Consider this checklist as planting season approaches
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
With #plant17 around the corner, Farms.com caught up with Chris Dahms, a precision land management specialist with Robert's Farm Equipment in Chesley, to put together a list of elements farmers should consider when it comes to preparing for planting.
Seed bed prepatation should be first priority, Dahms said.
“(Farmers) have to look at (their) tillage equipment first,” Dahms said. “A general, physical inspection to ensure sweeps aren’t worn out, bearings aren’t out of the gangs or discs aren’t cracked or warped could go a long way."
Checking tractor and implement tires can help the equipment perform better, especially in a corn crop, Dahms said.
"If you're trying to plant corn you need your tractor (tires) set at the right width," he said.
When it comes to the planters, Dahms said producers should take a variety of elements into consideration.
Disc Openers
Ensuring seeds are being planted in their intended spot is crucial to farmers, said Dahms.
“You have to make sure the disc openers aren’t worn out (and) that they’re going to open and place the seed where you want it,” he said. “Seed placement is key. There’s no more dumping seed down and hoping for the best.
If you’re in a no-till situation, check the trash sweeps to make sure your disc opener is clear.”
Metering System
Checking the metering system is another way farmers can help the planter perform well, Dahms said.
“If it’s finger pickup, you should make sure the fingers are hitting the plates correctly. On an air seeder, you need to check that everything still fits tightly and is going to meter correctly. You don’t want to think you’re putting down 100 pounds of something when you’re actually putting down 110 pounds."
Fertilizer
If producers are using their air drills to apply fertilizer, the implement needs to be calibrated and checked for wear and tear, Dahms said.
“For liquid fertilizer, (farmers) need to check for cracked hoses, leaks and fittings,” he said. “It’s like fixing plumbing in an old house. You want to make sure nothing is leaking.”
Tips from a Farmer
Josh Butler, a cash crop producer from Croton, offered some of his own tips.
“I try to cover the basics like making sure everything is greased, chains are tight and pumping tires before the first planting day,” he said. “You don’t want to be waiting until the last minute to do those things. Before I start planting I’ll unfold the planter to make sure everything works correctly.
“Sometimes I’ll even drive with it to make sure everything is steering the way it should.”