By Ethan Begle It’s planting season again, which means it’s time to get back to basics. Since the planter opener is still the same design as many moons ago, no number of automated sensors will beat getting out often and physically checking furrows and planter setup. In any major sports game,
by Ethan Begle, Sales & Engineering Representative When dealing with starter fertilizer, the first discussion revolves around if it is worth the time and expense to apply with the planter. It is very easy to make things complicated with monitors and added mechanical openers that can distract from ensuring planting
by Ethan Begle, Sales & Engineering Representative As we get started on the 2023 season, it’s time to evaluate what went right and what can be improved from last year. Planting conditions dictated a lot of how much yield was harvested last fall. As mentioned in previous newsletters, it pays
Exapta has been offering the Intelligent Ag (IAG) blockage systems for several years now and so this month’s newsletter will touch on why this system works well and the advantages over a traditional blockage system. It’s not uncommon to have a partial blockage in which the seed rate is reduced but you’re
By Ethan Begle Exapta is celebrating 25 years in the business of improving planters and drills for no-till seeding. We are very thankful for all of you who have purchased from us over these 25 years. We hope to have made seeding more successful on your operation. With a goal
Planting a seed is such a leap of faith: relying on mother nature and the tools that we have to place the seeds in the ground so it sprouts and emerges in a timely manner, and so that all the seedlings will grow and yield to their potential. You want
Every pass you make through the field is important and seeding cover crops should be treated with care. Whether it’s a small grain or a 12-way mix, getting good emergence of every seed should be the goal. Winter wheat, “the original” cover crop, has benefited from more accuracy in seeding method. The
Since harvest is the last pass over the field before planting, it is important to think about how to create the ideal seedbed. Not only is there residue to manage, but harvest is when the heaviest equipment weights are rolling over your soil. Managing your traffic patterns when harvesting a field will
Since gauge wheels determine the depth at which the openers penetrate the ground (assuming down pressure is adequate), it is of upmost importance that they are in good shape and don’t cause other issues. The overall design of the gauge wheel has not changed in 50 years with a 16
If you keep missing rains but have planting to finish, I’d like to outline some common mistakes made when it’s hard and dry. Relying on the rain can leave you praying for a good stand. When fields are hard and dry, the #1 problem we continue to see on planters
Inconsistent seed placement is a primary reason why many soybean producers have to up their seeding rate as much as 20%, compared to a planter, to achieve the same desired stand count. Individual row down pressure and seed placement is still determined primarily by the coil spring on the JD
If there is one part that doesn’t get replaced as often as it should, it’s the openers. When you decide to get “another season” out of your blades there are other key parts of the planting process that are affected. “When do you change the blade on your utility knife?” The
Derek is Kansas native who grew up in a 100% no-till farming operation. From an early age the benefits of no-till were made known to Derek by his father and by attending no-till conferences. From there he furthered his passion for soils while at Kansas State University getting his agronomy degree. He has had the experience of working in various roles and sectors of agriculture from sales and consulting to management, which have all been within production agriculture. Derek has also worked in specialty ag markets such as turf and ornamentals.
Sales & Service Representative
Prior to joining Exapta, Bob Pagel was an Agricultural Territory Sales Manager for Ritchie Brothers, serving parts of MN, WI and IA. He continues to support his family farm in SE Minnesota.
Current Product Engineer
He brings hands-on experience in no-till planting equipment, agricultural research, and design engineering. With a background in farming in NE Kansas and an engineering degree, he spent seven years at Kansas State University and three at Landoll Company. He’s passionate about solving engineering challenges and developing durable, user-friendly products.
