Planting Corn & Cotton in South Georgia: A John Deere Playbook

Around here, spring doesn’t just mean warmer weather; it means it’s time to get in the field.

For south Georgia growers, planting season is one of the biggest moments of the year. The decisions you make now can shape how the rest of the season goes. Seed placement, soil conditions, spacing and timing all matter.



And when planting windows are tight, having the right equipment can make all the difference.

At Lasseter Tractor Company, we work with farmers every season to make sure their equipment is ready when it’s time to roll. Here are a few things worth paying attention to before the planter hits the ground.

Start with Planter Calibration

It sounds simple, but calibration is one of the easiest things to overlook, and one of the most important.

If your planter isn’t set correctly, you can end up with uneven seed spacing, poor emergence and wasted seed. Before heading out, it’s worth checking:

• Population settings
• Seed meters
• Downforce
• Row unit performance
• Closing wheels

Even being slightly off can show up later at harvest.

A properly calibrated planter helps create uniform stands, and uniform stands usually mean better yield potential.

Don’t Rush Soil Conditions

We all know the temptation. A dry day shows up in the forecast and everybody wants to move.

But planting into poor soil conditions can create problems that stick around all season.

Corn especially likes consistent soil temperatures and good seed-to-soil contact. Cotton needs warm ground and stable moisture to get going.

If conditions aren’t right, waiting a day or two can pay off in a big way.

Seed Depth Matters More Than You Think

Planting depth isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing.

Field conditions change. Soil types change. Moisture changes.

For corn, consistency is everything. Too shallow and roots can struggle. Too deep and emergence can slow down.

Cotton is even more sensitive. Because the seed is smaller, depth needs to stay consistent to help with uniform emergence.

Taking time to check behind the planter during the day can save headaches later.

Precision Ag Takes Out Some of the Guesswork

Technology has changed planting, and for the better.

With John Deere precision ag tools and Operations Center, growers can keep an eye on planting data in real time, track coverage and make adjustments faster.

That means:

• Better row spacing
• Less overlap
• Better input management
• Cleaner field records

When margins are tight, efficiency matters.

Make Sure the Tractor Is Ready Too

Planters get a lot of attention this time of year, but don’t forget the tractor pulling it.

Before planting starts, check:

• Hydraulic performance
• Tire pressure
• Fluid levels
• GPS signal and display setup
• Battery and electrical systems

A breakdown during planting season costs more than repair time - it can cost planting time.

We’re Here to Help

Planting season moves fast, and when you need parts, service or equipment support, waiting isn’t an option.

That’s why our team at Lasseter Tractor works hard to keep south Georgia growers moving.

Whether you’re running a new planter, upgrading your tractor, or getting your equipment ready for the season, we’re here to help you hit the field ready.

Stop by your nearest Lasseter location or give us a call. We’d be glad to help you get planting season started right.