Abstract: A method for uploading an agricultural operation's standardized data element values to a central database through an Internet accessible user interface and enabling users to benchmark the standardized data element values of one or more agricultural operations against the standardized data element values of other agricultural operations selectively retrieved from the central database by a benchmarking query defined by selectable attributes.

Abstract: An improved seed belt housing to reduce seed skip and method for same. The seed belt housing having a modified back panel with an area of impact absorbing material disposed at least in the area where the seed normally hits the back panel of the seed belt housing after being discharged by the seed meter. The impact absorbing material having the properties to dampen, absorb, or reduce the amount of bounce or ricochet otherwise experienced by the seed after hitting the back panel of the seed belt housing.

Abstract: A cable tie dispenser for holding a supply of individual cable ties and which allows removal of individual cable ties therefrom while firmly, yet removably, holding the remaining supply of cable ties. The cable tie dispenser includes members of compressible resilient material disposed within the dispenser case which compresses around at least a portion of the length of the cable ties sandwiched therebetween to maintain a firm and substantially uniform pressure on the cable ties. The compressible resilient material expands to fill the void left by any removed cable ties thereby ensuring that even the last cable tie remaining within the dispenser is firmly restrained and will not fall out of the dispenser until it is purposefully removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlled delivery of seeds between the seed meter of an agricultural planter to an open seed furrow. Seeds are received individually and in a sequence from a seed meter into a housing. The seeds are conveyed in sequence through the housing by a conveyor at a controlled speed to a location proximate the open furrow, then gently released into the open furrow as the agricultural planter moves forward. The controlled delivery of the seed to the furrow ensures more accurate seed placement within the furrow at the desired seed spacing, thereby improving crop yield potential.

Abstract: An agricultural seed planter and seed meter therefore, wherein the seed meter includes a rotary vacuum drum disposed within a stationary housing to entrain individual seeds on an annular circumferential periphery of the drum. As the entrained seeds rotate with the drum the seeds are singulated before being released from said vacuum drum. The seed metering and dispensing device is adapted to be mounted below the seed hopper to discharge the seeds into a seed tube as is conventional, or alternatively the seed metering and dispensing device is preferably adapted for mounting just above the soil surface and between the furrow opening assembly and furrow closing wheel assembly of a conventional agricultural planter such that the seeds are deposited directly into the seed furrow.