Specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are teaming up with Iowa State Ag and Biosystems Engineering specialists to bring planter equipment expertise to farms across the state Feb. 6-10.
The workshops are an opportunity for farmers, agricultural service providers, equipment and precision ag dealers, and others to gain insight into how planters function, optimize settings for individual seed, field, and equipment needs, and improve understanding of planter wear and calibration.
“Planter University will go far beyond a typical planter clinic, offering attendees direct access to specialists with expertise in planter technology and settings,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “We are excited to offer this opportunity across the state for a second year.”
Specialists from the Iowa State Digital Ag group will lead each workshop and focus on small-group, hands-on learning with row units representing a variety of technologies currently available for planters. The Digital Ag group is renowned for their key industry partnerships and unique expertise in equipment and precision agriculture. Meetings will also offer continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisers.
“We are going to help attendees better understand the physics behind traditional and high-speed planters and how to evaluate planting performance,” said Levi Powell, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.
“Every planter, operator and operation is different; one setting doesn’t work for everyone. This event will focus on how to dial in the right settings for you and your operation,” added Ben Covington, Iowa State ag and biosystems engineering program specialist.
The training will be offered at five locations. Attendance will be limited to maintain small group sizes and allow for hands-on activities. Registration for each location is $85 and closes seven days ahead of each meeting.
Register online at https://www.aep.iastate.edu/planter/. Registration includes lunch, refreshments, reference materials, seed depth tool, closing wheel hold up bracket, and CCA credits. Each workshop will begin with check-in and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 – Northwest Research and Demonstration Farm, Sutherland.
Feb. 7 – Northeast Research Farm – Borlaug Learning Center, Nashua.
Feb. 8 – Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, Crawfordsville.
Feb. 9 – Agriland FS, Woodbine.
Feb. 10 – CNH Industrial Ag Information Center, Nevada.
For questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429, oranr@iastate.edu, or contact your regional ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.
Categories: Iowa, Crops, Education