Precision Planting Vs. Traditional Planting: What's The ROI?

In the ag economy, where margins can be slim, every input matters. As costs rise, making a return on investment (ROI) requires strategizing every element of your farming operation. This is where precision planting can be a game-changer, allowing you to fine-tune your seeding and application at every turn. But how can you ensure a return on investment when you make the transition from traditional planting to precision ag? Let’s take a look. 

What is Precision Planting? 

Precision planting is a precision ag technique using technologies like GPS guidance, seed sensors, and variable rate control to plant with extreme accuracy. Where traditional planting methods rely on fixed rates of seeding and application, precision planting systems adjust in real time to various field conditions. The result is better seed placement, ideal spacing, and much less waste. 

Precision Means Higher ROI

Reduce Waste and Over-Application

Minimizing waste is one of the surest ways to improve your ROI. Precision planting helps to minimize waste by eliminating seed overlaps and skips. Precision ag tools like John Deere’s ExactEmerge allow for highly accurate, high-speed planting, ensuring each seed is placed exactly where–and how deep–it needs to be. 

Input Savings

As fertilizer, seed, and crop protection continues to rise in cost, and are often overused, input costs can skyrocket. Precision ag tools like John Deere Section Control or rate controllers allow you to apply inputs only when necessary based on real-time field data. Minimizing over-application, cutting input costs, and preserving soil health all lead to a stronger long-term ROI. 

Higher Yields

Depth control and uniform seed spacing result in higher yield potentials. Precision-planted fields often outperform traditionally planted ones, especially in areas of variable soil and moisture conditions. Systems like John Deere’s SeedStar send real-time feedback on population, spacing, downforce, and more to help ensure optimal emergence on every pass. 

Where Traditional Planting Makes Sense

We don’t want to mislead you–traditional planting still has its place in modern agriculture. Traditional planting relies on generalization and basic input practices. On smaller farming operations or in regions where soil variability and land features are minimal, traditional planting can be a great solution. 

John Deere and the Future of Precision Ag

When it comes to ag and technology, John Deere continues to forge the way. John Deere equipment makes the transition to precision planting seamless, as many planters are compatible with precision upgrade kits, meaning you can benefit from the latest tech even if you don’t have the latest equipment. 

Should You Make the Upgrade? 

When considering your return on investment, precision planting offers a clear advantage over traditional methods. By reducing waste, cutting costs, and farming faster, the savings can pile up quickly. 

If you’re already using John Deere equipment, precision ag is an easy next step forward. Want to learn more about how you can benefit from precision farming? Check out our blog.