A method for operating an agricultural vehicle (100) having a feeder housing (110) and a header (120). The header (120) includes at least one row unit (128), which has a pair of deck plates (210), and a deck plate adjustment system (300). The deck plate adjustment system (300) includes at least one actuator (230) connected to the deck plates (210), an electronic control unit (310) operably connected to the at least one actuator (230), and at least one sensor (320, 322). The method includes the further steps of pivoting the feeder housing (110) to raise the header (120), sending, by the at least one sensor (320, 322), a signal to the electronic control unit (310), and cycling the deck plates (210), by the electronic control unit (310) actuating the at least one actuator (230) to move the deck plates (210), for removing a buildup of material on the deck plates (210).
