Single Pass Systems are on the way out

**SASKFARMER3** · Mar 10, 2015, 10:27

One op I know who seeds over 30000 acres floated last fall. See 86 ft drills are heavy enough in mud even with the mud kit.
It's coming full circle back.

**seabass** · Mar 10, 2015, 10:41

Never say never. Couple dry years and you'll look back and have to admit you were wrong. Roll with what mother nature gives u.

**WiltonRanch** · Mar 10, 2015, 10:51

I suppose we will go back to sweeps and box drills too. Not likely. I like the idea of split applied fert but know for myself one pass is working due to time savings. As well it seems by the time I'm done seeding that window to broadcast fertilizer is not there.

**furrowtickler** · Mar 10, 2015, 10:54

With the cost of newer single pass seeding systems now pushing $8,000 to $10,000 / ft and the power need to pull them approaching $1000 / hp it has become totally uneconomical regardless of the size of unit. Also the logistics at seeding to supply all the product at once has become a nightmare for some.

**WiltonRanch** · Mar 10, 2015, 11:03

True. One time 200lbs of fertilizer was a big rate. Even 1.5 bushels of wheat was standard. Now the logistics for the larger outfits must be daunting. I worry when it's dry though. But I suppose liquid fert dribbled before seeding would be okay.

**seabass** · Mar 10, 2015, 11:05

I won't argue with those numbers furrow but u know what it can be like trying to seed into land that can get dried out. Minimum til seems to work best around here depending on moisture conditions. I sure as hell wouldn't go back to the way we use to do things. Only by necessity of course. When shes real wet plow away. Always seems to be a game time decision.

**wakopa** · Mar 10, 2015, 11:07

last year had a wet quarter and forecast was rain for 4 days so i used a fert spreader to spred the fert and then the wheat same way.that field was my highest yielder and it didnt rain .like seebass says roll with mother nature.

**wakopa** · Mar 10, 2015, 11:12

forgot to say i also used heavy harrows to seed it perfect.

**freewheat** · Mar 10, 2015, 11:14

Bottom line is we are all going to use a certain way to do things, that we are successful at.

This is not Europe, or the corn belt. I can see how logistics for bigger farms can limit them. I personally do not panic when I must stop to fill every couple or three hours. I think of it as a great leg stretcher, and opportunity to dig and roll in the soil, and just to feel the spring wind on my face, rather than be cooped up in the tractor forever.

Lots of different ideas out there for sure.

Single Pass Systems are on the way out