By Mike Staton, Michigan State University Extension
Participants will learn new information about reducing soybean harvest losses and farm truck regulations and safety at the field day Sept. 18, 2015.
On average, harvest losses reduce marketable soybean yields by 1-2 bushels per acre. Given the projected soybean prices, this could cost soybean producers $9.25 to $18.50 per acre in 2015. Harvest losses can increase significantly if the crop is lodged, very short or harvest operations become delayed.
2014 soybean harvest equipment field day.
Because of this, Michigan State University Extension is cooperating with Chad and Mindy Goetz Farms, Fred Ott, Inc., Archbold Equipment Inc., Burnips Equipment Company, Crary Industries Inc. the Michigan Soybean Checkoff and the Ohio Soybean Council to conduct a Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015. The field day will be held on this date if conditions are conducive to harvest. The program will begin with an update from Michigan Farm Bureau on farm truck safety and regulations at 10:45 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. The field day site is located at 9245 Thompson Hwy, Blissfield, MI 49228, about one-quarter of a mile south of Fike Road.
Participants will learn new information about farm truck regulations and safety and reducing soybean harvest losses. This is also an excellent 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 soybean harvest topics and equipment will be demonstrated: draper heads, air-assisted reels, measuring soybean harvest losses and 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. 2562 before noon on Tuesday, Sept. 15, as a complimentary steak lunch and educational materials will be provided. Please call this same number for cancellation and rescheduling 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. The SMaRT project is a partnership between Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.