Locations preparing for wheat harvest since December

By Kerry Watson, Director of Communications

Preparing for the next wheat harvest doesn’t start in the spring.  In fact, MKC locations have been preparing for the 2013 wheat harvest since this past December.

Each winter location managers estimate the amount of grain they expect to receive at their location based on a five-year average of receipts.  In addition, estimates are determined by what is planted in their area.   

“The goal is to have enough space in the elevator for what we expect to take in during harvest,” states Christian Loganbill, Grain Manager at Lindsborg.

Loganbill noted that as bins start to empty of grain, they are cleaned and swept to spotless conditions. The bins are then treated to prevent insect infestation.   “This is a very important step to maintain the quality of grain as it comes in,” states Loganbill.

Lindsborg elevator superintendent, Jacob Duerksen,
performs maintenance and replaces buckets on the
main leg in Lindsborg.

As spring approaches, the focus changes from bin cleaning to equipment maintenance and facility upgrades.  Every piece of equipment in the elevator is checked to make sure it is in good condition.  Necessary maintenance, including greasing bearings and fixing or replacing leg buckets, is completed.   

“Preventative maintenance helps eliminate breakdowns during harvest and the upgrades improve our efficiencies,” states Loganbill.  “We want our facilities operating as efficiently and effectively as possible to insure the producer can return to his field in a timely manner.”

Planning for wheat harvest doesn’t end with the upgrades or emptying the bins and performing maintenance.   Designing a plan to fill the elevators is also part of the process.  According to Loganbill, some locations reserve empty bins for grain that is received too wet or with other quality issues.  “This allows us to better manage the quality of our grain,” states Loganbill. 

Contingency plans, traffic plans and hiring the appropriate number of staff to help with harvest are the final steps to insure a successful harvest.  

It’s for certain that wheat harvest has been on the minds of location managers since this winter. “It’s imperative that our locations have a successful winter and spring preparing facilities for wheat harvest,” states Loganbill.  “It’s part of the plan to help our producer’s succeed with their harvest.”