Corn School: Think 'firming force' not downforce at planting

What's a planter supposed to do when it rolls into fields and tucks into a fit seedbeed?
On this episode of RealAgriculture Corn School, Kearney Planters operations manager Cullen Tinline shares a corn planter furrow management wish list and what growers should expect if their planter is fine-tuned, properly prepped, and rolling in good soil conditions. He also discusses why growers should think 'firming force' not downforce when fine-tuning the planter.
In a perfect planting world, Tinline says moisture would be available to the seed as it's planted at the targeted depth; seed trench side walls are firm enough to hold together so no dry dirt falls in and around the seed; seed can fall into the bottom of the trench; there is no residue close to the seed; and the side walls are loose enough to allow the closing system to demolish the furrow.
But growers need more than luck to get all that right. In the video, Tinline reviews a checklist for planter inspection and offers maintenance and preparation tips for growers as they get ready to head to the field.
Tinline also looks at the importance of downforce and explains why he encourages grower to think more in terms of firming force. He says growers really need to consider soil type and planting conditions when deciding how much down pressure is needed.
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