Demand for large 15-inch planters has increased significantly over the past few years. There are a variety of reasons for the increasing popularity of large 15-inch planters. For one thing, all planters are getting bigger. Beyond that, some farmers want the precision only a planter can provide. A planter row unit lets you singulate the seed, and it does a better job of controlling seeding depth.
Many farmers are tired of the frustration inherent in recalibrating drills when switching varieties.
Seed cost is a factor, also. Tom Evans, marketing manager for Great Plains, a major player in the no-till drill business long before they entered the planter market, agrees that seed placement is one of the main reasons for the popularity of row units. However, he thinks that reason might be overrated. For early canopy and maximum yield, I can still look anybody in the eye and say you ought to drill your beans. But, for the person who doesn't want to own two machines or who does all of the planting alone, then a planter definitely has some luster.