Bean harvest losses
Three researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have developed combine attachments and reel modifications that promise improved bean harvesting.
“Typically, there was a 50 percent loss of the bean crop when harvesting with a regular combine. This was caused by the cutter bar cutting off the bottom of the pods. It also caused pods to shatter,” said Bob Sadler, technology manager in research services at the U of S.
Lal Kushwaha, Bill Reed and Lloyd Zyle, all of the agriculture and bioresource engineering department at the university, spent two years testing the new attachment and reel modification. Results showed the new system can reduce losses to 15 percent on an average field.
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Sadler said researchers approached him with the proven design, suggesting he evaluate it for commercial potential and pursue its patenting and licensing for manufacture and sales.
In March, the product was licensed to Keho Alta Products Ltd., a farm equipment manufacturing company in Barons, Alta.
“Keho very successfully field-tested the equipment with prototypes this summer, and they are expecting to begin marketing, on a limited basis, next year. They plan full-scale marketing in 1998,” said Sadler.
Simplify harvest
“It’s great to see technology like this developed and made available to farmers. Until now, the harvesting of beans has always been a challenge,” said Ron Kehrig, research co-ordinator with Saskatchewan Agriculture.
“This new technology also fits well with the plant breeding projects aimed at developing taller, more upright varieties of beans. Genetic and mechanical improvements are the two-pronged approach that will result in another important crop for Saskatchewan farmers,” said Kehrig.
The project was supported by Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund and by the Pulse Crop Development Board.
– Saskatchewan Agriculture
