Technology has streamlined and simplified many elements of farming, and made farmers more productive and efficient than ever before. But technology isn’t foolproof. Monitors and automated functionality like section control and hydraulic drives require field checks to validate performance.So, when you’re ready to plant this spring, here are a few quick pointers and functionality tests that will help you optimize planter performance and increase yield potential and profitability in the fall.
Population Check
Follow the procedure in your operator’s manual to do a full in-field check…or several of them. Merely digging up four or five seeds will not give you complete information to establish consistent population, spacing and depth control.
NOTE: 17′ 5″ of row length is = to 1/1000th acre on a 30″ row.
Section Control
Note that the coverage map on the display may still show areas of gap or overlap. The update rate on the screen is not nearly as accurate as the seed in the ground. So …
- Drive into a pre-planted area at normal operating speed. Dig and check to see where the last seed is found. Is there a gap or an overlap?
- Drive out of the pre-planted area at normal operating speed. Dig to see where the first seed starts. Again, is there a gap or overlap?
- Adjust monitor settings and recheck until consistent and acceptable shutoff is achieved.
Taking the time to perform routine field checks ensures you’ll be planting with the highest possible precision this spring. Refer to your owner’s manual for additional tips and information. And let the planting begin!