Reducing harvest losses is always a simple and effective way to increase soybean yield and profitability every year. However, reducing harvest losses in 2019 becomes even more important and challenging, given the significant planting delays this past planting season.

The plants may be shorter than normal, increasing gathering losses. Reducing harvest losses by only 1 bushel per acre will produce more than $8.25 per acre of additional income in 2019.

Michigan State University Extension is cooperating with Ed Groholski Farms, AWS Airbar Systems, Burnips Equipment Co., Crary Industries, GreenMark Equipment, Spartan Crop Insurance, Stine Seeds, Wells Equipment, Williams Farm Machinery, and the Michigan Soybean Checkoff to conduct a Soybean Harvest Equipment Field Day.

The event will be from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 1350 12 Mile Road, Burlington, Mich., in Calhoun County. It includes a complimentary barbecue lunch. (The field is on the east side of the road, about three-quarters of a mile south of M-60. Follow the signs for parking.)

The field day will begin at 10:45 a.m. with a presentation from Michigan Farm Bureau Ag Labor/Safety Services specialist Craig Anderson on what soybean producers need to know to follow farm truck regulations and safety.

Equipment company representatives also will be on hand to discuss specific recommendations for fine-tuning their combines. Participants will learn how harvest losses occur and how to measure and reduce them.

Other topics and equipment will be demonstrated, including draper heads, auger heads, air-assisted reels, harvest loss measurements, and how ground speed and reel settings affect harvest losses.

There is no charge for the field day. However, registration is requested by calling 269-673-0370, ext. 2562, before noon Friday, Sept. 13, as a complimentary lunch and educational materials will be provided.

Call the same number and extension for cancellation or rescheduling updates.

Source: Michigan Farm Bureau, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.