46 November 4, 2014 2014 LOGAN COUNTY FARM OUTLOOK MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com
residue will have value in the field
looking ahead to 2015.
But, there are some producers, who also
have livestock, and as the markets fluctuate
on grains as well as beef and pork, efficient
feeding programs could include baled corn
stocks. Today’s spreaders can be adjusted
to accommodate that, with a narrowing of
the back fan; corn stalks can be windrowed
right out of the combine and ready to bale.
Though wheat is not a large crop in Logan
County, the combines will do the same for
those who are looking to bale straw.
Another extremely important innovation is
the ‘Geo-fence’ feature in the new combines.
Back in the day, leaving the combine in the
field five miles from the house was not a big
deal, everyone did it. Today’s machines are
huge investments and as has been described
here, chalked full of equipment that some
might consider to be fun little toys to swipe
and trade. The Geo-fence is an on-board
security system that can alert the farm house
when a piece of equipment is being moved or
messed with in some fashion.
And finally, in spite of all the new gadgets,
the first thing any machine operator should
do before firing up that combine is go old-
school. Dig out the operator’s manual and
review the to-do list, check out and refresh
yourself on the calibration processes and
follow the instructions on maintenance and
safety.
Today’s machines are bigger and better than
ever, but they are still just as dangerous when
not operated properly as the two row pull-
behind corn picker, so be smart, be safe, and
may the bushels be there for you.
