Abstract: The present invention relates to an insert for a share for uprooting root crop, the insert having a first end adapted to form a portion remote from a cutting edge of the share, and a second end comprising an insert edge extending along an insert edge axis and adapted to form at least a portion of the cutting edge of the share, characterized in that the thickness of the insert, from the first end to the second end increases continuously and the second end has a thickness greater than a thickness of the first end. Further, the present invention relates to the replacement shares of root crop harvesting machines.

Abstract: A modular harrow apparatus for smoothing horse pens includes a vehicle carabiner that attaches to an ATV, a UTV, or a small tractor. Each of a pair of chains has a vehicle end coupled to the vehicle carabiner and a harrow end. A lead harrow bar has a pair of first front eyelets coupled to the pair of chains and a pair of first rear eyelets. A second harrow bar has a pair of second front eyelets. A pair of linkage systems is coupled between the pair of first rear eyelets of the lead harrow bar and the pair of second front eyelets of the second harrow bar. A plurality of tines is coupled to a first bottom face of the lead harrow bar and a second bottom face of the second harrow bar.

Abstract: An agricultural roller comprises a tubular support and a series of pneumatic tyres mounted on the support. Each pneumatic tyre of the series has a respective uninflated envelope. The roller further comprises a series of tyres mounted on the support and interleaved in the series of pneumatic tyres. Each tyre has a respective envelope. The tyres are smaller than the pneumatic tyres while their envelope is narrower.

Abstract: An auxiliary tool assembly for an agricultural implement is configured to support a finishing tool(s) at a location at or adjacent to the aft end of the implement. The auxiliary tool assembly includes a support arm extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of the support arm being pivotally coupled to a portion of the implement at or adjacent to its aft end so that the tool assembly is pivotable relative to the implement between a work position and a transport position. In addition, the finishing tool(s) is configured to be coupled to or otherwise supported relative to the ground by the support arm at a location between its proximal and distal ends. Moreover, the auxiliary tool assembly includes one or more surface-engaging wheels coupled to the distal end of the support arm.

Abstract: A method for reducing material accumulation relative to ground-engaging tools of a tillage implement includes receiving measurement signals from at least one accumulation sensor mounted to the tillage implement during a tillage operation. The measurement signals include a three-dimensional (3D) representation of an environment containing material accumulation relative to a plurality ground-engaging tools. The method also includes estimating an amount of material accumulation relative to the plurality of ground-engaging tools based on the 3D representation. Further, the method includes comparing the amount of material accumulation to an accumulation threshold. The material accumulation threshold is indicative of a given degree of material accumulation relative to the plurality of ground-engaging tools.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (E) for controlling the germination of seeds in a germinator (1), said germinator (1) comprising a control unit (9) configured to implement a step consisting of determining, from ambient parameters at the germinator (1), information relative to the quantity and type of seeds to be germinated, and the respective location of same inside the chamber (17), and germination parameters specific to the germination of the seeds to be germinated in said chamber (17), control parameters for controlling the spray nozzle (5) so as to obtain, inside the chamber (17), an environment conducive to the germination of the seeds, said control parameters comprising a frequency of dispersion of the water-air mixture in the form of droplets, by the spray nozzle (5), and a frequency of dispersion of air.

Abstract: A talc applicator is provided for use with agricultural equipment such as grain carts and seed tenders. The talc applicator includes a supply hopper with a trough, a discharge, a feed auger extending through the trough and discharge, and an agitator assembly positioned in the supply hopper immediately above the feed auger and trough. The agitator assembly includes a drive gear driven by the drive element of the feed auger and an elongated agitator element including at least two elongate bars and a plurality of angled crossbars connecting the two elongate bars. The agitator element rotates to assist with flow of talc into the trough so that the feed auger can move the talc to the other agricultural equipment. The talc applicator may also be provided with a hydraulic motor and a flexible flighting in the feed auger.

Abstract: A system to meter multiple agricultural products according to an independently prescribed rate for each in a variable-ratio blend of the agricultural products from a single opener in a plurality of such systems and openers across an applicator such as a drill. Bulk storage compartments associated with the applicator deliver multiple agricultural products to metering assemblies mounted in clusters or pods across the applicator. The agricultural products are fed from the metering assemblies, via a flow re-director, into a manifold, and then into a corresponding single opener having conduits to transport the agricultural product into the soil. Controllers independently regulate metering by the metering assemblies. The flow re-director and manifold provide blending of combinations of the agricultural products for each opener according to a field prescription.

Abstract: A planting unit includes a seed meter for singulating and dispensing seed. Opening wheels or discs are included to create an opening in the field, such as a furrow. The unit includes one or more continuous tracks for supporting the row unit as it moves through the field. The tracks can be positioned on opposite sides. The tracks reduce compaction around the created furrow and provide better control of seed depth placement. One or more motors are included to operate the tracks to move the planting unit through a field for planting independent of a tow vehicle.

Abstract: A seed meter assembly for a seeding machine. The seed meter assembly has a metering member mounted for rotation about a meter axis and driven to rotate in a direction of travel, the metering member having an inner surface configured to receive seeds and an outer surface and apertures passing through the metering member between the inner surface and the outer surface at a radial distance from the meter axis. The seed meter assembly also has a seed delivery mechanism configured to discharge the seeds from the seeding machine, and a loader including at least one non-cylindrical loader surface movable into and out of a position in which the loader surface is disposed at the radial distance adjacent one of the apertures.

Abstract: An ejecting-clamping-pulling combined seedling fetching device for an automatic transplanter and an operating method therefor. The device comprises: a seedling ejecting mechanism (1), a seedling feeder mechanism (2), a seedling fetching mechanism (3), and a control system. The seedling feeder mechanism (2) is mounted on a stander; the seedling ejecting mechanism (1) is mounted on the seedling feeder mechanism (2) and is located at the rear side of the seedling feeder mechanism (2); the seeding fetching mechanism (3) is mounted at the stander and is located at the front side of the seedling feeder mechanism (2). An upper ejector rod support (1-6) and a lower ejector rod support (1-4) are provided on the seedling ejecting mechanism (1); the seedling ejecting rods on the two supports are disposed in a staggered manner, and the upper ejector rod support (1-6) and the lower ejector rod support (1-4) are configured to alternately eject and loosen seedling trays.

Abstract: A metering system and method of operating fertilizer distribution equipment, such as a spreader-sprayer, is described that includes monitoring revolution data for opposing left and right wheels with left and right sensors. A controller controls an actuator's operation to operably regulate the output of a liquid and/or solid fertilizer product. The fertilizer output is based at least in part on the revolution data and a fertilizer unit-per-area input.

Abstract: A system for dispensing crop input products from multiple meters per crop row, including: a) a georeferencing module configured to receive and process georeferenced location information; b) a prescriptive control module configured to receive the processed georeferenced location information from the georeferencing module and utilize the georeferenced location information to generate specific prescriptive rate information for individual meters in the field; and, c) a meter controller module operatively connected to the prescriptive control module. The meter controller module is configured to utilize the specific prescriptive rate information to individually control multiple meters per crop row, to simultaneously dispense crop input products at specific prescriptive rates at georeferenced locations throughout the field.

Abstract: An autonomous mower including a housing; a mowing module, a traveling module, an information collection device, an energy module, a control module and the control module includes an identification unit, and an alarm module. The autonomous mower has a security patrol working mode in which the identification unit analyzes and judges whether an abnormal object exists in the working area according to the information collected by the information collection device; if the abnormal object exists, the control module controls the alarm module to send an alarm signal to the outside. Therefore, the autonomous mower can achieve a security patrol function in addition to having a function of trimming the lawn. The autonomous mower has multiple uses, so as to save the cost.

Abstract: A line loader system for a rotating trimmer head includes a channel defined in the rotating trimmer head and having an entry slot, a curved track, and an outlet slot, a locking cleat formed in the rotating trimmer head adjacent the outlet slot, and a flexible line blade positionable and snap-lockable in the channel in a use position. The flexible line blade has a spade at a leading end and a neck adjacent the spade, where a width of the neck is narrower than a width of the locking cleat such that as the spade is positioned through the outlet slot past the locking cleat, the neck engages the locking cleat. With the described system, no mechanical devices are needed to secure the line blades, and no tools are required for installation or removal.

Abstract: A radio-controlled mower with a frame (2), a motor unit (4), rolling bodies (3) configured to move said frame (2) on an area of ground (T), a central cutting unit (5), and one or more side cutting units (6; 6A, 6B); wherein said frame (2) and each side cutting unit (6; 6A; 6B) are mutually movable.

Abstract: A deck height control system for use with a mower that has a deck positioned at a first height and is configured to support a blade motor. The control system includes an actuator that may be configured to vertically displace the deck from the first height to a second height. A deck system module may connect to the actuator and be capable of signaling the actuator, during operation, to displace the deck a particular deck distance in a particular vertical direction necessary to achieve the second height. The deck system module may further have a deck height memory capable of storing information relating to deck displacement activity. A control may connect to the deck system module and be capable of signaling the particular deck distance and particular vertical direction to the deck system module when engaged by an operator. A battery-operated mower may include the deck height control system.

Abstract: A lawncare apparatus includes a main body, multiple wheels supporting the main body, a cutting blade disposed in the main body, a motor driving the cutting blade, and an operating arm connected to the first end of the main body. The distance in the horizontal direction between the axial central line of the cylindrical gripping portion of the operating arm and the axes of the elongated handle of the main body along the length direction is less than 5 cm. Because of the structure mate relationship between the operating arm and the cylindrical gripping portion, the operator feels more comfortable during the transporting process, the volume of lawncare apparatus during transporting is reduced and the convenience of transporting is improved.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring field profiles may include a vision-based sensor configured to capture vision data indicative of a profile of a field, with the profile being at least of a crop canopy profile of the field or a soil surface profile of the field. The system may also include a secondary sensor configured to capture secondary data indicative of the profile of the field. Furthermore, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to receive the vision data from the vision-based sensor and the secondary data from the secondary sensor. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine a quality parameter associated with the vision data. Additionally, when the quality parameter falls below a minimum threshold, the controller may be configured to determine at least a portion of the profile of the field based on the secondary data.

Abstract: A crop residue spread monitoring system for an agricultural harvester, the agricultural harvester comprising a self-propelled agricultural harvesting vehicle with a threshing rotor supported in a grating, a chopper disposed to chop crop residue exiting the threshing rotor, and a spreading mechanism disposed to receive chopped material from the chopper and spread the chopped residue over the ground, wherein the crop residue spread monitoring system comprises at least one camera disposed below an exit of the spreading mechanism to image a plume of residue leaving the spreading mechanism from an underside of the plume of residue.

Abstract: A biomass impact sensor for sensing impacts of biomass material may include a pressure sensitive film having a first sensing face and a second opposite face, a first layer of a first material composition directly abutting the first sensing face having a first stiffness, and a second layer of a second material composition directly abutting the second opposite face. The first layer and the second layer may be joined along opposite edges of the pressure sensitive film to envelope the sensing material layer on the opposite edges.

Abstract: A lawn maintenance vehicle includes an adjustable seat assembly, wherein the seat assembly is rotatable relative to a frame of the vehicle when the vehicle is operated on a sloped surface. The seat assembly is rotatable in order to maintain the operator in a substantially vertical seated alignment while operating the vehicle on a sloped surface. The seat assembly is also rotatable when the vehicle is in a zero-turn or tight-turn maneuver, wherein the seat is rotated toward the center of turning radius to offset the centrifugal forces experienced by the operator during such a maneuver.

Abstract: A radio-controlled vehicle comprising a supporting structure, an engine unit, a kinetic unit and a remote control for operating the vehicle remotely; the radio-controlled vehicle having a cab, which is configured to house, in use, a person; wherein the cab and the supporting structure are mutually movable, so as to be able to selectively arrange the cab in a desired position with respect to the supporting structure.

Abstract: A header for an agricultural vehicle including a frame having lateral ends and a transport assembly connected to the frame and configured for being positioned in a transport position and a storage position. The transport assembly includes a tandem axle support device including at least one pivot shaft pivotally connected to the frame, a first walking beam, and a second walking beam. The first and second walking beams are operably connected to and moveable by the at least one pivot shaft. The transport assembly also includes at least four wheels including a first pair of tandem wheels removably connected to the first walking beam and a second pair of tandem wheels removably connected to the second walking beam.

Abstract: A bale cleaning truck is presented. A flatbed trailer has a conveyor belt for moving one or more bales off the trailer. There are one or more brushes for cleaning a hay bale as it travels down the trailer where at least two vertical brushes that are mounted vertically on the sides of the trailer. A roof brush is attached to the top of the trailer and the final brush is mounted above the trailer to clean the top of the bale. Pumps for operating the brushes and the conveyor belt are hydraulic.

Abstract: An adjustable vane system for use with a rotor cage of a threshing system of an agricultural harvester includes a vane. The vane includes: a generally helically curved inner profile; a surface being an outer profile that is opposite the inner profile and is generally helically curved over a portion of the vane, the outer profile being configured to be positioned closer to the rotor cage than the inner profile; and a flat portion located midway along the outer profile.

Abstract: A land preparation tool includes a tool body having a cutting surface, mounting surfaces disposed on the tool body opposite the cutting surface, and opposing side surfaces each extending between the cutting surface and a different one of the mounting surfaces. One mounting surface angles inwardly from a distal edge of a side surface toward the tool body. Another mounting surface angles inwardly from a distal edge of the other side surface toward the tool body. An opening is disposed on the tool body opposite the cutting surface and between the mounting surfaces. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant illumination chamber, comprising at least one internal surface configured with reflective material on its internal side and one illuminating device, wherein the illuminating device consists of a base unit and at least two light sources. The purpose of the invention is to create a plant illumination chamber, wherein a broad variation of the radiation characteristic of the illuminating device in the plant illumination chamber is possible with little expenditure on work and materials. Furthermore, the illuminating device should also be universally suitable for use in plant illumination chambers of different sizes. This object is achieved in that each of these light sources is movable on one supporting element of the base unit of the illuminating device and can be fixed with a locking device in a position of use, and in that the light sources can be moved relative to the internal surface and/or in relation to one another.

Abstract: A plant cultivation method and light treatment unit for increasing the content of a phytochemical. The plant cultivation method includes: growing a plant by germinating a seed; increasing the content of resveratrol, which is a phytochemical, through UV treatment on the plant; and harvesting the plant. Here, UV treatment is performed by irradiating the plant with UV light emitted from an LED.

Abstract: Modular trellis sections of aesthetic appearance that are manually portable and easily installed in residential or commercial gardens, and that can be arrayed to form a linear, a partially enclosed, or an entirely enclosed trellis fence are configured as a basic rectilinear frame formed from a pair of rigid generally parallel vertical rods to which are permanently secured in co-planar relation a first horizontal rod extending between the upper ends of the vertical rods and a second horizontal rod at a predetermined distance from the lower free ends of the vertical rods to define a pair of supporting legs, and vertically spaced rigid supporting hooks that are secured in co-planar relation to the inner facing surfaces of the vertical rods, the openings of the supporting hooks being configured and dimensioned to receive horizontal rails and open mesh wire panels that extend between and link the trellis sections to form a fence.

Abstract: A mycelium growth bed for optimal production of pure mycelium or a pure mycelium composite with controlled or predictable properties, the bed comprising a tray, a conveying platform, a permeable membrane, a substrate, a porous material and a lid. The permeable membrane is positioned on the conveying platform within the tray. The substrate is positioned on the permeable membrane and the porous material is positioned on top of the substrate. The system provides a configuration having a substrate weight to surrounding space volume ratio between 0.5 and 5.0 g/cc, an air volume (surrounding space) to substrate volume between 0.01 and 1.0, and an air volume (surrounding space) to substrate area is between 0.5 and 5 cc/cm, wherein the CO2 concentration is held above 3%, the relative humidity is held above 40% and the O2 concentration is held below 20% in steady state conditions to produce leather-like mycelium without fruiting bodies.

Abstract: A stand-on blower is provided that allows for fully powered nozzle angle adjustment. The blower may deliver an airflow for pneumatic cleanup tasks in different directions, including horizontal or left-right and vertical or up-down direction variability of the airflow. Position or angle of the blower's nozzle may be automatically reversed or driven to a rotational or angle limit upon demand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing identification information for a log. The system comprises an arrangement for determining an origin of the log, a computing device communicably coupled to the remote server arrangement and a communication interface that is operable to transmit the captured at least one subsequent image to the remote server arrangement. The arrangement for determining an origin of the log further comprises at least one imaging device coupled to a forest harvester, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver that is operatively coupled to the forest harvester and a data processor that is communicably coupled to a remote server arrangement and operable to process the captured at least one image and the determined felling location of the log to create the identification information for the log.

Abstract: Wheel-shaped frames for supporting interchangeable agriculture and aquaculture multiponic pods system including wheel-shaped frames for supporting interchangeable agriculture and aquaculture multiponic pods assembly having a frame including; a hub; a plurality of spokes; a circular support framework; and a plurality of pods. The hub is located in a center position of the circular support framework and the plurality of spokes are connected between at an outer circumference of the hub and the plurality of pods, supported by the circular support framework. Each of the plurality of spokes is connected to a respective one of the plurality of pods. The frame rotates about a center axis of the hub; and the plurality of pods support live organisms to sustain an eco-system conducive to supplying sustainable food and sustainable energy sources for generating electrical and mechanical power.

Abstract: A planting device, a multilayer stereo-planting system using the planting device, and a planting system of a plant factory using the multilayer stereo-planting system are provided. The planting device includes the planting tray and the planting board which can be moved as a whole. The nutrient solution inlet and the nutrient solution outlet are located on the same side of the planting tray. The multilayer stereo-planting system includes the support rack and the nutrient solution supply system installed on the support rack. The planting device can be detachably installed on the support rack as a whole. The planting tray and the planting board of the planting device can be taken out and placed in together, protects the plant seedlings from injuries, and avoids the leakage phenomenon of the nutrient solution.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing guayule seeds, guayule plants, and products generated therefrom. More specifically, the disclosure provides methods for the production of viable seeds from apomictic guayule plants, seeds produced by such methods, plants grown from such seeds, plant parts, biomass, and biomaterials derived therefrom.

Abstract: Plant treatment systems, apparatuses and methods are presented. One described system comprises a plant treatment apparatus and a control system configured for data communication with the plant treatment apparatus. The apparatus comprises one or more treatment channels and at least one plant treatment device associated therewith for applying treatment to a portion of a plant. In some embodiments, the plant treatment device controllably induces vibrations of at least a portion of a plant. In some embodiments, the plant treatment device causes targeted damage to at least a portion of the plant. The plant treatment apparatus comprises a sensing system comprising one or more optical sensors that provide sensing signals indicative of a condition of the portion of the plant. The control system processes the sensing signals, determines the condition of the portion of the plant and operates the plant treatment device.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods of using the same for improving plants' defense by employing naturally-derived chemicals. In a specific embodiment, the composition is from Parthenium argentatumGray, also known as the guayule plant. Preferred compositions can up-or down-regulate growth genes responsible for the targeted plants' defense mechanisms in order to create physical and/or chemical barriers, and produce detouring exudates, antagonistic compounds, or fumigating compounds that prevent and treat damages from pests in agronomic or non-agronomic plants.

Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods of using the same for improving plants' defense by employing naturally-derived chemicals. In a specific embodiment, the composition is from Parthenium argentatum Gray, also known as the guayule plant. Preferred compositions can up-or down-regulate growth genes responsible for the targeted plants' defense mechanisms in order to create physical and/or chemical barriers, and produce detouring exudates, antagonistic compounds, or fumigating compounds that prevent and treat damages from pests in agronomic or non-agronomic plants.

Abstract: A process for in vitro induction of flowering/in vitro proliferation of floral primordia in saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L.) produces whole flowers with real stigmas. The process produces saffron through a process of in vitro flowering to obtain season independent, continuous flowering of saffron.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of enhancing the seed yield and promoting the growth of monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous plants by overexpression of TMT (tonoplast monosaccharide transporter) protein in osogenic or transgenic plant cells. The invention further concerns a transgenic plant having the property of an enhanced seed yield and increased growth as compared with the wild type, comprising a nucleotide sequence which codes for a TMT (tonoplast monosaccharide transporter) protein, as well as a regulatory nucleotide sequence, operably linked therewith, for the control of an increased gene expression of the TMT protein in the plant cells of the transgenic plant. It further relates to the use of the transgenic plant for the cultivation or production of cultivated plants or useful plants, or biomass, oils or proteins produced therefrom.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct hybrid melon variety NUN 67108 MEM as well as seeds and plants and fruits thereof. NUN 67108 MEM is a Galia tropical melon variety comprising resistance to Melon Yellowing Associated Virus (MYaV) and Muskmelon Necrotic Spot Virus (MNSV).

Abstract: A toilet for household pets comprises a housing having a horizontal platform, a film-moving mechanism having two axes installed in said housing on opposite transverse sides of the platform, and a winding drive that moves a clean film onto the platform from a roll installed on the first axis, and moves the film with the excrement along the platform to a roll installed on the second axis, and film-securing devices which are installed in the housing on opposite longitudinal side of the platform and designed to be capable of clamping and unclamping opposite edges of the film, respectively, for securing the film disposed in a stationary position on the platform and for the unhindered passage of the film moved along the platform.

Abstract: A separating device for forming a standing area for livestock, in particular pigs, and for reducing emissions in pens, in particular in pig pens, comprises a base frame, a drainage element with a plurality of drainage channels which each comprise an outflow end, and shoulders, between which the plurality of drainage channels extends orthogonally to a drainage direction, a liquid-permeable endless belt with an upper run and a lower run, wherein the drainage element is arranged on the base frame such that a drainage direction of the plurality of drainage channels is directed in the direction of the outflow end.

Abstract: The absorbent sheet for pets which can suppress the spread of the excreta of a pet and can withstand the excretion action a plurality of times is provided. An absorbent sheet (10) for pets includes a topsheet (12) disposed on a top side, a backsheet (14) disposed on a back side, and an absorber (20) provided between the topsheet and the backsheet. A recess (50) is formed at least in the absorber. The recess forms a continuous line (IL) or intermittent line (IL). The line (IL) has a curved portion which does not branch.

Abstract: A livestock air bed system including a livestock air bed having a bottom sheet made of a substantially impervious material; a top sheet made of a substantially impervious material and joined to the bottom sheet to define a number of air chambers, each air chamber defining a central portion having a first cross-sectional dimension and an end portion having a second cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension; a bed inflation system; an air chamber inlet sealing system; and an anchoring system.

Abstract: A method of feeding an animal includes placing a food container containing animal food and closed with a cover in an animal feeding system, employing the animal feeding system to open the food container and to present the food to an animal for eating and employing the animal feeding system to re-close the food container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing blocks of an aqueous gel, comprising: a step of forming a compound by mixing: i. an aqueous substrate; and ii. the gelling agent,—a step of drawing off the compound;—a step of in-line cooling of the compound so as to bring it below a second temperature at which it gels;—a step of transferring to a distribution line;—a step of cutting the gelled compound into blocks at the outlet of the distribution line; and—a step of distributing the blocks of gel into a farming container immediately after the gel is cut into blocks. Such a method allows blocks of gel to be produced continuously and as required in the context of rearing livestock, in particular rearing insects. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving stability of a recreational animal may comprise a stability enhancement component. The stability enhancement component may comprise a top component, a bottom component, and four side components and may be rectangularly shaped. The stability enhancement component may comprise a diffuse surface that is configured to absorb the pressure the recreational animal exerts and spread the exerted pressure firmly throughout the rest of the stability enhancement component. The stability enhancement component may further comprise a direct surface that is configured to exert pressure in a direction opposite of a direction in which pressure is exerted by the recreational animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising livestock includes one or more confinement pens together with alleyways for transfer of the animals from one location to another. The apparatus includes one or more cameras for obtaining images of all animals in the containment area. A processor is provided for analyzing the images, the processor being arranged to allocate an arbitrary identification to each animal and to track all animals continually to maintain the allocation. From this tracking various data related to individual animals or the animals as a group can be obtained to assess their characteristics and to provide an indication to the worker of the animal to be extracted. The processor can be arranged to detect by image analysis of the image a quantity of feed and/or water in a feeder and to obtain images of the farrowing pen including the sow confinement area and at least one piglet confinement area.