How to Set Up Field, Variety, and Prescription on the John Deere Gen 4 Display

Setting up your farm fields, crop varieties, and variable rate prescriptions in your John Deere Gen 4 Display ensures precise planter operation and accurate crop documentation. Follow these steps to get started quickly and avoid common mistakes.

1. Selecting Farms and Fields

• Press the Setup button in the bottom left corner of the Gen 4 Display.

• In the Location box, the display uses boundaries and automatically locates nearby fields.

  • If boundaries are recognized, you’ll see a list of fields near you.

  • Select your desired field, or tap View All to see the complete list.

• The selected field’s boundary shape will appear—confirm your selection by pressing OK.

Tip: Setting up boundaries ahead of time allows for automatic field location, saving you time in the cab.

2. Setting Up Crop Type

• After choosing your field, set up your crop type:

  • Tap Crop and scroll to select the appropriate crop (e.g., corn, soybeans).

  • Once found, press OK.

3. Configuring Variety Documentation

• Tap the Variety box to begin setup.

• Choose from three options for planting configuration:

  • Single: One variety for all planter rows.

  • Dual: Different varieties on each side of the planter.

  • Custom: Multiple varieties, useful for scenarios like refuge planting.

• When selecting varieties:

  • Only the variety name appears—not the brand. To include the seed brand, add it to your variety name during setup (e.g., "Pioneer 1197" instead of just "1197").

  • If a variety’s name is too long for the display, tap the pencil icon to edit and shorten it as needed (e.g., abbreviate "Agricole" to "AG" and add key info like maturity).

  • You can also delete unwanted varieties from your list.

• Assign the chosen variety to each planter side and confirm by clicking OK.

Example: For dual setup, select "65 79 STX" for the left, and your chosen variety for the right.

4. Choosing Controller Rate or Prescription

• For planters, set the rate using either:

  • Controller Rate: Uses the planter’s current setup for rates.

  • Prescription: Use variable rate prescriptions for each field.

• To select a prescription:

  • Tap the Prescription box.

  • If no prescriptions are loaded, view All Prescriptions.

  • Select the correct prescription and press OK.

  • You'll be prompted for additional info:

    • Rate Column: Choose the relevant column (from your shape file's Excel spreadsheet).

    • Rate Column Units: Choose units (e.g., seeds/acre).

    • No GPS Rate and Out of Zone Rate: Set fallback rates in case of GPS loss or if outside prescription zones.

      • Example: Enter "32,000" for both.

  • Optionally, assign the prescription to a specific field.

  • Press Save.

  • The display will show a visual summary of the prescription, with high and low rates.

5. Adjusting and Finalizing Setup

• You can adjust target rates by changing the multiplier.

• Adjust the look-ahead settings if necessary.

• When satisfied, confirm everything by pressing OK.

• Now you’re ready to begin planting with your selected field, crop type, variety, and prescription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why doesn’t the Gen 4 Display show the seed brand?
A: Unlike previous displays, only the variety name is shown. Include brand info when naming your varieties for better tracking.

Q: What if my variety name is too long?
A: Edit the name using the pencil icon. Abbreviate as needed so key info fits on the display.

Q: What happens if I don’t set a No GPS or Out of Zone rate?
A: The planter will apply a zero rate when out of zone or if GPS is lost. Always enter fallback rates to avoid missed planting.

Q: Can I load and assign prescriptions for different fields?
A: Yes, prescriptions can be stored in the display and assigned as needed during setup.