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USCP Agronomy Check
A Column By The Sorghum Checkoff Agronomist
BRENT BEAN
LUBBOCK, TEXAS
Producers have started their combines and prepared for a bountiful sorghum harvest this fall. With 8.8 million grain sorghum acres planted and markets historically strong in November, I feel this is a season in which sorghum will excel.
The largest acreage increases occurred throughout the Delta – most notably in Arkansas and Missouri. With this anticipated massive crop, harvest is nearly complete in Arkansas and Louisiana and grain is in good condition. As the season progresses many other states will begin contributing to what could be a tide-turning year.
A projected 574 million bushels of grain sorghum are expected to be harvested this year, lending to an estimated value of $2.3 billion. With the largest valued crop in history and steadily increasing market demand, it is crucial sorghum farmers take precautionary measures to minimize harvest loss and capitalize on their sorghum crop.
Quality grain
A timely harvest is imperative to quality grain. Grain sorghum matures from the top of the head and progresses downward to the base. Considering this, it is important to check grain at the bottom of the head to determine if the grain is mature. Initially, hard starch accumulates at the top or crown of each berry. The berry is considered mature once the hard starch has filled to the base of the berry. Mature grain will be hard to penetrate by pinching the base of the berry between your fingernails. Once grain has reached physiological maturity, the use of a harvest aid might be a prudent choice. Historically many regions with drier climates have chosen to not sue a harvest aid but rather to wait for a hard freeze to desiccate the plant. Although this saves a few dollars on input costs, it poses the risk of harvesting less quality grain. Remember to consult chemical labels for appropriate rates and pre-harvest intervals.
Moisture level
Monitoring the moisture level of sorghum is important to reaching optimum harvest. The optimum moisture level for harvesting grain is generally considered to be 14 percent or below. If the grain needs to be dried in the field, then plan to harvest as soon as the average moisture level drops to an acceptable level. Discounts on grain moisture usually begin above 14 percent. It is important to check with delivery points for their policy on accepting higher moisture grain.
Fine-tuning combines
In order to limit the amount of green material entering the combine, producers should raise their headers high enough to only harvest the grain heads. This will ensure a considerably lower intake of leaves and stalks in the combine.
Set your combine for grain sorghum harvest as instructed by the operational manual. It is important to keep in mind fine tuning of threshing adjustments will likely be necessary from time to time to assure the highest quality yields. It is also vital to maintain adequate air movement across the sieves. To assure the sieves are working properly, check and clean them regularly. Much care should be taken during harvest to guarantee the equipment works correctly to help producers achieve the highest yield and quality possible in the field. ∆
BRENT BEAN: Agronomist for Sorghum Checkoff
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