Getting ground ready for rows. (really long post)

First step I'm working on now is a pH check and soil samples for fertilizer so let's look ahead at step 2.

It's currently old pasture so I'm thinking get a four bottom plow to break it up or think I could do a good enough job with a disc?

Either way I'll disc for sure. OK, now let's say I've got broken/loose ground. Everyone in my area works their rows in the fall (hipper, lister which ever you call it). Here's where my delima begins. I want to grow this stuff for a combine. The combines used out there are 8 row. I know I won't be using a 8 row lister/hipper, probably a four row, so looking for tricks/tips to keeping the rows at let's say, 40" or whatever spacing, so they match up with the combine. What I'm talking about is for instance, I'm headed East listing/hipping four rows then I turn around and now I'm headed West. How do I keep the distance between swipes at 40". Do I overhang onto the swipe I just completed and do one row twice thus adding three rows with each swipe?
Hope this makes sense.
Thanks,
Mike
Any ideas/tricks of the trade?

Johnathan, I actually live South of Rosenberg and I'm thinking Edna is between me and Victoria?

Paul,
I was putting the Southern terminology out there a bit heavy. I'm originally from North Louisiana and still use the "talk" from up there. That maybe why these Texas farmers look at so strange. That's the answer, I need an interpreter! Just kiddin.
Wish I did have you nearby to question but you're a long way from Texas. I've read many of your posts and can tell you're quite knowledgeable. (Compliment intended with the last two statements)

Thanks again everyone. This board is the greatest!

If you are doing this in Tx, then I"ll keep quiet, as I"m not so familiar with what they do there.

--->Paul

Definately start with the soil tests. Planting corn isn't cheap-as you are probably learning but with 20 acres no great risk. Up to you if you want to look into crop insurance-I personally insure myself to break even-takes some profit away in the good years but I sleep better that way.

I would work (disk/plow) the ground early in the fall (not real familar with how things done there since I am from IL) and give it time to mellow out and work down to seedbed in the spring. It can get wet here and we can't work in winter-again may not apply to you.

I wouln't worry about 4-row/8-row thing, with only 20 acres just be careful and drive slow-better stand that way anyway. Be sure and put at least 16 end rows-probably better to have 24.

I would find someone experienced in your area to get some help on choosing a good hybrid for your ground-behind fertility and weather hybrid choice can make one of the biggest differences.

Good luck, you should have a lot of fun!

Paul