Close Bbx Weather Calculation verified Dialog Returns to Close Box Parent Weather verified Screen Returns to Select Date Dialog Close Box Weather C Inform aiion verified _Or Dialog Parent Weather t Returns lo n Screen Hi Lo Table Parent Weather verified 33 Modification Weather Screen C (Tap on Table Inform atlon Line) Dialog Returns to co Parent Screen verified Returns to Parent Wcalher verified Screen Add Data Weather Button In formation Dialog Close Box . Returns to Main InfoLine Screen ' verified Land Use Path Hierarchy Farm Machinery Path Hierarchy Ftπn Machinery Screen Field Selection Dialog Operation Table Modification Path Hierarchy 'Se Specific Opcrauon Screen for paih continuance Tillage Operation Path Hierarchy Returns to the Op« que Close Bon -Tillage Operation - verified Screen InfoNote — I Return! lo the Transparent Close Box ►Tillage Operation - verified Screen Remove Butlon Tillage Tool Tillage Tool Return* lo Table Information Cancel Butlon -Tillage Operation - verified Modification Dialog Screen Returns to Oose Box -Till age Operation - verified Screen Field Information . Returns to Field Picker Close Box -Tillage Operation - Screen Tillage Operation , New Item Tillage Tool 3 Screen Add Button — . Selection Inform aϋon cr3 Dialog Tillage Tool Tβoll Picker CO Retumi to Close Box ► Tillage Operation - Screen Select Date Returns Dialog through , Comple ' ihe Date Planned Close Box Informa field Dialo Select Date ' Return Comple ■ Dialog Ihrough ■ Close Box Informa Completion the Date field Dialo - Enter tnfo Button - Information Dialog Return! to Cancel Button ■■Tillage Operation - verified Screen Returns to Cloae Box . ► Tillage Operation - verified Screen Return! to the -V Close Box -Summary Screen at the ■ verified beginning of thJi path Plant/Seed Operation Path Hierarchy Retumi lo Opaque Close nox - Plant Seed Op • vcrifled Screen InfoNote Returns to Transparent Close Box - PlantΛeed Op • vcrlfled Screen Returns to Remove Button - Plant/Seed vcrlfled Operation Screen Seed Brand/V-rlely Seed/Vtflety Returns 10 f* Table Information Cancel Button - Plant/Seed vorlfled Modification Dialog Operation Screen Relume io Cloie Box Plant/Seed verified Operitlon Screen Returns lo Field Field Information Picker Close Box - Plant/Seed vcrlfled Operation Sctcen Returns to Cancel Butlon Seed Variety v erified Planl/Seed New Item Seed Variety Picker Operation Screen ' Add Butlon Selection Information Dialog Seed Seed Variety Returns to m Picker Close Box Seed/Variety verified co Picker Returns lo Close Box Plint/Seed verified Operation Screen Select Due Returns to Dialog through the Date Planned ' Cloie Box Completion Information verified πeld Dialog Select Date Return) lo Dialog through Cloie Box Completion Completion the Date field lr_orma_on verified -Enter Info Button - Information Dialog Dialog Returns to Cancel Button ► Plant/Seed verified Operation Screen Returns to Close Box Plant/Seed verified Operation Screen Rcutms to Summary Close Box ■ Screen at the beginning • verified of the path c • c * _ Irrigation Operation Path Hierarchy Opaque Close Box Returns to the Irrigation Operation Screen verified InfoNote Retumi to the Irrigation Transparent Close Box Operation Screen verified Returns to the Irrigation Remove Button Operation Screen verified Irrigaiion Additive Table Additive Returns to the Irrigation Modification Information Cancel Operation Screen verified Screen 3D Returns to the Irrigation Close Box Operation Screen verified Returns to Close Box Irrigation vcrllUil Additive Additive Picker C 3 Irrigation Irrigation New Item _π Information Additive Additive Picker Selection ω Dialog Irrigation Retumi lo ω Orx- arion Screen Add Button — H Cancel Button Irrigation verified Additive Picker Returns to Field Information Pield Picker Close Box - Irrigation — verified Operation Screen CO Select Date Returns to Dialog through Completion ' the Dale Planned Close Box Information verified field Dialog Returns lo Select Date Completion - Dialog through Close Box Information verified Completion the Date field Dialog "Enter Info Button • Information Dialog Returns to Cancel Butlon Irrigation Screen verified Retumi to Close Box Irrigation Screen verified Returns to the Close Box ► Summary Screen at the . verified beginning of the path Scouting Path Hierarchy Scouting-Probiem Modification Table Path Hierarchy Returns to the Remove Button Main Scouting verified Screen Disease In j ury Realms to the Scouting Cancel Buαoα Main Scouting verified I foτm__o_ Screen Returns to the Oose Box Main Scouting verified Screen Returns to the R move Buuon Main Scooting verified Screen Insects/Mite. Returns to tbe Scouting Caned Button Main Scouting verified Information Screes Returns lo tbe Oose Box Main Scouting verified Screen Returns lo the Remove Buuoo Main Scouting verified Screen Nemalode Injury Realms lo the Scouting Cancel Buαoα Main Scouting verified Inform— uoα Screen Returns to the OoseBox Main Scouting verified Screen Returns to the Remove Button Main Scouting verified Screen Problem Nutrient Returns to tbe Modification Deficiency Cancel Button Main Scouting Table (Tap oα Scouting verified lme in Table) Screen Information Reαims lo tbe Oose Box Main Scouting verified Screen Returns to the Remove Buuoo Main Scouting verified Screen Other Plant Returns to tbe Injury Scouting Cancel Button Main Scouting verified information Screen Returns to tbe Qose Box Main Scouting verified Screen Returns to the Remove Buttoα Main Scouting verified Screen Weather Injury Returns to the Scouting Cancel Button Main Scouting verified Infoπn&ϋon Screen Returns lo the Oose Box Main Scouung verified Screen Returns to tbe Remove Buuon Main Scouting verified Screen Returns to the Weeds Scouting Cancel Buαon Maul Scouting - " verified Infomiauon Screen Returns lo the Close Box Main Scouting -r- verified Scouting - Add Problem Button Path Hierarchy t f ( f f f f f f f f f f f f Weed Control Path Hierarchy f f t f . f f . f CO O Defoliation/Dessication Path Hierarchy Retumi lo Opiquβ Close Box _ D«fo_t_on/_ _il cition Control verified Screen InfoNote — J Tnnipirent Clot. Box verified Retumi to Remove Button - Defo-itlon/Dcjil - verified citicn Screen Product Tiblo Defotiition/Des-I Relurru to Modifieitlon - cition Control ■ Cineel Buuon " Defoliilion/Dejii - verified In/ormition cition Screen Rctumi to Close Box -DefoU«tion/D_ιι| . verified cition Screen σ Retumi lo < > Oose Box Defoliition/D-ti! eiϋon Control " verified _c New Product Dcfoliiiion/De-si Picker m Selection - cition Control ■ Defoliitlan/Dessl tnfo mition Rctumi to Product - cition Control . Cineel Button • Defollitlon Desii . virlflf 0 Picker _o_ι _on/Dt«lc-_< ! cition Screen c 3r _ Screen Add Button Retumi to _De.o_ιtion/Deιsl Oose Box to cition Control " verified Screen Retumi to Field Field Informt-on Picker Close Box Defoliitlon/De-tl cition Control ' verified Screen Seleet Date Retumi to Diilog through ' the Ditβ Plumed " Close Box Completion tnfomiiiion verified field Di lo_ Select Ditβ Retumi to ■ Diilog through - Close Box Completion Irifoπnitlon verified Completion the Ditβ field Diilog -Enter Info Butlon ■ tnformiilon Dixiog Returns to Defollition/Desil Cineel Button cition Control * verified Screen Retumi to Close Box k D_To_i-on/DesjI cition Control " verified Screen Returns to the dote Box ' Summtr Screen ' verified Harvest Screen Path Hierarchy Optque Cloβe llox Retumi lo Hirveit Screen verified InfoNote — I Trim p« rent Close Box Retumi to Hirveit Screen verified Remove Button Retumi to Hirvesl Screen verified Hirveit Tible Reiumi to Mo ificiUon - Loid Informition - Cineel Button llirvcit Screen verified Close Box Return! lo Hirveit Screen verified m DO Cloie Box Retumi to Locition Picker vri lfled New Locidon Selection - oid Informition - CΛ id t Locition Picker —J Cineel Button Retumi lo Locition Screen vi i Ifli ' d Huv ert Screen Add Button —J Cloβe Box Retumi lo III rve-t Screen verified CO Field Field Infomiitlon Picker Cloiβ Box Retumi 10 Hi rvest Screen verified Select Dile Return! lo Diilog through * the Dite Plumed * Close Box Completion Informition verified field Diilog Select Diu Return! lo • Diilog through - Cloβe Box Completion Completion the Dile fleld Inform i U on verified -Enter Info Button - Informition Diilog Diilog Cineel Buuon Retumi lo Hirvest Screen verified Close Box Retumi to Hirveit Screen verified Retumi to the Qoie Box _ Sumπuiy Screen ' it the beginning " verified of the pith By Operation-Operation Summary II Path Hierarchy Field Information Path Hierarchy Opique Close Box Returns to Field Informition Screen verified, InfoNote - Trtnsp-rent Close Box Bick to Field Informition Screen ver fied Remove Returns lo Buuon Field verified Soil Type Soil Type Cineel Returns lo Tible Inform-Uon Buuon Field verified Close Box Returns io Field verified Cunccl Returns to ified , Crop History Buuon ver "Picker Screen ' n Crop History Crop History New It m Bullon Picker Selection -T Informition < Close Box Returns to verified "Picker Screen ' Close Box Reiurns to - verified Field Info Field Field zx> By Op Button Z Button Inform ilion Soil Type Crop History Bick lo Soil i Button verified r—π Button Type Lθ Cineel Returns lo New Item Soil Type Button verified , "Picker Screen ' Selection Informition Soil Type Soli Type Returns to Picker ox verified. "Picker Screen ' _ Close Box Returns lo " Close B Field verified Add Butlon Cineel Returns to Crop History Button " Picker Screen ' voriπed_ Crop History Crop History New Item Informition Buuon Picker Selection Close Box Returns to verified "Picker Screen ' Close Box -c Returns to Field verified t. Close Box Returns to the O «r»_o_s Summiry verified U Screen Add Operation Button Path Hierarchy Add Op. Button k See Specific Operation Screen for path continuance Example of TCS for a Calculation Equation: lbs /bushel Calculation Crop Weight (in lbs / bushel) lbs / bushel @ Standard = * 100 [100 - (% Moisture)] where Crop Weight = 47.3 lbs/bushel for Corn Crop Weight = 52.2 lbs/bushel for Soybeans Variable Names: Crop Weight, % Moisture, lbs /bushel @ Standard Test Value Table: EXHIBIT C Confidential The Monsanto InfoLine Newton Application Pop-up Lists Table of Contents Extras Drawer ScreerL...........— ..........---................— . — ........ . ................1 InfoLine Map Screen.......... „— ... ...................--.........—..—♦........—..... — ...1 Field Selection Dialog 1 Weather Scree — -. — .....— -» 1 Weather Calculation Dialog 1 Land Use Screen 2 Ivlciixi Screen „...,„....,,, ,««»■_«.-_.__.-_-...._«_. »....«_ .___.■■ ■--.■_■■....n-..... Crop Information Dialog.. -_ Farm Madbinery Screen 2 Field Operations Summary Screen L.. . 2 Main Screen.....-..— -.— — _...-..- ^ ....._._».................„........--2 Crop Information Dialog. — . — .. . 3 (Change) Field Selection Dialog 3 Operation Selection Dialog 4 Field Operations Summary Screen II ._~~ . .___... ..... —.4 Main Screen . 4 (Change) Operation Selection Dialog ~. — 4 Field Selection Dialog . .4 Field Information Screen — .~.~~~~...-~. Soil Type Information Dialog 8 Cropping Histoiy Information Dialog 11 Tillage Operation Screen — -~~— 12 Main Screen - ~. ....—-. _„ 12 Tillage Tool Information Dialog 13 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog. 14 Nutrient Application Screen..-~~~~..- ~~~. ~. 14 Fertilizer Information Dialog 15 Lime Information Dialog.......................... — ....................—........................15 Organic Nutrient Information Dialog 15 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog 16 Plant/Seed Screen 16 Main Screen ............ —..—........ — — .... — ... — .............................. — ............16 Seed/Variety Information Dialog 17 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog 18 Irrigation Screen. 18 Main Screen........—-......——...—. — ~ — • — . — . — ....... — ......... — . — .—18 Irrigation Additive Information Dialog _.._20 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog _21 Scouting Screen _21 49 Main Screen — -21 Disease Injury Information Dialog -22 Insects/Mites Information Dialog -22 Nematode Injury Information Dialog 23 Nutrient Deficiency Information Dialog 24 Other Plant Injury Information Dialog __8 Weather Injury Information Dialog 29 Weed Information Dialog. — ~29 Fungus/Disease Control Screen 31 Main Screen 31 Fungus/Disease Target Information Dialog 32 Fungus/Disease Control Information Dialog 32 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog 35 Weed Control Screen 35 Main Screen — 35 Weed Target Information Dialog 36 Weed Control Information Dialog 38 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog .42 Insect/Mite Control Screen 42 Main Screen .42 Insect/Mite Target Information Dialog 43 Insect/Mite Control Information Dialog .44 Date Plaimed/Completed Information Dialog 47 Other Pest Control Screen 48 Main Screen 48 Other Pest Target Information Dialog 49 Other Pest Control Information Dialog 49 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog. 49 Defoliation/Desiccation Screen 50 Main Screen 50 Defoliation/Desiccation Product Information Dialog 51 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog. 51 Harvest Operation Screen 52 Load Information Dialog — . 52 Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog. 52 Screen name: Extras Drawer Screen No lists or pop-ups for this screen Screen name: InfoLine Map Screen Field Selection Dialog The list of the names of the grower's fields Screen name: Weather Screen Main Screen Year Button label Contains tiie different years entered in tire date field entered in the "Weather Calculation Dialog." Farm or Region Button label Farm Region Weather Calculation Dialog System Pop-up Contains tiie name of the types of Growing Degree Day Systems Weather Dialog Temperature Unit o °C Rainfall Unit In. Cm. Screen name: Land Use Screen Main Screen Total Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Year Button label Contains the different years entered in the "Harvest Year" field entered in the "Crop Information Dialog." Crop Information Dialog Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Screen name: Farm Machinery Scree No lists or pop-ups for this screen Screen name: Field Operations Summary Screen I Main Screen Total Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Harvest Year Button label Contains the different years entered in either the "Date Planned: " or "Completed By: Date: " field entered in the "Date Pianned/Completed Information Dialog." Crop Information Dialog Total Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergenoe Cotyledons VC - Hrst Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V - Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Area Planted Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Yield Goal Unit Pop-up Bushels (Change) Field Selection Dialog The list of the names of the grower's fields Operation Selection Dialog Tillage Plant/Seed Nutrient Application Irrigation Scouting Fungus/Disease Control Weed Control Insect/Mite Control Other Pest Control Defoliation/Desiccation Harvest Screen name: Field Operations Summary Screen II Main Screen Harvest Year Button label Contains the different years entered in either the "Date Planned: " or "Completed By: Date: " field entered in tiie "Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog." (Change) Operation Selection Dialog Tillage Plant/Seed Nutrient Application Irrigation Scouting Fungus/Disease Control Weed Control Insect/Mite Control Other Pest Control Defoliation/Desiocation Harvest Field Selection Dialog The list of the names of the grower's fields Screen name: Field Information Screen Main Screen Total Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Conservation # Pop-up Conservation Practice # Practice 425 Waste Storage Pond 428 Irrigation Water Conveyance 428-A Non reinforced Concrete, Ditch and Canal 428-B Hexible Membrane, Ditch and Canal Lining 428-C Galvanized Steel, Ditch and Canal Lining 430 Pipeline 430-AA Aluminum Tubing, Pipeline 430-BB Asbestos-Cement, Pipeline 43 -CC Non reinforced Concrete, Pipeline 430-DD High-Rtes-ure, Underground, Plastic, Pipeline 430-GG Reinforced Plastic Mortar, Pipeline " 430-HH Rigid Gated Pipeline 430-EE Low-Rressure, Underground, Plastic, Pipeline 430-FF Steel, Pipeline 436 Iπigatioα Storage Reservoir 441 Trickle Irrigation System 442 Sprinkler Irrigation System 443 Surface and Subsurface Irrigation System 447 Irrigation System, Tail Water Recovery 449 Irrigation Water Management 451 Fire Control, Land Reclamation 452 Shaft and Audit Posing, Land Rr amation 453 Landslide., Land Reclamation 454 Subsidence Treatment, Lai l Reclamation 455 Toxic Discharge Control, Land Reclamation 456 HighwaH Treatment, Land Reclamation 460 I and Clearing 462 Precision Land Forming 464 Irrigation Land Leveling 466 Land Smoothing 468 lined Waterway or Outlet 472 livestock Exclusion 482 Mole Drain 484 Mulching 490 Woodland Site Preparation 500 Obstruction Removal 510 Pasture and Hay___d Management 512 Pasture and Hay__nd Planting 516 Pipeline 521 Pond Sealing or Lining 521-A Flexible Membrane 521-B Soil Dispersant 521-C Bcntoπite Sealant 521-D Cationic Emulsion-Waterborne Sealant 521 -E Asphalt-Sealed Fabric liner 528 Proper Grazing Use 530 Proper Woodland Grazing 532 Pumped Well Drain 533 Pumping Plant for Water Control 543 Land Reconstruction, Abandoned Mined Land 544 Land Reconstruction, Currently Mined Land 548 Grazing Land Mechanical Treatment 550 Range Seeding 552 Irrigation Pit or Regulating Reservoir 552-A Irrigation Pit 552-B Regulating Reservoir 554 Reculating Water in Drainage Systems Soil Type Information Dialog Soil Type Name Pop-up list (for Pennsylvania) Albrights Alden Allegheny Allen ood Allis Alvira Andσver Andover Variant Armagh Arnot Ashton Atherton Atkins Atkins Variant Baile Variant Barbour Basher Basher Variant Bath Bedford Bedington Benson Berks Birdsboro Blairton Braceville Brandy ine Brinkerton Buchanan Calvin Canadice Canfield Cavode Cavode Variant Chagrin Chavies Chenango Chester Chippe a Qarksburg Qymer Comly Conestoga Conotton Cookport Croton Dekalb Duffield Duffield Variant Duncaπnon Dunning Dunning Variant Edgemont Edam Edom Variant Elk Elliber Empeyville Ernest Evendale Erankstown Gilpin GinatGlenville Guernsey Guthrie Hagerstown Halsey Hartleton Hartsells Hazleton Highfield Hollinger Holly Holston Hublersburg Huntington Kanona Kedron linesville reamer Lacka wanna Laidig Lakin Lawrence Lawrence Variant Lawrenceville Leadville Leek Kill Leetonia Lehew Lickdale linden Lindside Litz Lobdell Lordstown Mardin Markes Meckesville Melvin Mertz Middlebury Millheim Monongahela Montalto Montevallo Morris Morrison Murrill Neshaminy Newark Nolin Nolo Norton Norwich Opequon Oquaga Oπville Pekin Variant Penlaw Perm Phelps Variant Philo Pope Pope Variant Purdy Raritan Ravenna Rayne Readington Red Hook Rexford Rushtown Ryder Sciotville Sequatchie Sheffield Shelmadine Shelocta Swartswood Tioga Tiogan Tunkannock Tygart Tyler Unadilla Ungers Upshur Urbana Vanderlip Volusia Warners Washington Washington Variant Watson Wayland Weikert Wellsboro Weilston Westmoreland Wharton Wharton Variant Wheeling Wooster Worsham Worth Wintsboro Wyalusing Wyoming Zipp Zoar NOTE: WE DO NOT HAVE ANY SOIL TYPE NUMBERS Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Soil Conservation pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Slope pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Soil Structure pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Cropping History Information Dialog Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Yield Goal Unit Pop-up Bushels Screen name: Tillage Operation Screen Main Screen Total Area Unit Pop-up Acres Hectares Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - First Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V 4- Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed • R8 - Full Maturity Soil Moisture pop-up Saturated, wetter than field capacity 100% available (field capacity, for s a ball, but no free water) 75%-100% (sticks together, but the ball breaks easily) 50%-75% (will not form a ball) Less than 50% Wet Moist Dry Dry on Top, Wet Below Soil Tilth pop-up Compacted Crusted Crumbly Powdery Loose Granular Low Qoddiness Medium Qoddiness High Qoddiness Residue —_.... after Operation Values (Pop-up list interface may not be used) 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Tillage Tool Information Dialog Tillage Tool List Moldboard plow V ripper/subsoiler Disk-subsoiler Chisel Plow with straight spike points Chisel Plow with twisted points or shovels Coulter-chisel plow with straight spike points Coulter-chisel plow with twisted points or shovels Offset disk harrow - heavy plowing >10" spacing Tandem disk harrow - primary cutting >9" spacing Tandem disk harrow - finishing 7" to 9" sparing Tandem disk harrow - light disking after harvest Held cultivator - as primary tillage operation - sweeps 12" to 20" Held cultivator - as primary tillage operation - sweeps or shovels 6" to 12" Held cultivator - as secondary tillage operation- sweeps 12" to 20" (30 to 50 cm) wide Held cultivator - as secondary tillage operation- sweeps or shovels 6" to 12" (15 to 30 cm) wide Combination Finishing tools with: Disks, shanks, and leveling attachments Combination Finishing tools with: Spring teeth and rolling baskets Anhydrous ammonia applicator Drill, conventional Drill, No-till Conventional planter No-till planters with ripple coulters No-till planters with fluted coulters Ridge-till planter Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Farm Machinery table. Screen name: Nutrient Application Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa TimingfCrop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Stiks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - First Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Fertilizer Information Dialog Rate of Material Unitpop-up Do not have any pop-up data Application Method pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Custom Applied pop-up Yes No Incorporated into the Soil pop-up Yes No lime Information Dialog Rate of Material Unitpop-up Do not have any pop-up data Application Method pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Custom Applied pop-up Yes No Incorporated into the Soil pop-up Yes No Organic Nutrient Information Dialog Rate of Material Unit pop-up Do not have any pop-up data O 95/24688 65 Application Method pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Custom Applied pop-up Yes No Incorporated into the Soil pop-up Yes No Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Faπn Machinery table. Screen name: Plant/Seed Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Soil Temperature Unit pop-up β F *C Soil Temperature at Depth Unit pop-up in. cm. Soil Moisture pop-up Saturated, wetter than field capacity 100% available (field capacity, forms a ball, but no free water) 75%-100% (sticks together, but the ball breaks easily) 50%-75% (will not form a ball) Less than 50% Wet Moist Dry Dry on Top, Wet Below Soil Tilth pop-up Compacted Crusted Crumbly Powdery Loose Granular Low Qoddiness Medium Qoddiness High Qoddiness Seed/Variety Information Dialog Seed/Variety list Do not have any data for this list Rate of Material Unitpop-up (For Corn) Seeds/ Acre (For Soybean) Seeds/ Acre (preferred) lbs/ Acre Area Seeded Unit pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Depth Unit pop-up in. cm. Seed Treated pop-up Do not have any pop-up data. (Harold will provide at a later date). Row Width Unit pop-up in. an. Spacing Unit pop-up in. cm. Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Farm Madiinery table. Screen name: Irrigation Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - First Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Soil Temperature Unit pop-up β F °C Soil Temperature at Depth Unit pop-up in. cm. Soil Moisture pop-up Saturated, wetter than field capacity 100% available (field capacity, forms a ball, but no free water) 75%-100% (sticks togetiier, but the ball breaks easily) 50%-75% (will not form a ball) Less than 50% Wet Moist Dry Dry on Top, Wet Below Soil Tilth pop-up Compacted Crusted Crumbly Powdery Loose Granular Low Qoddiness Medium Qoddiness High Qoddiness Method Pop-up list (for Irrigation screen) Center Pivot Big Gun Hood type Furrow type Trickle Drip Sub-surface Wind Speed Unit Pop-up list MPH (miles per hour) 69 Direction Pop-up list N NE E SE S SW W NW Irrigation Additive Information Dialog Irrigation Additive List Harold imoertain about what is needed in the list of Additives -we need clarification from Monsanto. Additives Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/Acre Quarts/Acre Pints/Acre Ounαes/Acre Ib./Acre Irrigation Carrier Pop-up List Harold uncertain about what is needed in the list of Carriers -we need clarification from Monsanto. Carrier Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/Acre Quarts/Acre Pints/Acre Ounαes/Acre Ib./Acre Water Rate Unit Pop-up list inches/ Acre (grower's call it "Acre/inches") Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Farm Machinery table. Screen name: Scouting Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing! Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - Hrst Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Soil Condition pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Crop Population Unit pop-up Do not have any pop-up data Disease Injury Information Dialog Disease list (Same as Fungiάde/Disease Target list) Region pop-up a - b c d e f g h i j (Calculated Unit from Row Width) # plants/10 ft of Row (i.e., # plants / 10 ft) # plants/square foot Severity pop-up High Medium Low Insects/Mites Information Dialog Insect/Mite list (Same as Insect/Mite Target list) Region pop-up a b c d e f ε h i j (Calculated Unit from Row Width) # bugs/10 ft of Row (i.e., # bugs / 10 ft) # bugs/square foot Severity pop-up High Medium Low Nematode Injury Information Dialog Nematode list Soybean Cyst Nematode Region pop-up a b c d e f g h (Calculated Unit from Row Width) # plants/10 ft of Row (i.e., # plants / 10 ft) # plants/square foot Severity pop-up High Medium Low Nutrient Deficiency Information Dialog Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms list Additional Symptoms for Corn Nutrient Deficiency Phosphate Shortage reddish purple leaves, particularly on young plants Potash Defidency a firing or drying along the tips and edges of lowest leaves Nitrogen Hunger yellowing that starts at tip and moves along middle of leaf Magnesium Defidency whitish strips along the veins and often purplish color on tiie underside of the lower leaves Potash Shortage ears with poorly filled tips and loose chaffy kernels Phosphate Shortage ears are small, often are twisted and with undeveloped kernels. Nitrogen Defidency ears are small and protein content is low. Kernels at tips do not fill Nitrogen (N) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) stunted plants with light green color poor nodulation on roots Symptoms (Corn) Stunted, spindly plants with light green or yellowish- green color V-shaped yellowing of lower (older) leaves starting at the leaf tips Phosphorus (P) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Slow growth and stunted plants Symptoms (Corn) Stunted plants with purpling or reddening of leaves on young plants ^ Twisted ears with irregular kernel rows and imperfectly developed tips Dark green to bluish-green appearance to whole field Potassium (TO Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Reddening, yellowing, and dying of leaf margins on lower leaves Ragged appearance of older leaves Stunting and slow growth Envelopment of purple seed stain Symptoms (Corn) Yellowing and dying of leaf margins on lower leaves beginning at the tip Late-season lodging Ears may be small with pointed, poorly filled tips Sulfur (S) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) New leaves remain pale yellow-green several days, then turn normal green Symptoms (Corn) Stunted, spindly plants with light green color Upper leaves show light green color first Interveinal yellowing or striping of leaves Magnesium (Mg) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) No symptoms occur in Indiana Symptoms (Corn) Young .plants have yellow to white interveinal striping Older leaves become reddish, purple and tips and margins my die Copper (Cu) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Symptoms rarely occur Symptoms (Corn) Ηps of newly emerged leaves yellow and die Leaf tips may wither and turn gray Leaves may twist backward Symptoms rarely occur Iron (Fe) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) High pH soil with free lime in surface soil Stunting - interveinal yellowing of leaves Some varieties more susceptible Symptoms (Corn) High pH soil with free lime in surface soil Stunting - interveinal yellowing of young leaves Boron (B) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Low Yield Poor quality seed Symptoms (Corn) Short, bent cobs Barren ears or blank stalks Poor kernel development Molybdenum (Mo) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Ineffective nodules on roots result in N defidency symptoms Symptoms (Corn) No defidendes in Indiana Manganese (Mn) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Interveinal yellowing of upper leaves, stunting Interveinal yellowing of whole plant Symptoms (Corn) Light green colored leaves Slight yellowish stripe on upper leaves No pronounoed symptoms Zinc (Zn) Deficiency Symptoms (Soybeans) Stunting of young plants with interveinal yellowing Upper leaves are small Leaves become bronzed with dead tissue between veins Symptoms (Corn) Stunting and interveinal striping on leaves Emerging leaves show a whitish colored band starting in from leaf edge to the midrib while leaf edge, tip and midrib stay green Region pop-up a b c d e f h i j Severity pop-up High Medium Low Other Plant Injuiy Information Dialog Other Plant Injury list Grain Injury Leaf Injury Stalk Injury Root Injury Seedling Injury Pod Injury Ear Injury Region pop-up a b c d e f g h i j . (Calculated Unit from Row Width) # plants/10 ft of Row (i-e v # plants / 10 ft) # plants/square foot Severity pop-up High Medium Low Weather Injury Information Dialog Weather Injury list Frost/Freeze Damage Hail Damage Wind Damage Sand Blasting Damage Drought Damage Region pop-up a b c d e f g h i j (Calculated Unit from Row Width) # plants/10 ft of Row (i.e., # plants / 10 ft) # plants/square foot Severity pop-up High Medium Low Weed Information Dialog Weed list (Same as Weed Control Target list) Region pop-up a b c d e f g h i i (Calculated Unit from Row Width) # plants/10 ft of Row (Le., # plants / 10 ft) # plants/square foot Severity pop-up High Medium Low Screen name: Fungus/Disease Control Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/ Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassd Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - first Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Wind Speed Unit Pop-up list MPH (miles per hour) Direction Pop-up list N NE E SE S SW W NW Method Pop-up list (for Fungus/Disease Control screen) Seed Applied Soil Applied Foliar Applied Fungus Disease Target Information Dialog Fungus/Disease Target list (for Corn) Northern corn leaf blight Bacterial leaf blight Gray leaf spot Stalk rot Eyespot disease Northern leaf spot Anthracnose Maize Dwarf Mozaic Gibberella Northern Corn Leaf Blight Southern Corn Leaf Blight Grey Leaf Spot Stewart's EUsease Leaf Blight Seedling Blight Fusarium Diplodia Charcoal Rot Northern Corn Leaf Spot Anthracnose Pythium (For Soybeans) Brown spot White mold Pythium Brown Spot Brown Stem Rot Sudden Death Syndrome Phyllosticta Phytophthora Root Rot Rhizoctonia Root Rot Soybean Mozaic Bud Blight Downy Mildew Bacterial Leaf Blight Bacterial Pustule Pod and Stem Blight Charcoal Root Rot Stem Canker Sderotinia Stem Rot Purple Seed Stain Fungus/Disease Control Information Dialog Fungus/Disease Control list (for Corn) Mancozeb Maneb Busan30A Meta -sodium Nusan30EC TCMTB Gustafson RTU-PCNB Gustafson Apron-terrachlor PCNB + Metalaxyl Thiram 300 Captan Carboxin Matalaxyl Baytan 30 (for Soybeans) Granox P-F-M Maneb + Captan Chipman Maneb Mancozeb Chloroneb 65W blights Kinkaid Methoxychlor + Captan Gustafson RTU-CNB phythophthoraCNB Rhizoctonia Vitavax PCNB phythophthoraCNB + CarboxinRhizoctonia Apron-terrachlor phythophthoraCNB + Metalaxyl p, phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Thiabendazole + Captan Thiabendazole + Thiram Thiram Thiram + Carboxin Captan Metalaxyl phytophthora Carboxin + Captan Carboxin Metalaxyl Nu Grow Delta Coat NOTE: We do not have EPA #'s Additive pop-up list Buffering Agent Compatibility Agent Crop Oil Crop Oil Concentrate Drift Control Agent Foam Suppressant Petroleum Oils Paraffin Oils Naphtha Oils Non-ionic surfactants Anionic surfactants Cationic surfactants Spreader Sticker Spreader/Sticker Cottonseed Oil Peanut Oil Soybean Oil Sunflower Oil Vegetable Oil Concentrate Wetting Agent (NOTE: There are product names for each of these listed. We do not currently have the list of these product names. Harold believes that we need to get these product names from chemical experts). Additives Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/ Acre Quarts/ Acre Pints/Acre Ouno-s/Acre lb./ Acre Fungus/Disease Control Carrier Pop-up List Water UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate) Other Liquid Fertilizers Carrier Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/ Acre Quarts/ Acre Pints/ Acre Ounces/ Acre lb./Acre Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Faπn Machinery table. Screen name: Weed Control Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whorl V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - First Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Wind Speed Unit Pop-up list MPH (miles per hour) Direction Pop-up list N NE E SE S SW W NW Method Pop-up list (for Weed Control screen) Broadcast Banded Directed Spray Pre-plant Incorporated Bum Down Post Emergence Spot Treatment Weed Target Information Dialog Weed Target list (For Corn and soybeans) Barnyardgrass Crabgrass Fall panicum Giant foxtail Yellow foxtail Woolly cupgrass Sandbur Shattercane Volunteer corn Volunteer cerial Downy brome Johnsongrass (seedling) Johnsongrass (1st application) Regrowth (2nd application) Quackgrass (1st application) Regrowth (2nd application) Wirestern muhly (1st application) Regrowth (2nd application) Barnyardgrass Crabgrass Fall Panicum Giant Foxtail Yellow Foxtail Green Foxtail Wooly Cupgrass Sandbur Shattercane Volunteer Com Volimteer Cereal Downy Brome Johnsongrass (seedling) Johnsongrass (established-lst AppUcation) Johnsongrass (established-Regrowth) Quackgrass (established-lst Application) Quackgrass (established-Regrowth) Wirestem Muhly Witchgrass Velvetleaf Black Nightshade Redroot Pigweed Pennsylvannia Smart Weed Common Ragweed Giant Ragweed Cocklebur Jimsonweed Ivyleaf Morningglory Common Lambsquarters Tall Morningglory Field Bindweed Hedge Bindweed Honeyvine Milkweed Prickly Sida Hemp Dogbane Canada Thistle Common Milkweed Jerusulam Artichoke Yellow Nutsedge Shattercane Wild Proso Millet Wild Sunflower Burcucumber Hairy Vetch Alfalfa (For Corn) Bindweed Bigroot morningglory Canada thistle Common milkweed and hemp dogbane Honeyvine milkweed Jerusalem artichoke Swamp smartweed Yellow nutsedge Rhizome or seedling johnsongrass Quackgrass (For Soybean) Bindweed Canada thistle Common milkweed and hemp dogbane Jerusalem artichoke Swamp smartweed Yellow nutsedge Rhizome or seedling johnsongrass Quackgrass Wirestem muhly Weed Control Information Dialog Weed Control list (For Corn and Soybeans) Poast Plus IDE (sethoxydim) Assure II 0.88E (quizalofop) Fusilade 2000 IE (fluazifop-P) Fusion 2_56E (fluazifop + fenoxaprop) Option II 07 E (fenoxaprop) Seled 2E (dethodim) Roundup (glphosate) (For Corn) Bindweed 24D ester 24D amine 2,4-D 3 3E Accent 75DF Atrazine, Aatrex 4L/90DF Banvel S Basagran 4E Beacon 75DF Bicep όL Bladex 4L/90DF Bronoo4E Buctril 2E Buctril + atrazine 3L Bullet 4L Qarity 4S Crσpstarl5G Cyde 4L Deploy 95DF Dual βE Eradicane 6.7 E Eradicane Extra 6E Evik δOW Extra__ne U 4L/90DF Gramoxone Extra 25S Laddok 333L Lariat 4L Lasso 4EC Lorox Marksman 3_ZL Micro-Tech 4L Partner 65WDG Princep, Simazine 4L/90DF Prowl 4E/33E Pursuit 2AS Ramrod 4L Ramrod and Atrazine Ranger 2_7L Roundup 4L Stinger 3SC Sutan+ 67E Sutazine 6ME/18-6G 2,4-D 2,4-D amine Banvel Laddok Buctril Buctril + Atrazine Stinger Roundup Basagran 2,4-D ester 2,4-D+ Banvel Banvel + 2,4-D Beacon Sutan+, Eradicane Laddok Lasso Dual Accent Eradicane Extra Eradican (For Soybeans) Assure π θ.8E Basagran 4E Blazer 2E Bronco 4E Butyrac 2002E Canopy 75DF Classic 25DF Cobra 2E Command 4E Commence 525E Cropstar l jG Deploy 95DF Dual βE Fusilade 20001 E Fusion 2J66E Galaxy 3.67S Gramoxone Extra 25S Lasso 4EC Lex me 75DF LoroxSODF Miαo-Tech 4L Partner 65WDG Passport 2_6E Pmnade 25DF Poast SE PoastHus l E Preview 75DF Prowl 4E/33E Pursuit 2AS Pursuit Plus 3AS Ranger 2_7L Reflex 2LC Roundup 4L Salute4EC Scepter T. 5AS Select 2E Sencor75DF/4L Sonalan 3E Squadron 233E Stinger 3SC Storm 4S Sutan+6 E Sutazine6ME/18-6G Treflan, Tri-4, Trific, Trilin 4E Tri-Scept 3E Turbo 8E Bugle/Option II OJxSE Blazer Cobra Basagran Roundup Pursuit Classic Lasso Dual Scepter Assure ll Poast Plus Select Fusilade Option II Fusion Fisopm Additive pop-up list Buffering Agent Compatibility Agent Crop Oil Crop Oil Concentrate Drift Control Agent Foam Suppressant Petroleum Oils Paraffin Oils Naphtha Oils Non-ionic surfactants Anionic surfactants Cationic surfactants Spreader Sticker Spreader /Sticker Cottonseed Oil Peanut Oil Soybean Oil Sunflower Oil Vegetable Oil Concentrate Wetting Agent (NOTE: There are product names for each of these listed. We do not currently have the list of these product names. Harold believes that we need to get these product names from chemical experts). Additives Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/Acre Quarts/ Acre Pmts/Aαre Ounoes/Acre Ib./Acre Weed Control Carrier Pop-up List Water UAN (Urea Ammonium Nitrate) Other Liquid Fertilizers Carrier Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/ Acre Quarts/ Acre Pints/ Acre Ounces/Acre lb./Acre Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Farm Machinery table. Screen name: Insect Mite Control Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleσptϊle V2 -2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whori VI2 - 12 Leaves, Late Whori VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - First Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- Fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2 - Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Wind Speed Unit Pop-up list MPH (miles per hour) Direction Pop-up list N NE E SE S SW W NW Method Pop-up list (for Insect/Mite Control screen) Broadcast Banded In Furrow Foliar Application Aerial Application Irrigation Water Application T-Banding Baits Seed Placement Insect/Mite Target Information Dialog Insect/Mite Target list (For Corn) A mywoπn, Insurance Armyworm, Responsive Corn rootwoπn, Beetle Com rootworm. Larva Cutworm, Insurance Cutworm, Responsive European com borer, 1st generation European com borer, 2nd generation Flea beetle Garden symphylan Seed com maggon Slugs Common stalk borer Wireworm, Broadcase Wireworm, Row White grubs Sodwebwσπn Conn leaf aphid Japanese beetle (adult) Fall armyworm Billbug Army Worm Fall Army Worm Black CufWoπn Brown Stink Bug Corn Leaf Aphid Corn Rootworm (adult - Northern) Com Rootworm (adult - Soutiiem) Corn Rootworm (adult - Western) Com Rootworm (larvae) Spotted Cucumber Beetle Striped Cucumber Beetle Ccxrn Earwσrm Stalk Borer Corn Hea Beetle Maize Billbug European Com Borer Grasshopper Japanese Beetle Seed Maggot Wire Worm White Grub Twospotted Spider Mite (For Soybeans) Green doverworm Japanese beetle Mexican bean beetle Seed co maggot Two-spotted spider mite Potato leafhopper Bean Leaf Beetle (spotted) Bean Leaf Beetle (non-spotted) Grasshopper Japanese Beetle Green Qover Worm Soybean Thriphs Green Stink Bug Twospotted Spider Mite Mexican Bean Beetle Seed Maggot Wire Worm White Grub Insect/Mite Control Information Dialog Insect/Mite Control list (For Corn) Baάllus thuringiensis Carbaryl, Sevin 80SP Carbaryl, Sevin 4F Carbaryl, Sevin XLR+ Carbofuran (Furadan 15G) Carbofuran (Furadan 4F) Chloropyrifos (Lorsban 4E) Qtioropyrifos (Lorsban 15G) Diazinon (14G & 15W) Diazinon (AG 500) esfenvalerate (Asana XL 0.66EC) fonofos (Dyfonate II 20G) fonofos (Dyfonate π 10G) fonofos (Dyfonate 4E) Malathion (57% EL) Metaldehyde (Deadline Bullets) Methomyl (Lannate L) Metiiomyl (Lannate LV) Metiiomj. (Lannate 90SP) Methoxydilor (2EC) Methoxychlor (4L) PenncapM Permethrin (Ambush 2.0EC) Permethrin (Ambush 25W/WSP) Permethrin (Pounce 3.2EC) Permethrin (Pounce 25W/WSB) Permethrin (Pounoe 1_3G) Phorate (Thimet 20G) Phorate (Thimet 15G) terbufos (Counter 15G) terbufos (Counter 20GR) trichlorofon (Dylox) trichlorofon (Proxol 80SP Planter-box seed Tefluthrin (Force 15G) Ambush Asana XL Lannate Lorsban Malathion Pencap-M Pounce Seven Force Di-syston Meta-Systox-R Thimet Counter Dyfonate II Diazinon Slam Furadan Cygon Dimethoate Agrox DL+ Isotox Kemal Guard Comite (For Soybeans) acephate (Orti ene 75SP) aldicarb (Temik 15G) azinphos-menthyi (Guthion 35WP) Bacillus thuringeinsis carbaryl carbofuran (Furadan 4F) chloropyrofos (Lorsban 4E) dimethoate (Cygon 400) esfenvalerate (Asana XL 0-36EC) malathion methomyl (Lannate SP, 90SP, L, LV) meflioxychlor 2ED or'25W/WSP, Pounce 3.2EC or 25WP/WSP) methoxychlor 2EC or 4L Penncap-M Permethrin (Ambush 2EC or 25W/WSP, Pounoe 32EC or 25WP/WSP) Planter-box treatment (contains lindane or Diazinon) sulprofos (Bolstar 6E) thiocarb (Larvϊn 3.2) tralomethrin (Scout 03EC) Larvin Bacillus Thuringiensis (DiPel) Guthion Lindane Additive pop-up list Do not have any pop-up data Additives Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/Acre Quarts/Acre Pints/ Acre Ounces/Acre Vb./Acre Carrier Pop-up List Do not have any pop-up data Carrier Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/Acre Quarts/ Act- Pints/ Acre Ounces/ Acre lb./ Acre Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Farm Machinery table. Screen name: Other Pest Control Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Colecptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whori V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whori V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassel Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergenoe Cotyledons VC - first Node, Unif liates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V4- fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2-Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Wind Speed Unit Pop-up list MPH (miles per hour) Direction Pop-up list N NE E SE S sw w NW Method Pop-up list (for Insect/Mite Control screen) Broadcast Banded Baits Fumigation Other Pest Target Information Dialog Pest Control Target list Slugs Soybean Cyst Nematode Wooddiudc/Groundhog Ground Squirrel field Mouse blackbirds Other Pest Control Information Dialog Other Pest Control list Te ik (some control for Nematodes) Fumigation witix Aluminum Phosphide or gas Cartridges (woodchuck, Ground Squirrels and fidd Mice) Shooting (woodchuck. Ground Squirrels and field Mice) live trapping (woodchuck. Ground Squirrels and fidd Mice) Zinc Phosphide Grain for Bait (Non-crop areas only) (Ground Squirrel) Avitrol (Blackbird - Chemical Repellent) Noise Repellent (Blackbird) Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of titis pop-up list is obtained from the Farm Machinery table. Screen name: Defoliation/Desiccation Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Timing/Crop Stage Pop-up list (For Corn) VE - Emergence Coleoptile V2 - 2 Leaves V4 - 4 Leaves, Early Whorl V8 - 8 Leaves, Mid Whori V12 - 12 Leaves, Late Whorl VT- Tassd Rl - Silks Pollination R6 - Maturity (For Soybeans) VE - Emergence Cotyledons VC - first Node, Unifoliates V2- Third Node, Two Trifoliates V - fifth Node, Four Trifoliates R2-Full Bloom R5- Beginning seed R8 - Full Maturity Wind Speed Unit Pop-up list MPH (miles per hour) Direction Pop-up list N NE E SE S SW w NW Method Pop-up list Do not have any pop-up data Defoliation/Desiccation Product Information Dialog Defoliation/Desiccation Product list Do not have any pop-up data Additive pop-up list Do not have any pop-up data Additives Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/ Acre Quarts/ Acre Pints/ Acre Ounoes/Aαπe lb./ Acre Carrier Pop-up List Do not have any pop-up data Carrier Rate Unit Pop-up list Gallons/ Acre Quarts/ Acre Pints/Acre Ounoes/Acre Ib./Acre Date Planned/Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Faπn Machinery table. O 95/24688 101 β Screen name: Harvest Operation Screen Main Screen Crop Pop-up Com Soybeans Cotton Wheat Alfalfa Load Information Dialog Load Location list Contents of this pop-up list is provided by the Farmer Harvested in Load Unit pop-up list Acres Hectares Net Weight from Scale Unit pop-up list lb. tons kg's Test Weight Unit pop-up list lb./bushd Date Planned Completed Information Dialog Equipment pop-up Contents of this pop-up list is obtained from the Faπn Machinery table.

Claims: What Is Claimed Is: 1. A computer network for gathering data related to the agricultural operation of a farm, said farm having at least one field and an operations base, said network being comprised of a first, mobile computer adapted for being carried in the field, and a second fixed platform computer adapted for location at said operations base, with a first data link for selective connection between said first and second computers. 2. . he computer network of Claim 1 further com¬ prising a plurality of computer pairs, each of said pairs being comprised of a first computer, a second computer, and a first data link for selectively connecting said first and second computers; a third central computer; and a second data link between each of said pairs and said third central computer. 3. The computer network of Claim 2 wherein said first computer includes a graphic user interface to fa¬ cilitate the entry of data therein. 4. The computer network of Claim 3 wherein said second data link comprises an offline, batching data link providing communication in both directions between said second and third computers. 5. The computer network of Claim 4 wherein each of said first computers includes a memory, said memory hav¬ ing means for storing the data relevant to the operation of said farm. 6. The computer network of Claim 5 wherein said graphic user interface includes a screen, said first computer including means for an operator to selectively display said relevant data in any one of a plurality of formats on said screen. 7. The computer network of Claim 6 wherein said second computer includes means for manipulating the data stored in said first computer's memory through said first data link. 8. The computer network of Claim 7 wherein said second computer includes a memory for storing at least said relevant data stored in said first computer, and means for synchronizing said relevant data as stored in said memories. 9. The computer network of Claim 8 wherein said second computer includes means for emulating the graphic user interface of said first computer so that an operator may conveniently operate both said first and second com¬ puters with substantially the same commands. 10. The computer network of Claim 9 wherein each of said plurality of second computers is connected to said third central computer through said second data link. 11. The computer network of Claim 10 wherein said third central computer has means for collating and pro¬ cessing the relevant data communicated to it by said plurality of second computers in response to inquiry from any of said plurality of second computers. 12. The computer network of Claim 11 wherein said collating means has means for creating a data base from said relevant data as received from all of said second computers, and said processing means has means for pro¬ cessing the data in said data base. 13. The computer network of Claim 12 wherein said second data link comprises a messaging service. 14. A portable computer for gathering substantially all material data related to the agricultural operation of a farm through an entire growing season, said portable computer having a graphic user interface to facilitate the entry of said data into said computer, a memory for storing said data, and a stored program to provide the organized visual display of said data in a variety of formats 15. The portable computer of Claim 14 further comprising means for synchronizing the data stored in said portable computer with the data stored in a second computer with a small number of fixed commands. 16. The portable computer of Claim 15 further comprising means for synchronizing the data stored in said portable computer with the data stored in a second computer upon connection therebetween with said electron¬ ic connection means. 17. The portable computer of Claim 16 wherein said portable computer includes a stored program, and said stored program includes means for displaying a plurality of nested shell displays on a screen, at least some of said displays including a plurality of data storage lines and a scrollable list from which an appropriate data entry may be ' selected for entry and display in one of said data storage lines. 18. The portable computer of Claim 17 further comprising means for populating said scrollable lists solely with entries which are properly selectable in response to the data already stored in said portable computer. 19. The portable computer of Claim 18 further comprising means for connection to a second data base, said second data base having means for storing a signifi¬ cantly greater amount of data than may be stored in said portable computer memory. 20. The mobile computer of Claim 19 further com¬ prising means for selectively accessing said second data base on operator command to thereby provide additional explanatory data related to any data contained in said stored program. 21. The portable computer of Claim 20 wherein said second data base comprises a data card and said connec¬ tion means comprises a data card reader and slot for receiving said data card. 22. The portable computer of Claim 21 wherein a substantial portion of said data may be entered in said portable computer by physically touching said data entry as it is displayed on said screen to thereby provide simplified data entry for an operator. 23. The portable computer of Claim 22 wherein said portable computer comprises a handheld computer, and said screen comprises a touch screen sized to cover substan¬ tially the entirety of its largest side. 24. The portable computer of Claim 23 wherein said synchronizing means includes means for comparing the data entries in said two sets of data and replacing an older entry with a newer entry in the event of a mismatch in data entries. 25. In a computer network including a plurality of field computers, each of said field computers having means for creating a data base reflecting the agricultur¬ al operation of a farm, and a single central computer for receiving and assembling the data from said field comput¬ ers into a master data base, the improvement comprising an offline, batching data link interface between said field computers and said central computer to facilitate the orderly transfer of data between said computers. 26. The computer network of Claim 25 wherein said central computer has means for retrieving messages ad¬ dressed to it and stored in said data link, and means for depositing messages in said data link intended for any of said field computers. 27. The computer network of Claim 26 wherein each of said field computers has means for checking said data link for messages intended for it, and wherein said data link has means for conditioning the release of said mes¬ sages upon the first transmission by said field computer of its data to said data link addressed for said central computer. 28. The computer network of Claim 27 wherein said data link has means for restricting access thereto by any field computer upon the transmission of a valid account number to which a charge is posted for said access, and each of said field computers has means for translating an operator entered code into one of said valid account numbers to thereby restrict said operator's access to said data link. 29. The computer network of Claim 28 wherein said batching data link comprises a commercial messaging ser¬ vice. 30. The computer network of Claim 29 wherein each of said field computers further comprises a portable computer, a base operations computer, and a second data link for selectively connecting and transmitting data between said portable and base operations computer, said base operations computer being connected to said central computer through said batching data link. 31. The computer network of Claim 30 wherein said central computer has means for processing the data in said master data base in response to an inquiry to there¬ by provide an individual operator of a field computer to have access to provided data from more than just his field computer. 32. The computer network of Claim 31 wherein said central computer has means for guaranteeing the anonymity of data in said master data base as accessed by any field computer. 33. The portable computer of Claim 14 wherein said portable computer includes a stored program, and said stored program is display driven and includes a first set of displays for recording data on farming operations, a second set of displays for recording data on weather, and a third set of displays for recording data on land use. 34. The portable computer of Claim 31 wherein said stored program includes a fourth set of displays for recording data on farm machines. 35. The portable computer of Claim 31 wherein each of said sets of displays is further comprised of a plu- rality of displays which are nested with respect to each other and said graphic user interface includes means for moving between the nested displays in a set by an opera¬ tor touching a screen on said portable computer. 36. The portable computer of Claim 35 wherein at least some of said displays have at least one button which, when touched, further displays a scrollable list from which an appropriate data entry may be selected for entry and storage into said data. 37. The portable computer of Claim 36 further comprising means for populating said scrollable lists solely with entries which are properly selectable in response to the data already stored in said portable computer. 38. A client-client-server computer network for collecting and analyzing data related to the agricultural operation of a plurality of farms comprising a plurality of client-client computer sub-networks linked to a cen- tral server computer, each of said sub-networks being comprised of a portable computer for use by an operator in a field environment, a base operations computer com¬ prised of a fixed platform PC, and a client data link for interconnecting said portable computer with said PC, each of said sub-networks being associated with a farmer, and a server data link interconnecting each of said sub-net¬ works to said central server computer. 39. The computer network of Claim 38 wherein each of said portable computers has a graphic user interface and its associated PC has means for emulating said graph¬ ic user interface to thereby provide a substantially similar interface to an operator on both of said comput¬ ers. 40. The computer network of Claim 39 wherein said server data link comprises an offline, batch data link so that said central server computer may obtain data from said plurality of PCs in batches. 41. The computer network of Claim 40 wherein each of said sub-network computers includes a memory for stor¬ ing said farm data and further including means for syn¬ chronizing said data between each pair of sub-network computers, said synchronizing means storing the most recent data entry in any data pair. 42. A portable computer for gathering substantially all material data related to the agricultural operation of a farm through an entire growing season, said portable computer having a non-command line interface to facili¬ tate the entry of said data into said portable computer, a memory for storing said data, and a stored program to provide the organized visual display of said data. 43. The portable computer of Claim 42 further comprising means for connection to a second computer to facilitate the transmission of data therebetween. 44. The portable computer of Claim 43 wherein said stored program includes means for synchronizing the data stored in said portable computer with a data set stored in said second computer with a small number of fixed commands. 45. A method for collecting and storing data relat¬ ing to the agricultural operation of a farm comprising the steps of: recording on a portable computer the data re¬ lated to said farm; and communicating said data from said portable com¬ puter to another fixed platform computer. 46. The method of Claim 45 further comprising a plurality of farms, each of said farms having an associ¬ ated portable computer and fixed platform computer, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: recording on each portable computer the data related to its associated farm; communicating the data from each of said porta¬ ble computers to its associated computer; and transmitting the data from each of said comput¬ ers over an offline, batched data link to a cen¬ tral computer. 47. The method of Claim 46 further comprising the step of periodically synchronizing the data between each pair of associated portable computers and fixed platform computers. 48. The method of Claim 47 further comprising the steps of: assembling all of said data into a master data base in said central computer; and analyzing said master base to provide reports for particular farms based on multiple farm data.

Inventors: CLARK LOUIS GEORGE JR, CORUM MICHAEL EUGENE, GUMMON DONALD ROMAINE JR, MCKUNE JEFFREY LEE, VANACHT MARC, CLARK, LOUIS, GEORGE, JR., CORUM, MICHAEL, EUGENE, GUMMON, DONALD, ROMAINE, JR., MCKUNE, JEFFREY, LEE, VANACHT, MARC
Applicants: MONSANTO CO, MONSANTO COMPANY
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G06F19
IPC codes: G06F3, H04L29