Ken Hellevang, an agricultural engineer at North Dakota State University Extension, provides crucial guidelines on soybean harvesting and storage, emphasizing the importance of harvest timing and moisture content, emphasizing the importance of harvest timing and moisture content, and the need for careful assessment of each field due to climate variations.
Key Harvesting Tips:
• Optimal Moisture Content: Aim to harvest soybeans when the moisture content is between 11% and 12%. This range not only minimizes losses but also aligns with the best market prices.
• High Humidity Harvesting: Hellevang advises harvesting during high humidity or damp conditions to reduce shatter loss.
• Avoid Over-Drying: Harvest losses escalate when moisture content falls below 11%. Thus, avoid multiple wetting and drying cycles.
Storage Guidelines:
• Cooling Soybeans: For winter storage, cool the soybeans to between 20 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Complete the natural air-drying process in the spring when outdoor temperatures average about 40 degrees.
• Monitoring Technology: Utilize technology like temperature cables for monitoring but remember to regularly inspect for soybean quality, moisture content, and potential insect infestation.
Drying Recommendations:
• Temperature Caution: Avoid drying soybeans at excessively high temperatures to prevent damage. For food grade and seed beans, natural-air or low-temperature drying is preferable.
• Fire Prevention: Hellevang emphasizes the importance of vigilance in preventing fires during the drying process. Ensure the continuous flow of soybeans in the dryer and frequent cleaning to reduce combustible debris.
In the light of variable conditions, these insights by Ken Hellevang are crucial for safeguarding the quality and quantity of the soybean yield.
For further guidance, search online for NDSU grain drying and storage guidelines. Following these expert tips and maintaining safety protocols can pave the way for a successful soybean harvest.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Harvesting