18 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | September 2024 Harvest Tips As harvest season fast approaches, Prairie producers gear up for one of the most important times of the year. With constantly changing and unfavourable weather, growers must be prepared and ready when the harvest window opens. Seeding season was stressful for many, so here are some tips to ensure harvest runs more smoothly. Getting equipment ready Your farm equipment plays one of the most important roles during harvest time. Without working machinery, harvest can be detrimental to farmers and result in loss of income. Keeping your equipment in top shape is a simple way to ensure harvest runs as smoothly as possible. This starts by doing maintenance checks on your farm machinery, especially after each use, as engines and implements could suffer damage that you may not notice right away. “Have a strange noise? Check it out. Machinery maintenance could save downtime when you need things to be running,” says fourth-generation farmer and equipment sales rep Bill Anderson. “For grain carts, check your tire pressures. And the augers; are they sharp and worn out, which could cause grain damage? “With your wagons, again check your tire pressures. Check your wheel bearings. Are the wheel nuts tight? “For your trucks and trailers, are the safety checks current? Check tire pressures, brakes, tarps. Are the lights all ready to go?” Anderson advises that “you spend money on the best seed, fertilizer and chemical, so you should make sure your equipment performs the best, so that you can harvest a high-quality crop that will command a top price, and a top profit.” Vanessa Renaud agrees. The producer and Certified Crop Advisor says that “organization is key! Make sure all equipment has been looked at and receives the maintenance necessary. Enjoy Today Photography photo SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP HARVEST RUN SMOOTHLY THIS FALL PLAN AHEAD. BE PATIENT. ASK FOR HELP. By MARY LOGGAN
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