Determining the Economically Efficient Planter Size and Seed Loading Method for Irregularly Shaped Fields in West Tennessee

Planting is one of the most time-sensitive and costly cotton field operations. As such, planting data was collected from 40 cotton fields in west Tennessee to determine the most efficient planter size (12-row, 18-row, and 24-row) and seed loading method (bags, seed tender, and central fill). Analysis was conducted from both an engineering (machinery capacity/efficiency) and economic (variable/fixed cost) frame work. This paper focuses on the economic analysis.  Using a partial budgeting framework and sensitivity analysis this paper estimates the potential payback of investing in larger planters and bulk seed loading methods. Additionally, the paper examines the influence of irregularly shaped fields on the economically optimal selection of 12-row, 18-row, or 24-row planters.