YIELD MONITOR ACCURACY: SUCCESSFUL FARMING MAGAZINE CASE STUDY

A joint project of the University of Nebraska and Successful Farming magazine observed the harvest operations of three corn farmers using yield–monitoring technology. Two farmers with level fields of high–yielding corn were asked to operate their combines at under–capacity (20–30% reduction in travel speed), over–capacity (20–30% increase in travel speed), and their typical travel speed. The other farmer was observed going up and down a 5–10% slope. The weight of harvested corn measured by the yield monitor was compared to a weigh wagon after each pass. The results showed that yield monitor calibration and combine operational characteristics play an important role in accurate yield monitor response.