In today’s high-cost, low-margin farming environment, even small losses can significantly impact a grower’s bottom line. One of the most overlooked contributors to lost revenue is combine harvest loss—grain that never makes it into the bin because of improper machine settings. Industry experts are encouraging farmers to take a closer look at this issue, highlighting the importance of measuring harvest loss directly in the field.
Why Harvest Loss Matters
Combines are powerful and complex, but they’re not foolproof. When rotor speed, fan settings, or other components are even slightly out of sync, valuable grain can be lost during threshing or cleaning. Because this loss occurs behind the machine, it’s often invisible and unaccounted for—yet its financial impact is very real.
For example, in corn, a 3% harvest loss on a 200-bushel-per-acre yield at $4.05 per bushel amounts to $24.30 per acre. Over 1,000 acres, that’s $24,300 in lost revenue. In soybeans, a similar loss on a 70-bushel-per-acre crop at $10.05 per bushel results in more than $21,000 in losses across the same acreage. If losses reach 5%, the numbers climb dramatically.
You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure
While many farmers rely on combine factory presets or in-cab loss sensors, these tools often provide an incomplete picture. Terrain, crop type, and machine wear can all affect accuracy. Experts recommend field-based measurement to establish a benchmark for real loss and calibrate machines accordingly.
That’s where drop pan technology comes in—providing a reliable and hands-on method to determine how much grain is being lost and where that loss is occurring within the machine.
A Closer Look at SmartPan: A Modern Solution
The SmartPan System from Bushel Plus offers a modern, data-driven approach to measuring combine loss. Designed for ease, safety, and precision, SmartPan is a remote-controlled drop pan system that mounts magnetically beneath the combine. It collects a sample during normal operation without stopping the machine.
Once collected, the sample is processed using the Bushel Plus Air Separator, which removes chaff and debris to isolate clean grain. The grain is then weighed using a digital scale, and results are instantly logged through the SmartDrop mobile app. Within minutes, operators receive accurate insights on grain loss, allowing them to make immediate adjustments to optimize performance.
The system identifies where the loss is occurring—whether at the header, rotor, or cleaning shoe—and supports a wide range of crops including corn, soybeans, wheat, canola, barley, rice, and milo. It’s compatible with all major combine brands including John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, CLAAS, and Fendt.
Real-World Results
Growers using SmartPan have reported dramatic improvements, with some reducing harvest loss from over 8% down to under 1%. The potential return on investment is significant, with many farmers reporting that the system pays for itself in just one field.
Maximizing Every Acre
With rising input costs and market pressures, precision is no longer optional. Measuring and minimizing harvest loss offers a clear path to improved efficiency and profitability. By moving from estimates to actual data, farmers can ensure they’re getting the most out of every acre.
For more information, visit www.bushelplus.ca.
