Planter University: Taking the Planter Clinic to the Next Level
Teaching & Educational Technologies
Virgil Schmitt
Extension Field Agronomist
Iowa State University
MUSCATINE
Abstract
Planting is often considered to be the most important field operation necessary to maximize crop yield as this sets the stage for the rest of the growing season. If something goes askew with planting, it is hard to un-do that sin, and the farmer must live with the consequences. The quantity of improvements made to corn planters in recent years is staggering. Advances in seed metering technology, movement of the seed from the meter to the soil, down force adjustments for the row units, furrow closing technology, row cleaner technology, etc., have left farmers asking about the value of using these technologies verses older technology (Do the improvements pay for themselves?), what data can be found in the monitors / controllers, and how the data found there can be used to make improved on-the-fly decisions and adjustments. With these changes in planter technologies came subsequent questions from farmers and those that work closely with farmers (ag retailers, seed dealers, etc.) about understanding and properly using these technologies in ever-changing environmental conditions. To address this need. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach (ISUEO) responded by offering a unique program called Planter University.
This program was a collaborative effort between the Iowa State University Digital Ag team and the field agronomists, where the group organized and hosted five Planter University locations across the state of Iowa in both 2022 and 2023. The objectives of Planter university included: 1) grain a better understanding of how planter down force systems function; 2) understand the differences in how high speed planters should be set compared to conventional planters to obtain maximum performance; 3) gain confidence in evaluating wear components and how to replace them; 4) gain insights into how seedbed conditions and preparation impacts planter row unit performance; and 5) better understand what data planters can generate and how to utilize that data. The ultimate goal was to enable participants to efficiently plant more acres in very diverse conditions and educate them on “WHY” certain settings and adjustments were needed. Educational activities involved small-group demonstrations and breakout sessions, utilization of individual row units of various colors (provided by the manufacturers) as teaching aids, hands-on demonstrations, PowerPoint presentations with embedded videos for additional information, and open question time. This varied approach resulted in a dynamic learning environment for participants.
Join us to learn more about how we planned and conducted Planter University, lessons learned, and evaluation results.
Authors: Virgil Schmitt, Rebecca Vittetoe
-
Virgil Schmitt Extension Field Agronomist, Iowa State University, Iowa, 52761
-
Rebecca Vittetoe Extension Field Agronomist, Iowa State University, Iowa, 52353