How to Set Up Planting Rates and Use Prescription Maps on SeedStar 4HP Planters

Setting the correct planting rate and using prescription maps is key to maximizing the performance of your John Deere SeedStar 4HP planter. In this article, you'll learn how to quickly change target rates, enable or disable specific rates, and import prescription files to automate your seeding population, just like Kurtis Shipp demonstrates in this video.

What Is a Planting Rate and Prescription Map?

• Planting Rate: The number of seeds planted per acre, adjusted for your crop needs.

• Prescription Map: A field-specific data file that tells your planter how many seeds to plant in different zones of the field, tailored to maximize yield.

Step 1: Access and Change Target Planting Rate

You can set your planting rate right from your display:

• Go to the target rate shortcut from the home screen.

• View rates 1–5.

• Select the rate you want to change, enter your desired population (e.g., 30,000 seeds/acre), and save.

• Enabling/Disabling Rates:

  • If a rate is disabled, you cannot select it in the list.

  • To enable, reselect and confirm.

Alternative Ways to Change Rates:

• Use the SeedStar icon, select “Rates” on the left menu.

• Use “Population” or “Setup” tabs, and select your target rate.

Step 2: Set Up and Use Prescription Planting Rates

To automate seeding with a field prescription:

Import Prescription Files

1. Go to “Setup” and select “Target Rate.”

2. Switch from “Controller Rate” to “Prescription.”

3. Open the drop-down box to view imported prescriptions.

4. To add new prescriptions, choose “Import.”

   • Select import from USB drive or directly from Operations Center.

   • Pick the file and import your prescription (choose only the prescription files).

Select and Assign Prescription Parameters

• Select your desired prescription from the list.

• Fill out required details:

  • Prescription Name: Confirm or edit if necessary.

  • Column of Shapefile: Most often “seeding count,” but may differ.

  • Units: Select “Seeds per acre.”

  • No GPS Rate: Set a default if GPS is lost.

  • Out-of-Zone Rate: Set rate for areas outside prescription zones.

  • Optionally, assign the prescription to a specific field.

• Review the loaded prescription:

  • See the maximum and minimum rates.

  • Adjust “Look Ahead” and “Multiplier” as needed:

    • Lower the multiplier to reduce rates, or higher to increase.

  • Save and confirm the setup.

Final Step: Verify Prescription Is Active

• Double-check the toolbar or shortcut bar to confirm the planter is running the selected prescription.

• Example: If set for 32,000 seeds per acre, you will see that displayed in the sidebar.

Common Questions

What if my prescription file doesn’t load?

• Confirm the file is formatted correctly and placed on a compatible USB drive.

• Ensure you select the correct type of data when importing.

Can I change rates while planting?

• Yes. Revisit the target rate shortcut or prescription menu anytime to adjust rates.

What happens if GPS signal is lost?

• Planter defaults to the “No GPS Rate” you specified, maintaining uniform planting until the signal is reacquired.

How do I optimize seeding for specific field zones?

• Using prescription maps lets you tailor population rates for each field zone, helping to boost yield and save seed.