Winter wheat is typically one of the first grain harvests of the year, and getting the combine tuned up to get to work is a summer job that can sneak up on many growers.
On this episode of RealAgriculture's Wheat School, University of Guelph-Ridgetown College professor and combine mechanic TJ Poehlman looks at what needs to be done to prep the combine before the machines start rolling into winter wheat starting in July.
Poehlman says the first chore is to asses the knives on the head and get it properly set up to cut winter wheat. Growers also need to make the right conclave selection and cleaning shoe adjustments, and ensure the machine's residue management system is set up to spread residue in a pattern that matches the width of the combine header.
After a walk around the planter to share tune-up tips and tricks, Poehlman then tackles a series of questions from RealAgriculture resident agronomist Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson, who wants to know how to deal with green straw at the beginning of harvest. He also wants advice on how to maintain full width straw spread as straw changes throughout the day.
Johnson is also eager for Poehlman to share tips on avoiding smashed kernels and how to remove whitecaps — kernels where the chaff doesn’t come off the grain. Tap here for more Wheat School videos.
