Oilseed Rape Harvest
The problem we have encountered this year is related to the wet ground conditions caused by the heavy rains in the latter part of June. It is so waterlogged in the fields that the rape swathers (which look like mini combine harvesters) cannot travel on the fields without getting bogged down in the muddy soil. Another problem with swathing in these conditions is that in places there is water standing in pools on the soil surface which would rot/decompose the rape as it lies in the swath. As a result many farmers are adopting a different approach to the oilseed rape harvest this year. Instead of swathing, the rape crops are been dessicated with a chemical to kill the plant and help create an even ripening of the seeds. The crop will then be harvested by direct cutting with a combine harvester. The rape crop develops into a tangled mass of plant material which can cause problems with the combine and so it is necessary to fit side knives to the front of the machine. These knives are mounted vertically to cut through the tangled plant stems as the combine works its way forward along the field. Demand for side knives has been high and it is now nearly impossible to buy one as all the stockists have sold out.
On our farm we have a 3 foot side knife that we use for harvesting beans, but we have doubted weather or not it will cope with the tall rape crop. After telephoning several machinery supply companies (who had all sold out of new knives) we eventually found a second hand knife which is in need of some repair but importantly it is 4′ long and so it is currently been sent by a parcel company from a farmer in Kent.
Direct cutting the rape will be a new experience for us here so we keep our fingers crossed that the machinery will be able to perform the task without too many seed losses.
Arable Crops Canola Harvest Oilseed Rape
You’ve been tagged for the Seven Random Things About Me, Meme. Visit http://mygrandpasgarden.com/?p=93 for the rules! Happy Blogging!
Comment by Michelle — July 10, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for tagging me. This is the first time I have been tagged. I will give it some thought before I post my 7 random facts.
Sara @ farmingfriends
Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — July 10, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
How ever do you find time to blog?
It sounds like lots of work running your farm.
Looking through your pictures I can tell it is lovely there.
Comment by Diane — July 10, 2007 @ 2:53 pm
Hi Diane,
Sometimes I wonder what I did with my time before I blogged!
The work on the farm does take up alot of time but my husband and I enjoy it.
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment about our farm. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Sara @ farmingfriends
Comment by Sara @ Farming Friends — July 10, 2007 @ 8:03 pm