Plymouth FFA increases precision planting; partners with Mid-Wood Inc. on 2014 Test plot

PLYMOUTH, Ohio–The Plymouth FFA chapter owns a 7200 series John Deere corn planter; and because they conduct research on their 28-acre school farm, they saw the need to update their 6-row corn planter to achieve more precise row spacing and planting depth. Thanks to the availability of new technology more items are now available to update older planters.

The chapter was able to see their well-invested money at work as they saw increased plot yields and conducted more accurate research for their local field sponsor Mid-Wood Inc.

The FFA’s planter produced seed spacing accuracy which previously ranged from 80-93 percent. The installation of a new system could guarantee almost 100 percent seed placement accuracy. The student organization worked with precision dealer Bob Featheringill out of Attica, Ohio to update their planter while making economically sound decisions about their planter updates.

Because of the age of the chapter’s John Deere planter and to avoid the costly charge of installing new seed boxes, they elected to install the Ven Huizen Accuvac Kit. This kit facilitates a 40 cell seed plate, compared to the former 30 cell, meaning it will hold 40 seeds at a time compared to 30.

This new seed plate also accommodates the current transmission for appropriate population while putting down more seed. The upgrade will ensure 94-99 percent accuracy and cost the chapter approximately $95 per row installed.

The chapter with the assistance of local farmer and FFA alumni member Leonard Felty also installed Bullseye Seed Tubes which have tungsten steel at the base so it will not wear against openers. A common issue is that the seed hits the sensor, it then tumbles in the tube which affects timing and spacing of seed, this tube prevents that from happening. These retailed for $16 each.

Finally, the chapter installed Keeton seed firmers. These have been found to increase yield 7-12 bushel per acre as they ensure the seed is embedded to the appropriate depth usually 1 ¾” to 2” deep depending on weather conditions. Because of how corn develops its crown root system, it is necessary to have appropriate planting depth for optimum growth. These retailed for $37 per row.

The chapter could have elected to install the next most precise update to their planter which would be installing the precision eSet. This system would have ensured 99-100 percent accuracy comparent to 94-99 percent with the Ven Huizen. However, because the chapter has a pre-1990’s model and old seed boxes, this would have required the purchase of new seed meters and seed boxes which would have cost $425 per row plus freight, as well as, a new vacuum gauge as this system requires increased vacuum pressure to ensure accuracy. The vacuum gauge would cost approximately $110.

Many people view farming as very nostalgic. Nostalgia is good, but it is important that we do not lose the focus of farming as a very scientific business. Almost every decision a farmer makes is based science and the bottom line. As the new era in agriculture continues we must focus on improvement, but farmers must also often make some very tough business decisions. This year Plymouth FFA decided to spend $888 on planter repairs rather than $3178. With grain prices dipping lower than $3 per bushel this fall, it is poised that this economical decision was one well made.

From Planting to Harvest

Two combines and five semi loads of dent corn later, harvest 2014 is in the books for the Plymouth FFA Chapter. Little did the harvesters and members know, but less than 36 hours after harvest the ground would be covered with inches of snow.

The Plymouth FFA Chapter is extremely grateful to Mid-Wood Inc., a local agricultural business that sponsored the 2014 corn field in entirety, from donating the seed corn to the fertilizer which it needs to grow to protecting the crop from weed, disease and pest infestations with spray. Finally Mid-Wood Inc. also assisted with the harvest process along with several other key supporters.

Plymouth FFA thanks their sponsor as well as Gilger Farms, Kranz Farms, Shepherd Farms, Daron Farms, Felty Farms, Echelbarger Farms, Joe Ringler, Alexis Washburn, Alex Simons, and Dustin Powers for facilitating the harvest, which is enumuerated in the chart below. The planting population was 32,500 seeds per acre with 6-row corn planter and a 894 feet long plot. To find out more about the Mycogen seed varieties visit their site at: www.mycogen.com, to find out more about the FS seed varieties visit their site at: http://www.fsseed.com/

Harvest 2014

Top and bottom hybrids highlighted difference of 46.9bu/ac

Take out the top and bottom difference 5.5bu/ac

Plot average 183.bu/ac and 22.5% moisture

Many people view farming as very nostalgic. Nostalgia is good, but it is important that we do not lose the focus of farming as a very scientific business. Almost every decision a farmer makes is based science and the bottom line.