RACINE, WISC. As com growers plan for the upcoming planting season, they should be aware that seed availability will likely require changes in usual planting procedures. The 1988 drought and other factors have affected both the size and quantity of seed com for 1989 crops. For most farmers, this means the seed sizes they normally plant may not be available, or they can only be obtained at a higher cost. This does not have to be a major problem, however, if growers plan ahead and make sure the equip ment they have will handle the seed they order. This year, a larger percentage of higher-performing hybrid seed will be available in smaller sizes. One reason is that farmers have passed over some hybrids in recent years because they were only available in smaller sizes. These carryover supplies and the drought-stunted 1988 crop make it more likely that seed for 1989 planting will be smaller. Size doesn’t affect performance Although many fanners have become accustomed to planting only medium flats, they may be limiting their options by keeping See the most exciting new coal stoves ever... The STRATFORD nUSSINGE./S [QUALITY ST JVES] ■ 2533 OM Rik. Pin, RL 340, SnwMmn, Pl 3 Wn East o( Lincnt* Tue , Thurs « Fn 10-8, Wed & Sat 10-5 ■HMI7I7) 397-7539MMW Seed Availability with tradition. Research by uni versities and seed companies has shown that seed com size does not affect yields or emergence. “Since large and small kernels of the same hybrid are identical geneti cally, there should be no differ ence in performance if there is good quality control,” according to Dr. Gairen Benson, extension agronomist at lowa State Univer sity. Many seed companies offer discounts on smaller seed sizes, providing a cost savings as well. Proper adjustment is crucial The planter may be the most important factor in the perfor mance of smaller seed. “Adapting your planter for various seed sizes doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming,” says Joe Nevil le, Case IH product director for implements. “Most planters, with a few adjustments or some new plates, can do a good job with any size of seed. Of course, normal maintenance is also important.” Careful maintenance will reduce the problems caused by seed size variation. Air planters can be adjusted easily to take into account the size of the seeds to be planted. On the Case IH Cycle® Air planters, for example, the air ■ Requires Planting Adjustments pressure and brush settings should be adjusted to the size of the seeds. On plate planters, seed size should be properly matched with seed plates. For general maintenance, Neville suggests starting with the metering mechanism. The seed selection mechanism should be examined for worn or broken parts. • Check for damaged or poorly fitting seals that could cause air pressure leaks. • Clean seed tubes by pulling a cloth through the tube. This rids the tube of foreign material which can create stoppages. \ v-*; ' ~-»f- s . * *>«» Many farmers this year will be planting seed corn that is smaller than they normally use. Air planters like the one shown can be adjusted easily to match the size of seed to be planted. On air-type planters: MEAD LANCASTER FARMING FOR COMPLETE AND UP-TO-DATE MARKET REPORTS ijncmw Panting, Saturday, Dtcambar 31,1M8-821 -\ V i .. • Inspect the seal around the seed drum and the rubber seed release wheels. Replace if cracked or worn, • Check seed cutoff brush and brush rollers for wear. Replace with complete assembly if necessary. On plate-type planters: • Replace worn or sticky cutoff pawls and knockout rollers. Be sure that the pawls work freely and that the springs are in good condition. • Check the center bearing for wear. A worn bearing results in excessive play between the seed plate and the sides of the hopper bottoms. This causes variation in the size of the cell. r - ] t j I READ LANCASTER FARMING'S ! I ADVERTISING TO FIND ALL I | t YOUR NEEDS! J H LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT CALF HUTCH KIT, 4'xB - metal top for easy transport or storage. Deal ers welcomed. 215-445-7935. FOR SALE; (2) double deck livestock trailers. (1) T 974 Wilson 43‘; (1) 1978 Wilson 44'. Both have new tires & brakes. Ready to go. 717-673-3448. For Sale: Reg. Percherons mares stallions weanlings to aged mares. (301)845-8650. t >. *■ • Empty the hopper periodical ly to remove dirt, dust and chaff accumulations which can hamper smooth operation of the hopper parts. Soybean growers this year may also be faced with shortages of more popular varieties, since the drought reduced yields in many areas of the Midwest Good qual ity seed may be in short supply, so soybean growers should order early. Higher seed prices and reduced supplies of some types of seed will make accuracy more critical than ever this year, but with the proper preparation, growers can be cer tain their equipment will efficient ly plant the seed that is available. THINK! BUI! CENTAUR FENCING SYSTEMS The Safety Coated High Tensile Fence Also available Poard Fence & Fence Painting. All material & work warranteed. I 717-428-3496 X '%K r/.. - Esch’s Fencing All types of fencing, specializing In High Tensll and Split Rail. :215-857-1676 Free Delivery Possible |(E|\ICOVE NEW ZEALAND TYPE HIGH-TENSILE FENCE STRONG • CASTING • ECONOMICAL PA: *OO-442-6*23 USA: MO-245-6902 FREE GUIDE 111 Randall Lam BlalravlKa. FA 15717
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