The method of operation of billet planters can effect their ability to supply a uniform flow of billets at a predetermined rate. This paper examines the effect of depth of billets at the metering elevator on billet metering uniformity. field tests determined the magnitude of variations in the depth of billets at the metering elevator. A billet planter test configuration was developed to quantify operation of the metering elevator under simulated field planting conditions. Billet output from the metering elevator was found to be a function of billet depth at the metering elevator. Therefore, if billet depth at the metering elevator can be held constant or its variation limited, the spatial accuracy of billets sown along the row can be greatly improved. Several methods of achieving this outcome are discussed.