Larry_minn - 1/17/2025 16:54

It’s sad they publish results with no validity. I know I need to stay below 6 mph for decent stand of corn.
I have not planted soybeans myself in about 15 years.
My fields are not rectangles. My planter 30” rows, 1.6 bu hoppers. Constantly filling, add talc, add innoculant, worry adding seat treatment, wash, plant.
I hire -5 yr old, inspected, checked yearly 46 row? 22” with every bell whistle. They pick up treated seed in bulk units, empty into seed tanks with accurate scales. Once he does outside he instantly knows exact amount of seed needed. “At rate you mentioned we will have 350 lbs left over. We could increase rate 2 lbs/acre should have less then 50 lbs left over”? With every row shut off as crossing end saves couple units of seed, reduces crowding.
Iirc 17% better yield was average I saw years back hiring his rigs, then planting my 30”. Even $9 beans. It can pay me to sit back write a check and I should be making money.
Less seed wasted, better yield, no fuel, maintenance, wear from planting beans. 1 day planted. One afternoon.
Plus cheaper seed in bulk units. No hazzard handling it. Treated by dealer, no touch.
I am getting tempted to hire him for corn as well. But then have to hire him to combine…
If under 50, had steady help I would get newer planter. But right now hiring makes most sense to me.