Fall is well underway, and for many farmers, this means harvest season. If you’re a farmer who’s embarked upon harvesting already, you may have discovered that your equipment is showing its age and isn’t entirely up to the job.
Read on to learn about the essentials for fall farming on Manitoba farms, and what farmers should look for when they look to buy farm equipment in Manitoba.
The Harvest Essentials
Most machinery will be used throughout the year — after all, farming equipment today is quite versatile and can pivot quickly to suit demand. There are, however, a few key pieces of machinery that significantly improve the efficiency of the harvesting process.
A Combine Harvester
Of course, you’ll want a combine harvester. Different attachments allow these machines to harvest a wide selection of different types of crops, making them a great multi-season asset.
A full-process piece of equipment, combines cut the plants from the ground then thresh the seed from the plant. The separated debris is pushed back to the land, or it can be bundled for collection. Ideally, this process takes place before the grain is dry.
There are two main categories of harvester: one that can be mounted to a tractor and one that’s self-propelled. Self-propelled combines are the most common and work well on hard soil and for farms with a wide acreage — both features of farms in Manitoba.
If you’re looking for a new harvester, factors to consider include:
- The class: The higher a machine’s power, the higher its class. Generally, larger farms will require a higher-class machine.
- The processor: A processor can generally be switched in the cab to suit the type of crop you’re harvesting. However, some combines are better suited to certain harvests. For example, a machine that’s fast with a clearance that’s smaller and concave may cause damage to some crops.
- The right management of residue: Different crops require a different style of residue management. For the sake of speed, if you harvest a range of crops, look for a harvester that will let you swap abilities without changing hardware.
- And the right cab: Cabs are not like they once were. In Manitoba, where the weather ranges from desperately cold to toasty hot, a cab with heat and AC will always be welcome. Seats are now ergonomic, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to find a machine with a built-in entertainment system.
A Grain Cart
A grain buggy or cart accompanies a harvester as an onsite storage container. The cart can be used to transports seeds and quickly unload them at their next destination — greatly expediting the process. A buggy is a fantastic solution during the fall when a huge amount of work needs to be done, as it cuts down on transporting grain back and forth during the harvesting process.
A Tractor
A tractor is a key piece of quintessential farm equipment. There’s a huge range of tractors available, a range in horsepower, and a sliding scale of hitch ratings, and some are better suited to different acreages.
A tractor is a great investment even for small-scale farmers. For example, a tractor can easily pull the grain buggy in unison with the harvester during the fall season.
Your Best Option for Farm Equipment
You can buy farming equipment online, directly with manufacturers, and with a specialist farm store, to name a few options.
A local, reputable farm store is likely your best option here. Farm stores are regularly staffed by team members with hands-on farming knowledge. Being able to talk with specialists who understand the nuances of the land will give you vital insight into the right makes and models of equipment for your needs (such as what kind of processor you should look for in your combine).
The Takeaway
Combine harvesters, tractors, and grain buggies work together in unison to streamline the fall harvest. Any opportunity to expedite processes, retain the quality of the crop and ease up on physical labour should be taken. With these three fall harvest essentials, you’re well on your way to improving the everyday operations on your farm.
