Top Equipment and Inputs Vegetable Growers Love

In today’s rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, growers depend on a diverse range of equipment and inputs to optimize their operations. From powerful tractors to effective fertilizers, each tool plays a vital role in supporting productivity and sustainability on the farm.

To highlight top choices among vegetable growers, we conducted a survey to discover which products stand out as favorites across various categories.

All sources quoted in this article are anonymous to ensure candid feedback and preserve confidentiality.

Insect Control

Neem Oil, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), and Spinosad were among the top choices. These organic products are reliable for insect control. Neem Oil, for instance, helps manage powdery mildew, while Bt is OMRI-approved. “Caterpillars on Cole and potato beetles are my biggest insect problems. Bt strains are effective on both.” The versatility of these products, especially when effective across multiple pests and crops, is a key benefit highlighted by users.

Fungicides and Herbicides

Copper products (incl. Copper sulfate, Copper sprays, and Liquid Copper), Captan, and Bravo (incl. Bravo 720 and Bravo Weather Stik) are popular fungicides, while Roundup and glyphosate are the favored herbicides among growers for their organic composition and cost-effectiveness.

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Wildlife Deterrents

Many growers rely on dogs and firearms for efficiency and cost-effectiveness, but fencing (incl. electric and liquid fence) emerged as the top choice for keeping wildlife away from crops.

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Fertilizers

Growers consistently choose 10-10-10, urea, and compost for their ease of application, organic benefits, and reliable performance across various crops. For soil enrichment, compost, manure, and calcium are popular, as they effectively maintain nutrient levels.

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Sprayers

Top sprayer choices include backpack sprayers, John Deere models, and battery-powered Solo backpacks for their efficiency, ease of use, and precision. “We get excellent plant coverage and penetration to combat both ear worm and armyworm. A major plus is also keeping spray solution on target. It all stays inside plant canopy.” Along with sprayers, growers also favor TeeJet and 8004 fan spray nozzles for their adjustability and good coverage.

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Planters

Favorites include Planet Jr. (specifically 300A), John Deere, and Earthway planters for their durability, versatility, and reasonable cost. Water Wheel (specifically Rainflo) and Stand-N-Plant transplanters are valued for handling various planting conditions with precision and ease. However, many growers still prefer the hands-on approach. “We have better control over spacing and planting depth.”

Mulching and Bed Preparation

Berry Hill Row Bedder, Bush Hog Rhino, and Rainflo Plastic Layer are top mulching choices, while the Rainflo 2600, 2570, and Buckeye models are the preferred bed builders. “We tried many things over the years, and this gives us the best bare ground beds and we use repeated passes over time to keep the beds stale, prior to planting.”

Weed Control

Opinions varied on weed control tools. “Despite the literature to the contrary, tilling for us works very well in controlling weeds. It aerates the soil, helps to control pests, and keeps the garden looking neat and tidy.” Others prefer to use wheel hoes, finger weeders, and gang discs.

Harrows and Plows

The Taylor Way (13 ft. breaking disc with notched blades), Bush Hog (10 ft. wide), and John Deere 225 are popular for field prep and tractor compatibility. “The Taylor Way does a good job cutting up cornstalks. It can pull hard though. So, we use a bigger tractor in front of it.” Plows that work the best include David Bradley and IH 72- High Clear Plows.

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Soil Testing

Soil sample test kits from Texas A&M Soil Science Lab, Umaine Lab, Midwest Labs, are trusted for their affordability and reputation in providing accurate, reliable soil testing results, helping growers make informed decisions. “Texas A&M does a very thorough job of analyzing our soil and they provide a detailed plan on how to fix soil issues.” These trusted products ensure smooth operations and help crops thrive. By relying on time-tested brands and affordable solutions, growers can focus on what matters most. The results of this survey highlight the importance of these products in everyday farming, showing how the right tools can make all the difference.

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Favorite Farm Equipment by Brand

Growers identified favorite farming equipment and trusted brands for their durability, versatility, and ease of maintanence.

Favorite Tractors

1. Kubota
2. John Deere
3. Massey Ferguson

Favorite Farm Tracks

1. Ford F-150
2. Chevy
3. Ford F-250

Favorite Irrigation Systems

1. Rain Bird
2. Drip Tape
3. Overhead

Favorite Weather Stations

1. Weather Underground
2. Weather Channel
3. My Weather Radar App

Favorite Coolers

1. Cool Bot Pro
2. Heatcraft unit on custom room
3. Yeti