Grain drill calibration is a critical, yet often ignored, part of successful forage establishment and pasture renovation. Planting lower seed rates than recommended can result in thin stands that are susceptible to weed encroachment. Planting more than the recommended seeding rate is undesirable due to increased seed costs. As drills wear, and tires and cogs get replaced, actual seeding rates can vary significantly from seeding charts found on drills. The following calibration method can be applied across a wide range of grain drill types and manufacturers and minimizes the need to carry out detailed mathematical calculations.
See the University of Kentucky extension publication, Grain Drill Calibration: Don’t Make a Mistake-Calibrate! and Dr. Chris Teutsch demonstrate his method in this video.
~ University of Kentucky extension publication, AGR-254.
The Alliance for Grassland Renewal is a national organization focused on enhancing the appropriate adoption of novel endophyte tall fescue technology through education, incentives, self-regulation and promotion. For more resources or to learn more about the Alliance for Grassland Renewal, go to www.grasslandrenewal.org
The Alliance for Grassland Renewal 