We have stalk-knocking devices on our 12-row corn head. But we must take them off to get the head on the transport trailer. I want a 12-row folding corn head, but even trading, it is expensive. Should we suck it up and keep dealing with the stalk devices? Leave them off? Or buy the pricy head?

Profit Planners panelists include David Erickson, farmer, Altona, Ill.; Mark Evans, Purdue Extension educator, Putnam County, Ind.; Jim Luzar, retired Purdue Extension educator and landowner, Greencastle, Ind.; and Steve Myers, farm manager with Busey Ag Resources, LeRoy, Ill.

Erickson: Are your current desires met for stalk and stubble management? If so, lost time at transport must be evaluated compared to increased cost of a folding corn head. Let the decision be driven by what is most important to you, not necessarily what is most convenient.

Evans: What is your goal of knocking down stubs? If it is microbial breakdown of stalks, think about other alternatives. Perhaps cover crops and using ammonium sulfate to help break down stalks would be a better investment to maximize diversity of soil organisms. If stalks become detached and move with wind and water, this can cause considerable issues. Breaking down stalks by letting soil organisms work would ease your frustration of cost and time considerably while building soil health.

Luzar: There are two issues that merit evaluation. First, what benefits are you accruing by running stalk busters? Costs associated with an equipment modification must be compared to benefits the units provide. Faster decomposition of stalks and reduced tire wear are two main factors cited for crimping stalks. What economic benefit is that delivering to you?

What is the cost of using current attachments that must be removed each time? How much time are you devoting to removing and reattaching stalk crimpers? What is the cost of this process to your operation? This is important to determine just how much of this evaluation is really wants vs. needs. Could another attachment be identified that allows the head and attachment to load without removal?

Second, identify benefits of folding head technology. The biggest advantage appears to be timeliness of not having to remove and attach the corn head and the labor it takes to do so. Having a clear idea of what benefits a folding head provides can be expressed in a value per acre of corn. The newer head should have a stalk attachment that would not require removal and reattachment. And you won’t need a header trailer.

I repeat myself with every question dealing with machinery investment. Estimate what the new item can yield your business. Otherwise, wants can cloud needs. You even mention not keeping the stalk buster units as an option. Getting a handle on what benefits you are accruing is probably a great starting point.

Myers: It is your call. The issue boils down to comfort of convenience and timing compared to the out-of-pocket cost required to get that convenience and timing. Certainly, time is money, and only you can quantify what that is worth in your situation.