Machines & Maintenance
these systems. This is also a good time to take a close look at the downforce systems and depth control to ensure consistent depth and good seed-to-soil contact.
3. Preventive Maintenance Can Often Prevent Unscheduled Maintenance
There is no getting around the fact that breakdowns will occur, and they will happen at the worst possible time. Hedge your bets against breakdowns with regular and diligent preventive maintenance.
This is not the same as replacing worn parts. Changing the oil in your car will not prevent a tire blowout, but it will prevent engine damage caused by low oil pressure. So, take the time to grease points, chains, belts, bearings, hydraulic hoses and electrical connections before the planter is put to work.
Time is money, but it is more prudent to spend that time preventing damage before the planting begins than using it to fix something in the middle of a productive day that could have been prevented in the first place.
In this digital world, all of these recommendations apply equally to monitors and software. Ensure that displays power up correctly, sensors read accurately and any necessary system updates are installed well before planting begins.
4. Develop a Planting Plan
A good field-by-field planting plan will prevent decisions from having to be made in the cab and last-minute secondguessing. This goes a long way to reducing stress when the work really heats up. A clear plan will identify each field as crop, hybrid or variety, the target population, planting depth and any special considerations, such as residue levels or drainage concerns. Decide planting order ahead of time based on soil type and typical dry-down times for each crop.
Again, stress reduction comes into play here. Weather changes have the habit of creating a lot of anxiety. But weather changes are a fact of life— and planting. A good, solid plan will eliminate the need to rethink every decision. It will keep the operation moving and ensure the right crop goes into the right field at the right time.
5. Run a Full System Test
Planting efficiency isn’ t just about the planter. It’ s about keeping the planter— and the operation— moving. Stage the seed, fertilizer and chemicals nearby where they’ ll be used, whenever possible. Clearly label seed by field or planting order so mistakes don’ t happen when days get long. Confirm delivery schedules and make sure backup supplies are available for priority acres.
One of the last things to do before the real planting day— and also one of the most important— is to do a short but full test run. Think of it as a dress rehearsal. Check monitor readings, seed delivery, row performance and turnaround times. One short test can uncover issues that can be addressed and fixed without the pressure that would otherwise cost half a day after the real planting begins.
Planting season can at times be a heartless taskmaster. It rewards preparation and efficiency but punishes guesswork and shortcuts. The operations that take time to calibrate, maintain, plan and test are the ones that can move when the window opens, stop when conditions aren’ t right and keep moving throughout the entire operation.
Planting efficiency isn’ t about speed or out-planting everyone else. It’ s about planting accurately, protecting yield and keeping costs under control, especially in a year when costs are already tight and every decision matters. Do the prep work now, and then let the planter do its job when it really counts. Remember, sow efficiently and reap bountifully.
22 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | Planting Spring 2026