Harvest time!

In September, when the oats turn a golden colour, and the straw is ripe we are ready for harvest. Once ready, the worry turns to the weather, and the forecast is checked hourly, and then checked again.

To test the readiness of the crop we take a sample of grain from the standing corn and put this through a moisture meter. To store grain the moisture needs to be quite dry - with a moisture level below 15%. We can get to this moisture level two ways - delay harvest until the moisture level is lower, or pass the grain through a dryer.

The balancing act is deciding between allowing the crop to dry naturally in the field before the weather breaks, risking crop losses and spoiling if it rains unexpectedly, and the cost of drying the grain. With a dry, clear day ahead, we get to it – harvest time!