Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. continues progress on the world’s first electric multi-hybrid planter, with six planters having successfully been used for planting on test plots in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana this spring. Based on early successes with the multi-hybrid planter, Kinze is putting the model into limited production for the spring 2015 planting season.

Kinze first announced the concept planter, which provides farmers with the ability to change the seed hybrid they are planting automatically as the planter moves through the field, last December and has made rapid progress with it since then. This spring the company collaborated with several seed businesses, including AgriGold, Beck’s Hybrids, Burrus Hybrids and DuPont Pioneer, on test plots.

In planting trials this spring, the planter successfully demonstrated automatic on-the-go changing of seed hybrids and population. Hybrid changes were conducted within a single seed drop, so there were virtually no gaps or overlap when switching from one hybrid to the other.

Additionally, the planter successfully demonstrated the creation and application of prescription maps controlling the seed hybrid and population. This was done in conjunction with Raven and the partnering seed companies, which created prescription maps to take advantage of their portfolio of seeds and optimize every part of the farmer’s fields.

“We look forward to bringing this innovation to farmers,” said Susanne Veatch, Kinze vice president and chief marketing officer. “With the multi-hybrid planter, farmers will no longer have to make compromises and can optimize their seed hybrids – and ultimately increase their yields.”

Additionally, Kinze announces the 4000 series meters will be offered on 3000 series planters (with the exception of electric drive). The meter is available with both contact and hydraulic drive. On the 4900 and 4900 multi-hybrid planters, the meter is available with rugged, high torque 24V motors which allow for precise seed rate control by row. This technology makes it possible to get consistent seed spacing from the inside row to the outside row – even on tight radius turns and contours. Kinze will no longer be offering the edge vac meter.

For more information visit Kinze.com.