Miller-St. Nazianz, manufacturer of spray application equipment, says the biggest trend it is seeing is the growth in the late-season application of nitrogen. "Our orders for nitrogen toolbars this year have quadrupled over past years," says company president John W. Miller. "Timely nitrogen application produces larger cobs and can dramatically increase the plant's yield."

The company makes high-clearance, self-propelled sprayers called the Nitro 4000 Series that can be used as dual-use machines. A front-mounted spray boom can be used to apply herbicide and pesticide during the entire season. Farmers can then remove the spray boom and attach a nitrogen injection toolbar later in the season, just before the corn tassels, so the plant will use the nitrogen while it is forming the cob, Miller says.

"We also have a fair number of customers that use a corn detassler or swather with our machine," he adds.

The Nitro 4000 Series is available in five sizes from 215 to 375 hp. The average list price of the Miller Nitro is $250,000. The company is introducing a new lineup of its Nitro models, the Nitro 5000 Series, at the Magie show on August 22. "The main difference will be that the new models will have a brand-new cab," Miller says. "Engines, tank sizes, boom lengths and other specs will remain the same."

For more information, contact www.millerstn.com.