In some fields, a 0 yield is not possible, and the farmer would know this if grain was within all the borders of the field. These anomalies must be deleted from the dataset if you want to construct meaningful maps that represent the true spatial yield values in the field. A lag can occur between the time the crop is cut and the time its yield is measured in the grain flow.The combine grain-flow system may plug temporarily, especially if the crop has lodged or weeds interfere with continuous grain flow.The yield monitor may not shut off at the field end and will register “0” data until harvestable crop again moves into the combine.
txt (text) format because this format is compatible with most database spreadsheets and GIS software programs.Ī number of yield monitor data errors are associated with normal yield data collection. Being able to export your data into useful files is important in analyzing yield data in data management software.Ĭhoose a yield monitor capable of exporting data in. Yield Monitor Data AnalysisĮven though yield monitor manufacturers normally sell computer software to help analyze yield data, growers may want to conduct their own analyses using commonly available data management software and geographic information system (GIS) software programs.
Following the manufacturer’s advice on daily service and seasonal calibration will be important for best data collection. The data generated with a yield monitor is only as good as the correct installation, calibration and maintenance of the unit and its components. When purchasing a used harvester, establishing a personal connection with the support entity for its yield monitor will be important for its future operation and service. Yield MonitorsĮach brand of yield monitor comes with its own company support system for installation, operation and calibration. farmers have GPS-linked yield monitors on their harvest equipment, and another 18 percent have yield monitors without GPS-linked harvesters. New grain combines are marketed with GPS-linked yield monitors as standard equipment.
Grain combine and harvester yield monitors have grown in popularity.