Farms.com Home   News

2013 Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day

By Mike Staton

On average, harvest losses reduce marketable soybean yields by one to two bushels per acre. Given the projected soybean prices, this could cost soybean producers $11 to $22 per acre in 2013. Harvest losses can increase significantly if the crop is lodged, very short or harvest operations become delayed.

Because of this, Michigan State University Extension is cooperating with Schipper Farms, Burnips Equipment Company, Crary Industries Inc., Fillmore Equipment Inc., RPM Machinery and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff to conduct a Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, if conditions are conducive to harvest. If harvest is not possible on the 25th, the program will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

The program will begin with lunch at noon and run until 3:30 p.m. The field day site is located at 1900 13th Street, Hopkins, MI 49328. Follow US-131 to exit 55 and proceed just west of the overpass to 12th street. Travel north on 12th street for about one mile to the yield sign (13th Street). Proceed north on 13th Street for 0.9 of a mile.

Participants will learn new information about reducing soybean harvest losses and have an opportunity to see the latest harvest equipment demonstrated in the field. Equipment company representatives will be on-hand to discuss specific recommendations for fine-tuning their combines. The following topics and equipment will be demonstrated:

  • Draper heads
  • Air-assisted reels
  • Field rolling effects on soybean harvest
  • Measuring soybean harvest losses
  • Ground speed effects on harvest losses


There is no charge for the field day. However, pre-registration is requested by calling 269-673-0370 ext. 27 before noon on Friday, Sept. 20 as a complimentary lunch and educational materials will be provided.  Please call this number for cancellation updates.

This article was produced by the SMaRT project (Soybean Management and Research Technology). The SMaRT project was developed to help Michigan producers increase soybean yields and farm profitability. Funding for the SMaRT project is provided by MSU Extension and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff program.

Source:msue.anr.msu.edu

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Forest Farming

Video: Forest Farming

Forest farming consists of managing or establishing stands of trees or shrubs in coordination with the management and/or cultivation of understory plants or nontimber forest products.