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Farmer discusses transition to high-speed planting technology

A western Indiana farmer is operating two new planters this crop season.

Kevin Cox says, like many farmers, they were looking for ways to increase capacity.

“So, we were trying to figure out what was the best move for that,” he says. “In our area, we have a lot of small fields and a lot of narrow roads, and we’re limited on transport width and the nimbleness of being able to get around to get in and out of the fields. We opted to go with high-speed technology. We traded our two planters that we’ve been running for two new Horsch planters.”  

He tells Brownfield there has been a learning curve.

“That was completely new so that came with a big level of anxiety there to figure out a new piece of equipment and how it operated,” he says.

There was also a delay in delivery.

“(The planters) were supposed to be delivered in January, they finally showed up the last day or two of March. I told (the ag equipment dealer) that I want to get them here early and I want to be able to give them a hug. I want to get to know them very well before it’s time to go to the field,” he says. “It was a little tense for awhile.”

Cox says they’ve worked through some other challenges.

“We ran into some situations with the connectivity and communication with the tractor. I called one dealer trying to get what we needed and found out they had been trying to get it for a year. We were finally able to get one through another dealership,” he says.

But, he says the planters are rolling now.

“I’m planting at about 10 miles per hour which I’ve never done that before,” he says. “I’m pretty excited with the decision we made and the results that we’re seeing out of it so far.”  

Cox raises corn and soybeans in Brazil, Indiana. He started planting soybeans last week.