🌽 Harvest Ready: Is Your Farm Ready for Harvest?
Harvest is one of the busiest—and most important—times of the year. A few hours of preparation today can save valuable time, money, and frustration when every minute counts. Harvest is unpredictable—but preparation doesn’t have to be. Taking time now to inspect equipment, stock supplies, and having a plan can help reduce downtime and keep your operation running smoothly during one of the busiest times of the year.
From all of us at Big Country 1077, KICD News Radio 1240 and Northwest Iowa Now, we wish you a safe, productive, and successful harvest season!
Here are some great check lists to work on now. Plus Iowa State University Extension has great on formation on how to make your harvest profitable!
Profitable Soybean Harvesting
Profitable Corn Harvesting
🚜 Equipment Inspection
Before harvest begins, make sure your equipment is field-ready.
✔ Change engine oil and filters (if needed)
✔ Grease all fittings
✔ Inspect belts, chains, and bearings
✔ Check headers, knives, and gathering chains
✔ Test lights and flashers
✔ Check tire pressure and condition
✔ Inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings
✔ Test batteries and electrical systems
✔ Update GPS, yield monitors, and software
🌾 Grain Handling & Storage
Good grain starts with good preparation.
✔ Clean grain bins thoroughly
✔ Test aeration fans
✔ Inspect drying equipment
✔ Check moisture testers
✔ Inspect augers and conveyors
✔ Verify electrical systems
✔ Check ladders and safety equipment
🚚 Trucks & Grain Carts
Harvest doesn’t move without dependable transportation.
✔ Inspect brakes
✔ Check tires
✔ Test lights
✔ Inspect safety chains
✔ Verify registrations and inspections
✔ Make sure fire extinguishers are on board
🌤 Plan Ahead
✔ Review grain contracts
✔ Confirm storage availability
✔ Schedule trucking
✔ Watch weather forecasts
✔ Walk fields and monitor crop maturity
✔ Review harvest priorities
🦺 Safety Matters
A safe harvest is a successful harvest.
✔ Restock first aid kits
✔ Check fire extinguishers
✔ Carry extra drinking water
✔ Review emergency contacts
✔ Wear hearing and eye protection
✔ Never enter a grain bin without following proper safety procedures
