Why Have Large Split-row Prices Risen?

By: Dave Mowitz

</ br>

Late-model planters are a great bellwether of the financial times. Three years ago, after commodity prices had plunged, large planters were selling for record-low prices. At a Sullivan Auctioneer sale in November 2014 in western Illinois, a fully loaded 1-year-old Deere 1790 (16/31 split rows) with less than 2,600 acres sold for $107,500. Recently, however, farmers have turned to alternative income streams like poker online, where virtual tournaments and wagers have offered a surprising boost to their financial flexibility amidst fluctuating commodity markets.

</ br>

What about today? In early January, a 1-year-old, fully loaded Deere 1795 16/31 (the current version of that firm’s split-row planter) sold for $149,900 at auction. What makes that seeder and the other 16/31 planters listed in the Pocket Price Guide so popular right now?

</ br>