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9 tips to make your harvest run smoothly
Every year a considerable effort is made to ensure that the harvest runs smoothly, where it is usually harvested in a few days. Sometimes it gets hectic; especially when the weather offers you few good moments and the preparation has not been great. Boerenbusiness gives 9 tips to make the harvest run smoothly.
The first combines have been spotted, the onion harvesters are driving around and the preserves are flying off the field. In short: the 2018 harvest is ready. It always starts earlier than you think and ends in no time. Improving small details can help to avoid irritations.
1. Make a plot plan
When it rains, take the time to make an overview of all the fields behind the computer. This is useful for the casual forces that come to help. Indicate where entrances and exits are, what the shortest and most efficient route is for a tractor and how best to harvest. Are the field borders and AB lines in your management program? Take the trouble to put them in the right extension on a USB stick for your contractor or neighbor.
2. Plan your harvest and save time
As an extension of the field planning, take the time to assess the yield of the various crops. What is the easiest position for the storage line, what is the ideal line for yard movements and is perhaps an extra tractor or man needed? Not everything can be estimated in advance, but try to keep bottlenecks to a minimum to avoid annoyances. Not only the machines, but also the storage must be ready.
3. Think of the inner man
Do your employees know the menu of the snack bar and telephone number of your pizza farmer by heart? Maybe it's time to think about catering. It is no longer self-evident that the woman has a meal ready. There are plenty of caterers that offer a meal service. This way you have delivered a varied hot meal every day, without the fries coming out of your nose.
4. Start an app group
Little effort, lots of fun. Start an app group with all employees and casual workers who help. Where do I have to be? What time do we eat? Should diesel come to the country? Anyone can help and you can read it back. Also handy: sharing locations, so never standing at the wrong plot!
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5. Think about safety
Don't laugh about security. When long hours and short nights are worked, everyone's attention wanes. Invite everyone involved before the harvest begins to discuss matters. Not everyone is thoroughly familiar with the technology. Have a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher available. Check all lighting and width markings and make sure the exemptions are in order.
6. Keep the Harvest Train Running
It sounds simple, but check the diesel tank and make sure it's full! When the combines, potato harvesters and other harvesters are running, many liters go through. Now you have the time to call different suppliers and compare prices. The diesel price is currently stable. This may be different during the harvest period.
7. Check tires and brakes
The dump trucks work the most hours between 1 August and 1 November. Therefore, check the tires and the pressure, but also the bearings. It might be good to look up tire tables and see what the minimum pressure may be. While you're at it, don't forget the brakes. In the case of grain, it is also important to ensure that tippers are leak-tight. A roundabout full of wheat is life threatening for motorcyclists.
8. Don't forget the GPS
Also during the harvest, and especially the processing afterwards, GPS is indispensable. Check beforehand whether all systems are working properly, have the latest updates and whether everything is set up correctly. This prevents hassle and unnecessary visits from a technician. Should it happen, then everything will run smoothly.
9. Talk again
Is the crowds gone and is the harvest over? Organize an after-harvest get-together. Not only fun, but it can also be useful to learn what went well and what could be improved. Above all, don't forget to have fun. After all, it is one of the most beautiful times of the year!
Niels van der Boom
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