One of my favorite aspects of farming is few of us farm the same way. Rightfully so, as soil fertility, management, logistics and labor dictate decisions on the farm, and the rubber hits the soil when the planters roll.
How can we save money, reduce trips or maximize yield as we head into the 2023 planting season? Here are a few ideas.
MAKE A CLEAR PLAN
“Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,” said Mike Tyson.
Sometimes spring can feel this way, and plans go out the tractor cab as soon as we pull into the field. Plan for how you will keep the wheels rolling — even if they fall off the wagon.
FIELD CONDITIONS
I would plant all my soybeans in March, if conditions allow it, but I am too far north of the Mason-Dixon line. Most importantly, soil conditions are usually still unfit. I know early soybeans are popular, and I have heard of some exceptional yields by pushing planting dates. While I agree with this outlook, you must distinguish weather and field conditions. Ensure soil is fit and the forecast is conducive to the risk you are willing to accept.
PLANTER SETTINGS
First, take good notes in 2023. Write down the changes you make on the planter, and what you fixed along the way. Critical areas for maintenance as you plant include:
- Residue Management: There is a slew of excellent residue management row cleaners on the market. High yields and more residue might be cause for attention in 2023.
- Down Pressure: Read up on how down pressure impacts crop emergence based on crop and conditions. Take a planting workshop if you have one available nearby for a pre-season refresher.
- Depth Control: These can be fighting words and the difference between good and great crops. Check your depth frequently — as in multiple times a day. Soil conditions, soil type, seed size and singulation change frequently. If a sensor is going off, get out and find a solution.
- Closing the Trench: There are innovative solutions, and this area might be the next upgrade for many planters in the coming years. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact, firming and the ultimate condition you want your seed to grow into.
- Input Placement: Modern farming is a game of inches — from guidance to product placement and singulation. Ensure your systems stay at desired consistent placement, at appropriate rates through monitors and physical checks and routed as they should be.
