April 28, 2024

From the Fields: Not there yet

There are several features of the John Deere 780 combine that Chris Gould really likes, including the PowerCast, which has an improved residue spread.

We had a record week for harvesting of acres starting Saturday, Oct. 28, to Saturday, Nov. 4. Then we started to get full. Now we need to worry about trucking, so the focus has shifted. Plus, our dryer is getting backed up. Some of what we use for wet holding we have to start turning into dry storage, so our surge capacity is reduced.

If the corn was dry enough, we’d take it straight to town, but it’s not there yet. It would be nice if the corn was 18%, but it’s not going to get to that. At some point, 19% to 20% moisture, it is not worth it to bring the corn home and save 10 cents to dry it yourself when you’re spending 20 cents to truck it twice. We’re getting close to that point, but we’re not there yet.

Chris Gould

Chris Gould

Maple Park, Ill.