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News Advertiser
Gearing Up For Harvest With the Latest Technology Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Whether you’re a start-up farm or multi-generational family business, technology plays a critical role in farming operations today. Right now producers are gearing up
August 26, 2020
www.NewsAdvertiser.com
for harvest, and some of the products and services that are available to them are numerous and include: global positioning systems, geographic systems, rate, and sectional control systems, farm management software, yield and moisture sensors, mobile apps, along with custom maps and mounts for phones, tablets, and laptops. The goal is to increase profitability out of every acre of land that is farmed, and to monitor the performance of equipment, determine what adjustments can be made to improve the job performance. Analyzing detailed information can maximize results and influence future decision making. Proactive and preventative maintenance also has a huge role to play in terms of efficiency and is the most effective way to reduce operating costs to maximize uptime. Some strategies can be implemented to identify hazards, provide the necessary training, and utilize the right tools for the job. Most companies offer mobile services and direct maintenance support to help save time and money for producers who are hoping the 2020 harvest season to be a productive one.
Make Safety Your Business
The UFA in the Town of Two Hills has shared this timely message as harvest season is expected to get underway in the next couple of weeks. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)
Alberta Agricult Harvest Safe
Alberta Agriculture Submitted Plan for an injury and incident-free harvest season. Develop a safety plan for the fall and include: o Team communications o Any training/operator refresher courses etc. o Maintenance schedules o Emergency procedures in place and reviewed by entire team o Expectations such as wearing personal protective equipment, checking in regularly and compliance with safety protocol procedures (such as shutting down equipment before unplugging, taking regular breaks, working with a buddy on specific tasks) o COVID-19 considerations for physical distancing, hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Most harvest injuries and fatalities involve machinery and equipment. o Be extra vigilant when re-familiarizing yourself with equipment such as swathers, mowers, combines and augers.
Never become complacent ment. o Ensure implements are hitched properly and in go order o Review operation manu low maintenance guidelines o Ensure all guards and sh place and secure o Watch for changes in ter holes, ruts or debris that upsets or rollovers Harvest season is busy stressful. Pay close attention drowsiness and illness. Do
