Book Traces History Of "Planter Wire"

Book Traces History Of "Planter Wire" AG WORLD Ag World 23-3-22 It seems like an obscure subject, but co-author Larry Greer says there's a lot of interest in his new book about the development of planter wire and automated check row planters in the U.S. Planter wires, which were often as long as 1/4 mile, stretched across fields. Knots fitted to the wire at regular intervals tripped the seed drop mechanisms on early horse-drawn planters. Most planter wires laid right on the ground and tension was applied to help keep the wires aligned. Greer, a Chesterfield, Mo., barbed wire collector, got interested in the subject through his hobby. "I often came across barbless wire with intricate knots on it in barns and on fenceposts and wondered what it was used for," explains Greer, who spent years writing "Planter Wire: Patent History and Collectors Catalogue". Development of check row planters began in the 1840's and the first patent for planter wire was issued in 1857, according to Greer. The method was used until the 1950's, by which time tractor-pulled planters made check row planters obsolete, he says. Between 1857 and 1939, more than 200 planter wire patents were issued. One of the most interesting was called the Faries system of the 1800's, where wire pivoted on a cylinder on the wire, he says. Along with patents, history, wires, reels and knots, Greer's book covers the anchors used to fix the wire in place. Anchors were cast iron stakes, Greer notes. The 350 plus page book includes photos and patent drawings of planter wires, as well as reproductions of early planter manuals. Greer wrote the book with co-author Jim Goedert. Sells for $16 plus $4 S&H. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Larry Greer, 182 N. Green Trails, Chesterfield, Mo. 63017-2552 (ph 314 576-1152).

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