As input costs continue to rise, farmers are looking for ways to get precise placement and reduce inputs when possible. To address this concern, John Deere has introduced ExactRate, a factory-installed option that precisely monitors and controls the application of liquid fertilizer during planting.
 
“ExactRate gives operators row-by-row section control to help reduce fertilizer costs and the amount of chemicals applied by shutting off application in areas of overlap or non-application,” Ryan Hough, marketing manager, planting and seeding for John Deere said. “Using ExactRate, customers can follow the 4R Principles of Nutrient Stewardship by applying the right product, at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place.”  
 
ExactRate is compatible with select models of John Deere planters with electric drive including the 1775NT, 1795, DB60, DB 44 and DB66 Planters. Thanks to its hydraulic-driven pump, ExactRate can be operated at maximum speeds up to 10 mph (16 km/h), enabling operators to plant up to 5.9 more acres per hour.
 
ExactRate apps are fully compatible with the John Deere 4640 Universal Display and 4600CommandCenter and provide in-cab flow detection and in-field documentation for operators. “ExactRate compensates for both commanded rate changes and speed changes. It also provides curve compensation. This helps ensure growers apply the right rates across their fields, including entry and exit of headlands,” Hough said.
 
John Deere will start taking orders for ExactRate beginning in June, with shipments starting later this fall.