“We really start our planting season with the combine and managing residue with the head and the machine,” says Matt Jahnke, precision farming specialist at Bane-Welker. “Make sure everything is set right – the chopper knives are all good and the spread widths are set right.”

Reel settings influence grain loss and groundspeed. Take the time to get them right.

Worn components on combines and grain carts reduce groundspeeds, increase grain loss and encourage engines to gulp extra fuel. While these wear points might not halt harvest, they will slow it down.

There's a new generation of portable, battery-powered air compressors that fit behind the seat of a pickup.