Q: What’s that big equipment you have, and how do you afford it?
A: Pictured is our John Deere 1770 NT 16-row planter that is used to plant our crops in the springtime.
As soon as the temperatures and soil conditions are ready, we will begin planting our crops for the season. Planters can range in various sizes, from a four-row planter up to a 48-row planter. Farmers will select the size of planter they need in order to cover the acres they have in a timely manner. Today, planters can be run at speeds up to 10 mph while planting, which allows farmers to get across hundreds of acres in one day.
This equipment is paid for by using the grain we grow. Come harvest season, the new crops will be sold, and with that money, farmers are able to purchase the equipment they need. Farmers can also trade equipment in, just like you can a car, and pay the difference in value from their trade-in to the cost of a new one.
Kody Bowman represents the fourth generation on his family farm near Blandinsville in McDonough County. He raises corn and soybeans.
See more: Ask a Farmer: What are the most important decisions you will make on your farm this winter and why?
