3 Phases of Harvest – Technology Edition
3 Phases of Harvest – Technology Edition
Arik Witker, Regional Product Support Manager & Precision Farming Manager
While crops are still in the field and growing, it is never too early to get harvesters ready. In this article I hope to highlight a few key items and practices that will ensure a successful harvest season.
PRE-HARVEST – Being ready on the first day of harvest does not happen automatically, there are a few preventative steps that can be done to ensure our technology is ready to perform.
DATA – Ensure last year’s yield data has been removed from the display/card memory and saved in a secure location. If applicable, this is also a good time to get planting maps into the combine if variety tracking is a feature used. There is an old saying ‘machines don’t break in the barn,’ however this is not always true with technology. Because critters who like to munch on small grain and wires, a parked combine can look like a thanksgiving feast. Turning your devices on and running the machine will, in most cases, verify that all connections, sensors, and wires are in a good working condition.
DURING HARVEST – Sensors on todays harvesters are highly accurate and do many different things. Collect data, monitor operation, and identify failures are just a few examples. Yield monitors are NOT a simple ‘working yes/no,’ they may work but are not accurate. A best practice is to always calibrate the system at the start of the season for each crop type. Once this is complete, it is important to monitor the accuracy of the yield monitor as the season progresses. An easy way to do this is a simple weight comparison between the monitor and scale tickets, either on a single load or across a single field. I would NOT recommend a total bushel comparison due to the adjustment needed for moisture.
POST HARVEST – Yield data and maps have become an invaluable piece of farming, removing this data from the machine, and creating a copy is always my first recommendation once the season is over. Depending on the number of acres that the machine covers, it may also be necessary to download the data during the season.
Proper storage and cleaning will help immensely with next year’s Pre-Harvest check list. Items that are easily removed from the machine such as displays, GPS antennas, and some steering controllers should be kept in a climate-controlled environment. These devices are designed to operate in inclement weather but proper long-term storage during extended cold periods is a good preventative measure to ensure longevity. Sensors and devices left on the machine during storage should be properly cleaned. Again, these devices can withstand water but should not be cleaned with high pressure water. A leaf blower or air gun is a better alternative to clean these items to keep moisture away from sensitive devices.
For many, harvest is an exciting time of the year, the culminating event that brings closure to another growing season. As working lights illuminate otherwise dark fields and tailgate suppers begin, I wish everyone the best of luck this fall and please stay safe.