Revolutionary multi-row width, multi-hybrid concept planter to unlock yield potential

Beck's is excited to partner with Harvest International, Precision Planting, and Schlipf Precision Ag to develop a multi-row width, multi-hybrid concept planter. Developed for Beck's Practical Farm Research (PFR)® program, the revolutionary concept planter will help the agriculture industry gain a better understanding of the optimum row spacing, seeding rate, and hybrid combination per acre.

"Over the years, our PFR team has conducted several studies about row spacing and seeding rates, but we have yet to determine the right row spacing, seeding rate, and hybrid combination," said Jason Gahimer, PFR operations manager. "The multi-row width, multi-hybrid concept planter will allow us to plant in 10 in., 20 in., and 30 in. rows, as well as multi-hybrid, variable rate populations, and apply variable rate fertility throughout the field to identify the zones, spacing, and seeding rates that will maximize yields."

The multi-row width, multi-hybrid concept planter features a customer planter bar and row units by Harvest International; Precision Planting vSet® Select multi-hybrid meters; vApply HD liquid control system, a FurrowJet® in-furrow liquid attachment, CleanSweep® for the pneumatic row cleaner control, and DeltaForce® hydraulic down force control system, Yetter Manufacturing closing wheels and row cleaners; and a Surefire Ag fertilizer pump system. Schlipf Precision Ag in Milford, Ind., assembled the Precision Planting components onto the Harvest International planter bar.

"We're very excited to partner with Beck's to develop the multi-row width, multi-hybrid concept planter," said Byron Friesen, president of Harvest International. "The planter bar and row units were manufactured in northwest Iowa and are built out of a high tinsel strength steel. Because we laser cut everything, it ensures a high-level of accuracy, which lends itself to more precise planting."

In the fall of 2017, Beck's PFR team will utilize the planter to conduct a 10 in. row width study in wheat. Then in the spring of 2018, the PFR team will conduct initial corn and soybean field trials with the multi-row width, multi-hybrid planter in central Indiana. Before heading to the fields, the team will work with Beck's precision farming tool, FARMserver® to create management zones in the fields and identify test blocks.

"In everything we do at Beck's, our goal is to help farmers succeed," said Gahimer. "Our PFR program not only delivers unbiased, agronomic data to farmers, but it also adds profitability to their operation. We're excited to partner with companies who believe in innovation, learning and farmer-focused research. With their support, we're going to help farmers unlock yield potential on every acre."

Click here to watch the PFR video to learn more about the multi-row width, multi-hybrid concept planter. For more information about Beck's PFR program, visit www.beckshybrids.com/PFResearch.