Andy Castillo

West Springfield

Equipment and Machinery Editor at Farm Progress

Tech/equipment editor @FarmDaily. MFA in creative nonfiction. Previously @TheRecorderNews @DailyHampGaz @GoNOMAD @AmerCityCounty @MDCollegian @WWLP22News

Articles

Balancing costs and efficiency in uncertain times

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Stagnant grain prices coupled with economic uncertainty create a risky environment for buying expensive farm equipment. However, investing in efficiency upgrades for older equipment can save money. So what, exactly, is that sweet spot? Despite up-front costs, ag tech experts argue that upgrades pay for themselves. And in these economically challenging times, margins matter. Prioritizing upgrades is a conundrum.
When to replace parts before failure

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

High-pitched whining, grinding, knocking and rumbling noises resonating from the engine are never welcome, especially when time is short and the days are long. But if there’s one thing farmers can depend on, it’s that parts break and components wear out. Getting ahead on replacements is critical.
First subcompact tractor with factory-installed cab

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Andy Castillo, Editor of Farm Equipment and MachineryGOOD FIT: At slightly under 7 feet, the 24.5-hp CS30’s footprint facilitates storage in small shelters or short-door garages.Kioti Kioti’s new CS30 is the ag industry’s first factory-installed subcompact tractor with a cab. It’s designed for small-acreage farms, snow clearing and utility work around equipment sheds and homes.
Nebraska Farmer

2 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Curt Arens |Elizabeth Hodges |Andy Castillo |Tom Bechman

The Latest from Nebraska Farmersprayer at field dayFarm BusinessDon’t miss these Nebraska farm field days this summerNebraska Extension summer field daysNebraska Notebook: A three-day young rancher workshop in Burwell will focus on ranch management. Copyright © 2019. All market data is provided by Barchart Solutions. Futures: at least 10 minute delayed. Information is provided ‘as is’ and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice.
Tire pressure optimization saves farmers money and improves efficiency

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Dusty Hininger, sales training manager at Firestone Tires, says he often finds himself on a soapbox. “I just preach and preach and preach,” he says. “I would say at least half of farmers don’t know what air pressure to run, because that is the No. 1 question I get from farmers.”Especially during an economic downturn when every dollar counts, guesses aren’t sufficient. That’s because the top issue affecting tire efficiency — which equals dollars — is air pressure.
mowers, rakes, tedders

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Andy Castillo, Editor of Farm Equipment and MachineryTRIPLE MOWER: Vermeer has added a triple mower to its product line in time for the 2025 hay season. Vermeer Available for the 2025 hay season, Vermeer’s product line now includes triple mowers, adding to an existing range of disc, trailed and power mowers. “Vermeer is 100% focused on hay, dairy and beef producers, and the products they need to be successful in the field,” says Shane Rourke, managing director of forage for Vermeer.
Stay cool in Bobcat’s new compact tractors

3 weeks ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Andy Castillo, Editor of Farm Equipment and MachineryFARM WORKHORSE: Bobcat’s 58-hp CT4558 compact tractor (above) is designed for utility work on the farm, as well as its 45-hp CT4545.BobcatBobcat’s expanded compact tractor lineup is designed for utilitarian tasks such as acreage management, livestock feeding, snow removal, material handling, and grading and backfilling. The new 45-hp CT4545 and 58-hp CT4558 come with fully enclosed, heated and air-conditioned cabs.
Robot helps nursery pigs thrive, boosts farm profit

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Swine expert Aaron Holliday noticed a problem: Raising nursery pigs is an arduous task that requires time and labor. There’s never enough of either. But an idea struck him about five years ago: Why not create a robot to aid humans in the more mundane, yet critical, tasks? “I’ve spent the majority of my [15 years] working with pigs at the slat level every day. I understand the challenges our producers have in the daily care of pigs,” Holliday says.
DJI report highlights industry growth

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

More drones than ever are flying across farm fields as agriculture embraces the technology. DJI Agriculture, a Chinese drone brand, released its annual report at Brazil’s Agrishow 2025 in Sao Paulo. Yuan Zhang, head of global sales, attributes this increase to several factors. “Thanks to research-based policies and a clearer process for operator training, adoption among young people and women has grown significantly,” he says.
New soil management program helps farmers make better decisions

1 month ago | farmprogress.com | Andy Castillo

Andy Castillo, Editor of Farm Equipment and MachineryON YOUR PHONE: With the Total Farm program, you can easily check the fertility of a field via the EarthOptics field display on your smartphone. EarthOpticsWant better soil decisions in 2025? A new subscription program from EarthOptics and PatternAg delivers high-resolution nutrient maps, automated variable-rate soil fertility prescriptions and soil biological risk assessments — helping farmers manage fields more precisely than ever.