IT’S almost time for ready, set, harvest, across the Mallee and there’s a golden opportunity just around the corner to make sure you don’t miss a single grain this season.
A Birchip Cropping Group pre-harvest workshop on October 15 at Donald will help ensure farmers across the region maximise their productivity and profitability in what, for most, has already been a challenging season.
To be held on the property Warakirri, the event will explore topics such as harvester maintenance, safe auger and chaser bin use, safely recovering machinery, fatigue management and more.
BCG research and extension officer and event coordinator Kelly Angel says these workshops are invaluable for growers as they offer practical, hands-on advice that can be immediately applied in the paddock.
“The interactive nature of these sessions allows growers to see the techniques in action and ask questions relevant to their own equipment,” Ms Angel said.
“Harvest losses can significantly impact their bottom line, and by learning to measure those losses and make the necessary changes to reduce them, growers can ensure they’re getting the most out of every hectare.”
Key topics of the most recent workshop included:
• Reducing harvest losses: Understanding the causes and impact of harvest loss, measuring it, and adjusting harvester settings to mitigate it.
• Harvest weed seed control (HWSC): Latest insights into HWSC practices, including set-up tips for effective use of mill systems such as iHSD, Seed Terminator, SCU, and tools like chaff decks and chaff lining.
• Harvester fire prevention: Strategies to minimise the risk of harvester fires, crucial in the hot, dry conditions often encountered during harvest season.
• Optimising harvester capacity and efficiency: Practical advice for improving harvester performance to boost capacity without compromising grain quality.
• Grain storage considerations: Exploring the value of aeration cooling and how it can optimise on-farm grain storage.
Growers are encouraged to RSVP on the BCG website at bcg.org.au/event/bcg-pre-harvest-safety-day/
