“We know how challenging the harvest period is at the best of times, but this year we’ve got numerous other factors that are going to test many of our farmers just that bit more,” Case IH Australia/New Zealand general manager Pete McCann said.
“Wet paddocks, damaged crops and shorter harvesting windows all add up to a longer and more gruelling season for many, although many will probably take that over not being able to bring a crop in at all.”
He said a wet harvest would increase the risk of machinery getting bogged — multiple times a day — so solid knowledge and experience, and the best and most appropriate recovery equipment, was essential when it came to freeing combines and tractors from muddy ground.
Birchip Cropping Group held an information day late last year around recovering machinery safely after becoming bogged.
Participants were urged to have a good plan in place, know the safest method of recovering machines and ensure everyone on the team knows what to do.
Mr McCann said with the expected delays, additional stress and pressures on farmers and farm labourers, and a longer season for many, fatigue would need to be particularly well managed and monitored across harvest teams.
“Long days are part of every harvest season — and that’s when things are going well,” he said.
“When you have additional challenges like this year, fatigue could set in sooner, so I’d urge everyone to be aware and keep an eye on those around them, because just one lapse or mistake can have major consequences.”
He said the risk of fires also should not be overlooked, and this demanded the same level of preparation as for a bogged machine.
“(After so much rain) it might be easy to overlook the risk of header and crop fires, but it’s the same as a regular season.
“Again, you need to have a plan in place to deal with it if it happens, make sure you’ve had a full service check of your combine before you start, and clean your machine regularly and thoroughly.
“Keep in mind the risk associated with certain crop types. Pulse crops like canola — and there’s a lot of canola around this year — are known to be more volatile, so be particularly vigilant with these crops.”
Mr McCann said safety around the farm was critical at any time, with the agriculture industry still recording too many accidents annually, but during the pressure period of harvest, with so many different variables in play, the risks needed to be particularly well managed.
“While farmers in affected areas will be going as hard as they can to maximise profitability in such a tough season, please don’t let your focus on safety slip.
“Good returns mean little if not everyone on your team is there to enjoy it at the end.”
