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NC Iowa | We started with a Deere 7000 and configured our own drive system out the front side. The tires were swung to the front also and they worked fine until you put in heavy seed and insecticide than it wouldn't lift and when in mud the tires would overcenter. We are now using a 7100, that is a mounted planter, and it takes away all the problems. The original chain drive system and tires are out the front and no problems.
I don't feel that there is a mojor yield increase over 30" rows but the weed pressure is less because there is no sunlight or room for them to grow. The other thing is if the corn does tip or go down in wind it picks up extremely easy without a reel or any other means. Where the yield increase comes in is the ability to plant higher population and maintain space for the individual plant. Last year harvest population of 35,000 to 37,000 yielded 220 to 255 bu and the plants are still 8" apart, our normal harvest of 33,000 yielded 190. This year we tried 40,000 plants per acre on 60 acres and it yielded 190 to 220, short on moisture in July and August. Next year we will drop back a little and try 37,000 to 38,000. It may seem kind of high, but how will we ever know if these new hybrids will take it if somebody doesn't try.
We have been strip-till corn and no-till beans for 13 years on D grade slope, sand, heavy black muck and clay loam and every year our yields seem to hold steady or rise.
Kevin nc Ia | |
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20 inch equipment
