A few months ago, we discussed the upcoming 2026 modernization of the U.S. coordinate system and what it could mean for precision agriculture. As the transition date approaches, more details have been released, and it’s time for Iowa growers to start preparing.

In 2026, the National Geodetic Survey (NGS) will officially replace:

Prepare for this year’s Planting Season by proactively taking care of your planter technology setup by leveraging essential pre-season maintenance and calibration to ensure field-ready performance. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach recommend a structured approach to prevent costly in-season issues and improve overall efficiency and yield. The agricultural season can be viewed as a continuous loop of preparation, execution, and review.

Key phases include:

As the 2026 planting season approaches, the focus for every row crop farmer in Iowa is clear: emergence is the name of the game. Uniform germination and consistent spacing are the foundation of a high-yielding crop, ensuring every plant has equal access to the sunlight, water, and nutrients it needs to thrive. To achieve this, your planter must be precision-tuned.

Spray drones are increasingly being evaluated by Iowa farmers as an additional tool for crop input application. When used appropriately, these systems can provide flexibility for timely applications, reduce field traffic, and improve access to areas that are difficult to reach with traditional ground equipment.

This year we are offering on-site registration for the Integrated Crop Management Conference! Join us on December 10-11 at the Meadows Events and Conference Center in Altoona, IA for two days jam-packed with networking, continuing education, and insight for 2026 and beyond. 

Highlights of this year’s event include: