Used Planter Inventory Keeps Shrinking as Tech Upgrades Boost Value

The market for used planters continues to tighten as inventories on Tractor Zoom plunged 20% this year, resulting in a 50% inventory reduction over the previous two years. This was caused by inflationary pressure on planter pricing that slowed retail demand. Asking prices and auction values on used planters are sideways. However, potential scarcity could make it essential to act quickly when purchasing.

Late-model used planters are more difficult to source. Finding a planter with the desired options is going to take longer and require more effort. Accessorizing existing planters with the latest technology has gained momentum. Popular accessories, including electric drive and precision technology, significantly influence the value of used planters. This can make price comparisons more difficult between planters of the same make and model.  

In this episode, Dave Mowitz and Andy Campbell discuss the options that drive used planter value. The right technology helps set you up for the best chance of success through seed placement, bed preparation, pre-emergence fertilizer application, and data connectivity. The high-quality steel construction of late-model planters extends the viable lifecycle and gives you many options, including upgrading units with the latest technology.

Meet Andy Campbell

Andy Campbell is director of insights at Tractor Zoom. As a past engineer, professor, and entrepreneur, Campbell is passionate about bridging the gap between data and action for farmers, dealers, auctioneers, and ag lenders. He continues to help operate his family farm in Iowa.

Tractor Zoom was started in 2017 to help farmers and other decision makers have access to current equipment values and make data-driven decisions about heavy equipment.

Meet Dave Mowitz

Dave Mowitz worked at Successful Farming from 1982 to 2022, covering equipment trends for Successful Farming magazine, the Successful Farming TV show, and the Ageless Iron Almanac. Although recently retired, he continues to serve as a contributing editor and now podcast host.

Mowitz was raised on a family farm in Nebraska, of which he is now a part-owner.

Listen to the Podcast

Subscribe to the Successful Farming podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please rate and review us!

Episode Highlights

• The market for used planters continues to tighten as inventories on Tractor Zoom plunged 20% this year, resulting in a 50% inventory reduction over the previous two years. This was caused by inflationary pressure on planter pricing that slowed retail demand. Asking prices and auction values on used planters are sideways. However, potential scarcity could make it essential to act quickly when purchasing.
• Late-model used planters are more difficult to source. Finding a planter with the desired options is going to take longer and require more effort. Accessorizing existing planters with the latest technology has gained momentum. Popular accessories, including electric drive and precision technology, significantly influence the value of used planters. This can make price comparisons more difficult between planters of the same make and model.  
• In this episode, Dave Mowitz and Andy Campbell discuss the options that drive used planter value. The right technology helps set you up for the best chance of success through seed placement, bed preparation, pre-emergence fertilizer application, and data connectivity. The high-quality steel construction of late-model planters extends the viable lifecycle and gives you many options, including upgrading units with the latest technology.

“Don’t get yourself backed into a corner a month before you need to plant to start looking, because it is going to take a while.”

— Andy Campbell