Green Valley Farms is a family-owned operation in Central Iowa. Like many Midwest farmers, they rely on modern agricultural machinery to manage their large-scale production of corn and soybeans. In 2023, the farm faced challenges with grain loss and inefficiencies in their harvesting process. After researching solutions, they upgraded their John Deere S780 combine with new concaves, specifically designed to optimize the harvesting process.
The Challenge: Grain Loss and Inefficiency
Prior to upgrading their concaves, Green Valley Farms experienced several issues during harvest, including:
- Excessive Grain Loss: The existing concaves were causing significant loss of grain, especially during corn harvests. The farm estimated losing up to 3% of the total yield due to inefficiencies in the threshing process.
- Frequent Downtime: The original concaves required frequent maintenance, leading to downtime and delays during peak harvesting periods.
- Inconsistent Threshing: The farm was experiencing inconsistent separation, leading to poor grain quality and the need for additional post-harvest cleaning. This was particularly problematic with soybeans, where the fines and broken kernels were an issue.
The Solution: Upgrading to John Deere XPR2 Concaves
After researching various options, Green Valley Farms decided to upgrade to John Deere’s XPR2 concaves, which are designed for improved separation and increased efficiency. The XPR2 concaves were installed on their S780 combine prior to the 2023 harvest season.
Key features of the XPR2 concaves include:
- Improved Threshing Performance: Enhanced design to handle both corn and soybeans more effectively without needing to switch out concaves.
- Reduced Grain Loss: Engineered to minimize kernel damage and grain loss during harvest.
- Increased Combine Capacity: Allows the combine to run at higher speeds with less downtime, improving overall harvesting efficiency.
Implementation
The installation process was straightforward and completed within a day, just ahead of the 2023 harvest season. The farm’s operators were trained on the updated system to ensure proper use and maintenance. The farm immediately noticed an improvement in the performance of the combine during field trials.
Results: Boost in Efficiency and Yield
After a full season of using the upgraded concaves, Green Valley Farms reported significant improvements in both yield and efficiency:
- Reduction in Grain Loss: Grain loss during the corn harvest dropped from 3% to less than 0.5%, translating to an additional 1,000 bushels of corn that would have otherwise been lost. This added an estimated $5,000 to their revenue for the season.
- Higher Combine Capacity: The XPR2 concaves allowed the combine to operate at 10% faster speeds without sacrificing quality, increasing overall harvesting efficiency. They reported a 15% reduction in fuel consumption due to fewer passes needed in the field.
- Improved Grain Quality: In soybeans, the new concaves resulted in cleaner grain with fewer fines and broken kernels. This improvement in grain quality meant better pricing at the elevator and less time needed for post-harvest cleaning.
- Reduced Downtime: The improved durability and design of the concaves meant less wear and tear on the combine, reducing maintenance needs. Green Valley Farms estimated they saved 20 hours of downtime during the harvest season, allowing them to complete harvesting before any major weather delays could impact the crop.
Financial Impact
The upgrade cost approximately $8,000 for the XPR2 concaves and installation. However, the farm recouped this investment in a single season through:
- Increased Yield: The reduction in grain loss alone resulted in an additional $5,000 in corn revenue.
- Improved Efficiency: Fuel savings and reduced downtime contributed to further cost reductions, totaling an estimated $3,500.
In total, Green Valley Farms realized a net gain of $8,500 in the first year, fully covering the cost of the upgrade and delivering ongoing benefits for future harvests.
Conclusion: A Smart Investment for Modern Farming
The upgrade to John Deere XPR2 concaves proved to be a game-changer for Green Valley Farms. By reducing grain loss, improving harvesting efficiency, and enhancing grain quality, the farm was able to optimize its operations and boost profitability.
For other Midwest farms facing similar challenges, investing in John Deere concaves can deliver measurable improvements and long-term benefits, making it a smart choice for those looking to enhance their harvesting performance.
