John Deere Planter Seeding Attachments

Feb 05, 2013

Residue management

Too much residue in the seedbed is never a good thing, which is why residue managers are essential to achieving uniform emergence. Residue managers push aside the residue that could get in the way of your seedlings and prevent them from developing uniformly. Brad Freesmeier, a farmer in southeastern Iowa, currently uses row cleaners from Yetter on the 1,100 acres he farms.[i] According to Freesmeier, row cleaners are key to improving uniformity. Yetter Iowa Territory Manager Andy Thompson says many farmers in Iowa are placing more emphasis on uniform emergence every year.

Depth

Planting depth has a huge impact on root development as well as plant development, so a uniform seed depth is one of the key factors to promoting uniform emergence. Kirk Reese, agronomy research manager for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, says, “In general, recommended corn planting depth ranges between 1.5 to 2 inches below the soil surface. Seed-to-soil contact is maximized when corn seed is planted at the recommended depth.”[ii] Emergence may be delayed with deeper planting, but corn will emerge more uniformly.

Starter fertilizer

The use of starter fertilizer jump starts growth, feeding the plant just what it needs while it is becoming established. Because of this, it is crucial to healthy emergence. There is a wide variety of starter fertilizer options available that can be tailored to your specific needs. Consult your local agronomist for a recommendation.

Soil testing can also play a crucial role in seed emergence. Refer to the November 20, 2012, issue of the Leading Edge for valuable information on soil testing.

Seed-to-soil contact

Says Yetter Territory Manager Jared Head, “Think of soil like a blanket. If your seed is completely wrapped up in the soil, it’ll sprout more consistently. Soil acts as a moisture conductor. The more contact, the more moisture is available to help the seed sprout.” Investing in good closing wheels can help provide good seed-to-soil contact by closing the furrow. Closing wheels will crumble the soil and help firm it down around the seed.

Click here to see more...

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.