By Andi Anderson
Harvest season is one of the most important times of the year for corn and soybean producers. Months of planning, crop management, and investment come together as farmers move through fields to gather their crops. While harvesting quickly is important, experts emphasize that successful harvest performance should be measured by more than the number of acres covered each hour.
Educational programs such as the 2026 Combine University, developed through a partnership between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab, highlighted key strategies that can help farmers improve combine efficiency, reduce grain loss, and prepare fields for the next growing season.
The first step is identifying where grain losses are occurring. Losses can happen before harvest, at the header, or during the threshing, separating, and cleaning processes inside the combine. Understanding the source of the loss is essential before making machine adjustments. In corn fields, header losses often include dropped ears, missed ears, or kernels shelled at the corn head. In soybean fields, improper reel speed and positioning can contribute to significant shatter losses.
The second step is measuring harvest loss rather than relying on estimates. Even a small amount of grain left on the ground can result in substantial financial losses across an entire field. Experts recommend checking several locations across the field and evaluating pre-harvest loss, header loss, and losses behind the combine to determine where improvements are needed.
The third step focuses on proper combine setup and continuous monitoring. The fundamental processes of feeding, threshing, separating, and cleaning must work together efficiently. Farmers should begin with manufacturer-recommended settings and then make adjustments based on field conditions.
Because crop moisture, weather, and field conditions can change throughout the day, periodic inspections are necessary. Operators are encouraged to change one setting at a time and evaluate the results before making further adjustments.
Modern combines also feature automation systems that assist operators. These technologies use sensors to monitor grain loss, throughput, machine performance, and grain quality.
However, automation should support decision-making rather than replace field observations. Regular inspections of grain samples and harvest losses remain important for maintaining performance.
The fourth step involves ensuring that yield data is accurate and useful. Yield monitors are valuable tools for future management decisions, including fertility programs, hybrid selection, and variable-rate planting.
To improve accuracy, equipment should be properly maintained and calibrated before harvest. Multi-point calibrations help provide more reliable data and improve the quality of yield maps generated during harvest.
The fifth and final step is managing crop residue effectively. Residue distribution plays a major role in preparing fields for the following season. Uneven residue can create problems with soil temperature, moisture levels, tillage operations, planter performance, and crop emergence. Farmers should focus on spreading residue evenly across the full width of the header to create consistent field conditions for the next crop.
Experts recommend a simple harvest routine: check pre-harvest loss, evaluate header loss, inspect losses behind the combine, assess grain quality, adjust one setting at a time, verify yield monitor accuracy, and monitor residue distribution.
These practical strategies can help producers keep more grain in the tank, improve operational efficiency, and make better management decisions. By paying attention to combine performance throughout the harvest season, farmers can protect profitability while laying a stronger foundation for the 2027 crop year.
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Categories: Iowa, Crops, Equipment & Machinery, Harvesting, Sustainable Agriculture