Grainews

Page 1

Volume 41, Number 14  |  SEPTEMBER 1, 2015

$4.25

PRACTICAL PRODUCTION TIPS FOR THE PRAIRIE FARMER

www.grainews.ca

FOUR STEPS TO MINIMIZING YOUR HARVEST LOSSES Combines don’t leave the dealers’ lots set specifically for your field. Don’t throw out profits this late in the game By Lisa guenther

I

f you’re reluctant to measure the seed your combine is leaking and adjust the machine accordingly, you may be leaving a lot of yield in the field. That was Jim Bessel’s message to farmers during EvolveAg’s field day in north-western Saskatchewan in July. Bessel, who worked with the Canola Council of Canada for over 20 years before retiring into a consulting position, cited research from a three-year study looking at canola harvest losses. Harvest losses ranged from 2.3 per cent to over 11 per cent. The study,

led by Rob Gulden of the University of Manitoba looked at 310 western Canadian fields and wrapped in 2012. Combines don’t leave the lot set for each farm, Bessel told farmers. “The point is they’re done with an algorithm and a computer that’s certainly not related to your conditions in your field and you as an operator,” Bessel said. That means farmers are better off doing a little testing on their own, he said. So how can you curb harvest losses and the next year’s volunteers? The key is to do a little testing in your own fields, Bessel said. Here’s a four-step guide to finding and plugging those leaks.

1.  Catch a sample When it comes to capturing that sample, you have plenty of options. You can buy a magnetic tray to attach to your combine, or Red-Green something yourself. “Anything’s better than that darn No. 9 scoop shovel,” said Bessel. Whichever tray you choose, you’ll need to switch off the chopper and spreader to get a representative sample, Bessel said. The formulas for calculating grain loss use trays that are a square foot. One option is to set a tray in the crop and drive over it, Bessel said. Another do-it-yourself option is to attach a handle to a tray. Bessel prefers a paint exten-

sion pole, which allows him to telescope the tray several feet from where he is. If using a tray on a pole, Bessel has someone drive him alongside the combine, while he sits in the back of the truck or quad. He holds the tray, facedown, behind the combine. Once the combine reaches its normal harvest speed and is pulling in a normal amount of grain, the combine operator flashes a thumbs up. Bessel flips over the tray and the truck or quad stops. “Let the combine pass over… the full one square foot,” said Bessel. Bessel recommends making sure the handle is fully extended so you’re a reasonably safe distance from the com-

photo: leeann minogue

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In This Issue

Wheat & Chaff .................. 2 Features . ........................... 5 Crop Advisor’s Casebook . 6 Columns ............................ 18 Machinery & Shop............. 26 Cattleman’s Corner .......... 34

Ieuan Evans on soil tests Lee hart page 5

Soil testing top tips les henry page 22

FarmLife ............................ 43


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