Harvest is a season that all farmers warily look forward to. It is a time to reap what they have sown, but can also be very stressful. There is a lot to do in a small window of time to make sure everything is ready to go before harvest begins.
One of many grass seed fields waiting to be swathed.
Our Kentucky Bluegrass fields have just finishing pollinating and are getting ready to receive their last set of irrigation water, after which they will be in a waiting period before swathing begins. As the outdoor air temperature increases, our barley, wheat, and rye fields will continue to be irrigated because they won't be harvested until the first week of August. It is important to make sure that grain fields receive enough moisture during the hot summer days to prevent them from becoming stressed. Drought stress leads to elevated protein levels and smaller kernels not desirable for malting.
Servicing one of four combines in preparation for harvest.
In the shop, our swathers, combines, and balers all receive routine maintenance before the season begins. These machines put in long hours during the season, so it’s important to make sure they are top form to ensure a smooth harvest.
One of the swathers used to cut grass seed fields.
Once the Kentucky Bluegrass seed has reached the correct maturity, the fields will be cut and laid into “windrows” using a machine called a swather. The windrows are left in the field to dry for about 8 days before combining and baling begins. Want to learn more about Kentucky Bluegrass? CLICK HERE.