How to Optimize Harvest Management

weighing scales for harvesting

Industrial weighing scales are an integral part of the farming and agricultural industry. Many improvements have been made over the years to make weighing processes more accurate and efficient. In this article, we will expand on two ways you can apply these advancements to harvest management.

  1. Using Technology in Weighing

    One way of optimizing harvest management is implementing modern technology. Doing this allows you to streamline processes for harvest management. Listed below are four examples of this.

    • Data Management SoftwareData management Software helps farmers manage their crops and agricultural business by giving them the ability to process the scale information in an effective and time-saving manner. You can weigh and immediately track and save information. Entering in data at the point of weighing can help make the data entry process more accurate.
    • Mobile DevicesMonitoring and evaluation (M&E) is important in farming. Instead of the traditional pen and paper to track the M&E processes, using a mobile device could be a better option.

      There are mobile apps designed for farm and agriculture management. These apps allow you to do things such as calculate your estimated yield, which can be verified on your scale.

    • Radio Frequency Identification TechnologyWhen you weigh, package and prepare your harvested goods for shipment, the shipment details can be saved to a RFID tag. This tag can then be tracked and securely received by the supplier or retailer. RFID tags have also been used to track livestock. Not only do RFID tags help eliminate time spent searching for livestock, the data regarding each individual animals’ weight, health, etc. can be stored on each tag.
    • Data Analytics “Smart farming” is the application of sensing technology to measure things such as production and variables related to your agriculture business. Using this technology you can collect information about crop yields, weather patterns, and livestock health. Smart farming is helping agricultural businesses cut costs and increase production. Scales can help you gather and verify this data.
  2. Using the Right Weighing Equipment

    A scale helps in accurately determining the weight of harvested produce. This, in turn, helps increase profitability. It is important to choose a scale that fits your weighing needs. Here are things to consider when acquiring a scale.

    • Agricultural ApplicationSome scales are designed for a specific purpose. For example, if you are a rancher, a livestock scale would usually be the ideal scale for your application. On the other hand, if you grow crops, then floor scales or bench scales would be a better fit. Bench scales are also helpful at the point of sale if you sell your harvest and/or meat at a market.
    • Size of the FarmConsider the different weighing capacities of the scale and the platform sizes to match your weighing requirements.
    • Method of Selling or Distributing ProductIndustrial weighing equipment is helpful if you supply directly to retailers. These scales help you to checkweigh all your products before distribution. However, if you sell your produce yourself in smaller amounts, a legal for trade bench scale might be a better fit.

Quality Scales Unlimited will help you choose the best scale for your business. Contact us for more details.