So, you like your corn planter but think it could do an even better job of planting if you invest more money in it? You might be right, but the big-money question looms. Where should you spend that money first?

While that may depend heavily upon how the planter is already equipped, a multitude of companies introduced new products recently. Each competes for that aftermarket planter market. Each believes its product is the greatest thing for planting since farmers parked their horses for planting corn.

The long list of new products in this category also carries a wide variation in price tag, from under $100 per row to hundreds of dollars per row. Those in the know with a sharp pencil suggest figuring out possible amount of time to recoup your costs if you make the investment. Depending upon how much you plant each year and how much value the upgrade can provide, the time to the break-even point may be as little as one year — or even less. Do some calculations before deciding to invest.

Here is a closer look at just a few of the new products in this category:

Set-N-Seed. Invented by a farmer, this simple kit available from S.I. Distributing and other outlets costs under $200 but could return hundreds of dollars in better yields after using it just one time. Why? Because it allows you to check and recheck to make sure each planter row is placing seed at exactly the same depth. The truth is that many planters — even new planters delivered by a local dealer — may plant slightly deeper or slightly shallower in one or more rows compared to the others. That can translate into emergence differences, which can translate into a yield hit. Farmers who have used this simple kit say it’s well worth the money.

Dupliseedty.com. You must see this one to believe it. Here’s the concept: To eliminate skips from occurring, this device sets up two seed drop tubes, with belts and cells for each seed instead of one. Both operate all the time. If there is an empty cell in the main tube, an instant signal tells the other tube to drop a seed. Depending on final price, this idea could be a winner.

Farm Shop outer nylon closing ring. Here’s perhaps the simplest and one of the cheapest upgrades on the market. A nylon outer ring slips over the closing wheel, giving an indented surface when it contacts the soil to firm each seed. Full-metal wheels with this shape are also available. The nylon ring concept is a more economical option. Check it out using the contact details provided.