New rock picker cleans fields

Apr 21, 2010 10:08 AM

The RP1000 rock picker threatens to end the rock-picking jobs of youth. Developed by Mel Aho, a farmer from central Minnesota, the new RP1000 picked up enough rock to fill 175 dump-truck loads, all from a 55-acre field. It took 65 hours of machine time to complete the task.

Aho designed the original rock picker after trying to farm a 160-acre field that was strewn with stones. A friend from Washington helped him build the picker. Aho’s brother Mark is now helping to bring the rock picker to market. Mark has been in the steel erecting business.

The Aho brothers will be hosting a public demonstration of the rock picker in the Hillview Management area new Sebeka, MN, on April 30 and May 1. Farmers with stony fields are invited to attend. While the RP1000 is not available for purchase right now, it may be hired for work in a rocky field.

For more information, call Mark Aho at 603/365-7183, or visit www.therockpicker.com.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2010 Penton Media, Inc.

Most Recent Story

Resources

VIDEOS

PRODUCTS

TECHNOLOGY

Farm Industry News TV

Watch video produced by the editors to show the latest equipment from the NFMS and UV Rodeo.

Product Tests

See the results of the latest farm product tests conducted by Team FIN farmers and magazine editors.

Green Agriculture

Recent articles on Biofuels, Water Quality, Credits, and what "green" practices will impact your business.

Featured FIN Video

New Kinze 3600 ASD planter

View More FIN tv Videos

Product Info

Visit our online resource to find products and services offered by advertisers featured in Farm Industry News magazine.

Continuing Education

Click here for a complete list of Continuing Education Courses

CCA Accredited for 2.0 Units in Nutrient Management:

(New Course)
Utilizing Calcium as Nutrient That Protects Against Disease Organisms

This online accredited course focus on Calcium, an important plant nutrient in fertilizer management for maximum, healthy plant development as well as disease and pest prevention. It is accredited for Certified Crop Adviser credit as well as state hours/credit in California, Georgia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New Jersey. Credit pending in Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.

This course is accredited for CCA Credits:

(New Course)
Spray Drift Management

Keeping crop protection chemicals on the crop for which they are intended has been a cornerstone of farming not only to protect neighboring crops, but to not waste money allowing products to drift off the intended target. This accredited online continuing education course covers the critical elements of spray drift management.