Measuring Harvester Losses in Western Australia

2021

Research organisaton
Funding source

Trial details

Researcher(s) Mark Holland
Contact email mholland@gga.org.au
Year(s) 2021
Contributor Grower Group Alliance
Trial location(s) Albany, WA
Esperance, WA
Geraldton, WA
Kwinana, WA
Measuring Harvester Losses in Western Australia locations
Aims

The goal of the project was for grain growers in the Western Region to understand the current level of grain losses (tonnes and cost) from harvesters, for all of the major grain crops in Western Australia and understand where these losses occur. Growers will be able to calculate acceptable losses irrespective of varying yield levels.

Key messages

Program findings that $300 million of grain are being spilt on the ground in Western Australia has increased awareness of the issue, has created a benchmark and is driving change (increased attendance at harvester setup forums). These results have identified a significant issue in Western Australia that is likely to have some relevance and application to other cropping regions across Australia.

  • Recommendation 1: The survey continue in Western Australia to increase awareness of the issue, to measure grower’s level of adoption of closer attention to waste and to determine the extent of losses in lower yield harvests.
  • Recommendation 2: Growers use a grain collection (drop) tray to measure losses and fine-tune productivity. Change one setting at a time and re-test to check the results
  • Recommendation 3: Growers measure losses for each crop at the start of harvest and when conditions change markedly.
  • Recommendation 4: The project be deployed to other grain growing areas to establish the extent of the issue.
  • Recommendation 5: Growers consider the various elements of their harvester setup and ensure each is aligned with the findings of this report.
  • Recommendation 6: The correlation of grain spilt to mouse numbers be explored.
Lead research organisation Grower Group Alliance
Host research organisation N/A
Trial funding source GRDC GGA2110-001SAX
Related program N/A
Acknowledgments N/A
Other trial partners Facey Group, Liebe Group, Stirlings to Coast Farmers, Ben White, Peter Broley, Glen Reithmuller
Download the trial report to view additional trial information

Method

Crop types Cereal (Grain): Barley Forage: Oats Cereal (Grain): Wheat Grain Legume: Chickpeas Grain Legume: Faba beans Grain Legume: Field peas Grain Legume: Lentils Grain Legume: Lupins
Treatment type(s)
  • Engineering: Harvester
  • Farm operations: Economics
  • Harvest
Trial type Experimental
Trial design Randomised,Replicated

Albany 2021 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Faba beans

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Lentils

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Albany 2021 Lupins

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Barley

Sow date Not applicable
Harvest date Not applicable
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication 2
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Faba beans

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Lentils

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Esperance 2021 Lupins

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Faba beans

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Lentils

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Geraldton 2021 Lupins

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Barley

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Oats

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Wheat

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Chickpeas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Faba beans

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Field peas

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Lentils

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Kwinana 2021 Lupins

Sow date Not specified
Harvest date Not specified
Plot size Not specified
Plot replication Not specified
Psuedoreplication Not specified
Other trial notes

The project developed a new capacity to support measurement practice by training grower groups in the use of equipment. While the team worked together, however, areas of focus were White (analysis), White, Riethmuller & Broley (protocols) and Broley (drop pan training and equipment supply). The staff of the participating grower groups (Facey, Stirlings to Coast Farmers and Liebe Group) are experienced in harvesting equipment and peer-to-peer learning. Grower Group Alliance provided Project Lead Mark Holland, and Kallista Bolton (marketing and communications) to round out the team.

Download the trial report to view additional method/treatment information
Trial source data and summary not available
Check the trial report PDF for trial results.
Observed trial site soil information
Trial site soil testing
Not specified
Soil conditions
Trial site Soil texture
Albany, WA Not specified
Esperance, WA Not specified
Geraldton, WA Not specified
Kwinana, WA Not specified
Derived trial site soil information
Australian Soil Classification Source: ASRIS
Trial site Soil order
Albany, WA Podosol
Esperance, WA Sodosol
Geraldton, WA Chromosol
Kwinana, WA Rudosol
National soil grid Source: CSIRO/TERN
NOTE: National Soil Grid data is aggregated information for background information on the wider area
Actual soil values can vary significantly in a small area and the trial soil tests are the most relevant data where available

Soil properties

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Climate

Derived climate information

No observed climate data available for this trial.
Derived climate data is determined from trial site location and national weather sources.

Albany WA

Esperance WA

Geraldton WA

Kwinana WA

Albany WA

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Esperance WA

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Geraldton WA

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Kwinana WA

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Some data on this site is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology

SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.

Trial report and links

2021 trial report



Trial last modified: 07-06-2023 15:06pm AEST