It is possible to achieve that goal, he says it is possible to plant at between 6 to 10 mph, depending on the field. Robson says there are several key factors that need to be considered when working with high-speed planting. The systems are dependent on the farmers downforce system, your soil conditions, soil type, etc.
Robson said for farmers to use the new tools correctly, they need to understand how high-speed planting works. There are openers that are pushing soil away from the center line to drop the seeds, the faster the planter goes, the more that soil wants to be displaced further away from the center.
The equipment needs to keep that soil right next to the centre and then it needs to close the swell -- draw that soil back in. The industry has worked on those challenges and addressed them.
He demonstrated the challenges using a simulation device in sand so that attendees could look at the issues he had been discussing with them, and the impact the speed had on the seed being successfully planted.
The new high-speed planters factor several different conditions into their system. He discussed all the different elements a farmer needs to consider when using a high-speed planter.
Watch the full 2022 Great Ontario Yield Tour presentation “Planter Technology Evolution”.