Harvest’s center of attention

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 05 June 2012 08:14

Cooperative Grain & Supply in Hillsboro was a beehive of activity as this year’s early wheat harvest got into full swing at the start of last week. The photos here indicate the approach of rain that put the harvest on temporary hold. Dick Tippin, CG&S grain coordinator, said the precipitation did have some effect on the grain quality as combines kicked back into full gear Monday. “It looks like after the rain the test weights are down a little bit, but not too bad,” he said. “Earlier they were from 60 to 64 pounds; now it’s like 59 to 61 pounds.” Tippin said the protein was good at 10.5 to 11, and farmers were reporting yields of 45 to 70 bushels per acre. Tippin said the harvest was about 40 percent complete Monday; if the weather remains hot and dry, the harvest should be completed by week’s end.

(clockwise from top right):

• Grain trucks roll into the entry area from Ash Street.

• The first stop is at the scale along the north side of the storage area for weight and testing

• Trucks loop around to the dumping area on the south side.

• Clark Wozich manages the unloading.

• Tyrell Thiessen makes a quick sweep to clear the dumping area for the next truck.