Harvest & Storage
Harvest Tips
- Usually happens 7-14 days after defoliation.
- Late season frost can kill the plant thus stop plant from maturing and leaves you with a green, moist seed. Once pods have met physiological maturity they are safe from frost.
- Use of a Straight combine with a Flex-Header to give maximum yield results.
- Some swathers that are able to cut very low to the ground can be used (such as the MacDon 972). However if you swath be sure to harvest immediately after it hits the ground to prevent rainfall harm to the swath.
- Remember 4 beans per square foot results in a loss of 1 bushel per acre.
- Moisture should be at 13%
Handling and Storage Tips
- Ideally the seed should be stored at 13% moisture. If the product is too dry it becomes difficult to handle and splitting may occur, too moist shrinkage and mold become problems.
- Air circulation is also important to maintain the integrity of the seed.
- Careful handling of the seed to prevent splitting will help reduce dockage and retain the quality of the final product.
- If you are trying to sell to the human consumption market, please keep in mind that splits and cracks are deducted in your final settlement.
