Equipment maintenance prior to harvest

Proper equipment maintenance is key in having an almost trouble free harvest with peanuts. Of course, there can be equipment malfunctions once harvest begins, but taking the time to check equipment prior to harvest and replacing worn out parts will help relieve some stress at the beginning of harvest time.

"Since the peanut crop is going to be extended this year a little bit, farmers have a little more lead time into getting their equipment ready for harvest," says Scott Monfort, University of Georgia Extension peanut agronomist. "Once in the field, farmers should pay attention to detail and readjust as needed based on weather conditions."

Mississippi peanut agronomist Brendan Zurweller, encourages farmers to look through their digger and make sure they have fresh

By Joy Crosby

blades, check the belts and pulleys. Additionally, he encourages farmers to get parts greased up and check the tire pressure on their equipment.

Many farmers faced issues in 2022 with parts supply at harvest time.

"I hope we've got the parts supply stocked up for 2023, because we were short-handed last year, which had many farmers in a bind by not being able to get their hands on some of the parts they needed," says Kris Balkcom, Auburn University peanut specialist. "Harvest time is very important and a critical time trying to get the crop out in a timely manner."

In some cases, farmers may be interested in updating their equipment for 2023. If a farmer is running a PTO drive, it is hard to really dial in their speed, so Monfort recommends converting to a hydraulic system. However, Monfort adds, even if a farmer makes the change to a hydraulic system that doesn't mean they can speed up at digging.

"With peanuts, there is a certain speed that is more conducive to making good windrows and not pulling peanuts off the vine while digging," Monfort says. "The new hydraulics makes things a lot more streamlined when digging."

It's easier to repair and replace parts prior to harvest. While in the field, all agronomists agree that if farmers don’t monitor their settings, they could see more LSKs.

"Farmers need to make sure they are pretty in-depth in going through the entire digger and combine," Balkcom says. "The last thing you want to be is broke down and not be able to get the part you need during harvest."