Plan Ahead. Be Patient. Ask For Help.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Simple tips to help harvest run smoothly this fall

By Mary Loggan

As harvest season fast approaches, Ontario farmers gear up for one of the most important times of the year. With constantly changing and unfavourable weather, producers must be prepared and ready when the harvest window opens. Planting 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 equipment, 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 Bill Anderson, of Huron Tractor.

“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 OFA Zone 14 director and Certified Crop Advisor says that “organization is key! Make sure all equipment has been looked at and receives the maintenance necessary.”

At Renaud’s farm, “we make sure we have some spare parts and monitor crops as they mature.”

Anderson also points out that “it’s especially important to focus on the combine and header. Sharp sections, good knife backing plates, auger settings within spec, draper belts tensioned properly.

He says that “hundreds of tons of material have passed through the machine, ultimately wearing parts out. The combine should be gone over in the off-season and parts replaced.”

While the functionality of the equipment is essential in the field, it’s also important to remember it travels on roadways as well.

“Check your SMV signs on equipment. Are they faded? You need to replace them if they are. Remember, 40 km/h is the speed limit with the SMV sign,” Anderson reminds us.

Scouting for pests

Scouting fields for pests ahead of harvest time is essential to help you determine any weed issues that need to be addressed, and identify potential problems with crop performance and insect damage.

Adam Pfeffer, producer, Certified Crop Advisor, and market development manager with Bayer CropScience says that “farmers should know what is in their fields long before harvest. This allows you to find the right chemistries for your field and crop ahead of time.”

Renaud adds, “It is common to do pre-harvest burndowns. We will also take notes when harvesting corn if there are some weed escapes. We will write down the field area and what weeds are presenting. That helps plan for next year’s herbicide program.”

Importance of weed control

Along with scouting for pests, weed control plays a significant role in determining the success of yield and ensuring harvest runs smoothly. A weed control calendar allows producers to develop a program with proper organization and time management.

Putting in the time, effort and resources leads to more desirable soil conditions and less crop interference.

Pfeffer advises that “if the necessary weed control hasn’t been applied, the producer can run into several issues. This year especially we have seen lots of Canada thistle and Canada fleabane, among other weeds.”

He points out that “you are never going to get your combine through a field of weeds.

“Having too many weeds also leads to the depreciation of equipment, increases time spent in the field, the fuel to run the equipment, and ultimately costs you more in the long run.”

Don’t miss your windows

Whether it’s applying weed control or even approaching harvest time, it is essential not to miss your windows of opportunity. Renaud points out, “If you are not organized or prepared on time for harvest, you might miss some crucial combining and tillage windows.

“Every year, the windows are different and never repeat themselves equally. Missing those windows could be very costly.”

Pfeffer also adds, “You always need to have patience and a plan. Staying on top of critical windows is important for the success of your crop.”

“Mother Nature is the boss; she plays a big role in the equation, so you need to wait for the right timing and utilize windows as they come.”

Ask for help

Many Ontario farmers encountered a tough planting season, which also creates challenges at harvest time. Producers are encouraged to ask for help when needed. Pfeffer: “This year has been extremely frustrating for a lot of producers, myself included. With late planting and undesirable weather conditions, you can look around and see so many people in the same boat.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a tough year. Use those around you and help each other out.”

Renaud agrees. “It’s important to utilize your team as much as you can. Parts clerk, your lime supplier, the person taking your soil samples, family members, or employees helping on the farm.”

Although we can’t influence the weather, we can focus on factors that can be controlled.

Plan ahead. Be patient. Ask for help. Simple reminders for producers to consider during the harvest season ahead. BF