Tips for Improving Harvest Time for Grains By Toby B. Jackson

There’s something about an American farm that brings to mind images of a simple time, with dedicated, hard-working farmers and natural products. But there’s so much more to farming than simply reaping crops. One must plan for both success and troubles ahead, while understanding the best way to harvest. Not only that, but these men and women must be skilled in machinery to protect their product and aid with planting. Harvest time is the most stressful time of the year for farmers, due to the need for ensuring the right timing and ways to harvest the produce. Thagricultural belts for swathers e long hours aren’t designed for the faint of heart, and the weather can threaten to shake even the sturdiest of farmer. These men and women are dedicated both to the success of their farm and to the quality of the product; the best farmers realize change is also an important part to the farming process. Modern technologies have made it easier to plant, plan and harvest, while even the most basic techniques can increase products. It’s in holding the mentality of verifying all angles that will ensure harvest time is not only productive and simplified, but also beneficial for the future.

Equipment

Before harvest time even begins, inspect all machinery for functions and potential issues. During down time, the machines may have accrued rust and build up, which will need to be handled before use. Verify the settings in the handbook and understand the combine and cylinder settings recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment will also need to be maintained; verify if items like swathers will need to be replaced before harvest begins. You should also determine whether potential problems may occur, should you run the equipment for harvest now. Thoroughly inspect the chains and belts for tension issues and look for wear on other parts. Often the cleaning shoe will have broken or bent sieves that can hinder proper yield; get these items replaced before harvest. The biggest area of equipment inspection focus should be with the cutter bar. The majority of losses stem from this area, where much of the product is lost due to damage. Make adjustments and fix issues beforehand to assure more of the product ends up in the machine.

Fields

Inspect the fields throughout the growth period to combat weeds, insects and other issues. For example, burcucumber and morning glory can make problems during the harvest of soybeans. Spray down the weeded areas as needed with a mild solvent; long and winding weeds will need to be removed once they have dried. Other times an issue called green stem can hinder harvest, as well. This is when no pods appear. It can be difficult to predict when this issue may occur, but it may be easy to handle after harvest time. Frost can kill the unwanted plants, and ensure they’re gone during the coming years.

Timing

You’ll need to fully understand the best timing for harvest. Pay attention to the amount of moisture to prevent shattering, which may also translate into the need for harvesting earlier to avoid drying plants. The moisture content in your field may vary from others; this is where documentation comes into play. By fully researching and understanding specific details and changes in your farm, you can ensure a full harvest. Not only that, but you can reduce the amount of product lost to machine failures and weather.

About the Author: Toby B. Jackson is a contributing author and former farmer. For three generations, his family has grown local vegetables, wheat and the like to provide for his community. He still continues to advise his son, including purchases like agricultural belts for swathers to aid with the harvest.