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Channel Field Check Up
KAYLISSA HALTER
EFFINGHAM, ILL.
Timely harvest is essential to capture record yields in 2014. Moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and relatively low disease pressure set farmers up for bumper crops this year, but late season rainfalls have lead to ear and stalk rots. Harvest timing should be determined in each field by monitoring stalk quality, grain moisture, and ear quality. When corn moisture content is approximately 23 to 25 percent, kernels shell easily and stalks generally stand better, which can make harvesting more efficient.
Waiting for corn to dry to 18 percent or less in the field can certainly save drying costs, but it also increases the likelihood of excess harvest losses due to stalk lodging, ear drop, and detrimental weather. If stalk lodging or ear drop problems are observed, harvest timing will be more critical to maximize yield potential.
Grain losses during harvest operation can range from 1.0 to 6.0 percent. These losses can account for more yield loss at harvest than kernel dry matter loss during drydown. Farmers have a high degree of control over harvesting losses. Identifying the sources of harvest losses and adjusting the combine are steps to help prevent excessive loss at harvest. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual before performing any maintenance.
• Pre-harvest and header loss. Stalk lodging, root lodging, and dropped ears can result in losses before and during harvest. Losses can be higher the longer harvest is delayed. A great way to measure pre-harvest and header loss is place a 1 foot square on the soil surface and count the number of kernels present. Two corn kernels per square foot equal a one bushel per acre loss. In soybean, four to five beans per square foot equal a one bushel per acre loss1.
• Header ear loss. Driving too fast or slow, off the row, or operating the header too high may result in lost whole or broken ears. Losses can be as high as 3 to 4 percent.
• Combine cylinder loss. Insufficient shelling action causes some kernels to remain on the cob as they pass through the machine. With the correct cylinder or rotor speed and correct concave adjustment, this loss should not exceed 0.3 percent. Aggressive shelling action can result in excessive kernel breakage.
• Combine separation loss. Some kernels may pass over the sieves and out of the combine. With correct sieve and fan adjustment, this loss should be held to 0.1 percent of the total crop yield.
As you prepare for harvest this season, take the time to watch the crop condition in the field to balance field drydown with harvest losses. Be sure your next field harvest selection isn’t based on convenience, but rather to minimize harvest losses in order to help maximize your bottom line.
1Deere & Company. Combine Harvesting. Moline: John Deere Publishing, 2007. Print.
http://www.channel.com/agronomics/Pages/Grain-Drydown-and-Timely-Harvest-Decisions.aspx
http://www.channel.com/agronomics/Pages/Understanding-Harvest-Losses-in-Corn-and-Soybean.aspx . ∆
Individual Results May Vary. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Channel® and the Arrow Design® and Seedsmanship At Work® are registered trademarks of Channel Bio, LLC. ©2014 Monsanto Company.
KAYLISSA HALTER: Agronomist, Channel Seed
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