The agricultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of advanced yield measurement systems integrated into harvesters. These technologies enable farmers to assess crop yields on a location-specific basis, offering valuable insights into the factors influencing productivity. By mapping yield variations across fields, farmers can better understand the nuances of soil quality, planting techniques, fertilization strategies, pest management, and water availability. However, the complexity of crop rotation poses challenges in drawing definitive conclusions from this data.
Yield measurement systems, which have evolved over the past two decades, utilize load cells and GPS technology to provide precise, quantitative assessments of crop yields. The Dutch company Vantage Agrometius has taken a leading role in this field with its YieldMasterISO system, priced at €9,000. This ISOBUS-compatible system is designed for various root crops, including potatoes and onions, as well as for grape and tomato harvesters. With over 50 installations in the Netherlands, it highlights the growing adoption of technology in agriculture.
Some manufacturers offer factory-fitted yield measurement options. For instance, AVR’s Puma self-propelled harvester features an in-house developed system that incorporates two load cells under the sieving table, available for €4,900 when paired with a GPS system. Approximately 80 of these harvesters are currently equipped with this technology, primarily serving markets in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and the UK. Similarly, Grimme’s Topcon YieldTrakk system is available for several of its harvester models, with prices ranging from €5,735 to €7,435, depending on the version and included features.
Vervaet stands out as the only European manufacturer offering active yield measurement systems for sugar beet harvesters, with its technology priced at €6,814. This system employs two load cells under the ring elevator, allowing for accurate yield assessments when combined with GPS. However, the effectiveness of these systems can be influenced by the presence of debris, which has led some manufacturers, like Holmer, to rely on alternative methods such as ultrasonic sensors for logistical estimates rather than direct yield measurements.
The integration of camera technology into yield measurement systems is gaining traction as a means to enhance accuracy. AVR recently showcased a new grading measurement system that combines load cells with stereo cameras to analyze potato tubers within the mass flow, providing insights into net yield and tuber grading. This innovation reflects a broader trend where manufacturers are increasingly adopting camera-based solutions to mitigate the influence of debris on yield measurements.
HarvestEye, a British company, has also developed a patented camera-based yield measurement system that utilizes 3D cameras to assess the size and shape of root crops. Priced from €5,000, this system has been implemented on over 170 machines worldwide, primarily in North America, the UK, and Europe. While it excels in grading and tuber size determination, it does not provide location-specific yield data, which may limit its appeal compared to more comprehensive systems.
The growing interest in optical sorting systems could potentially impact the adoption of camera-based yield measurement technologies. Although these systems serve different purposes—focusing on sorting rather than yield measurement—they offer significant benefits, including disease detection and labor savings. As farmers seek to optimize their operations, the choice between yield measurement and sorting technologies will depend on their specific needs and objectives.
Anselm Claassen, a farmer from Groningen, has been experimenting with various yield measurement techniques for seed potatoes over the past two years. His experience underscores the importance of understanding tuber count and grading, which are critical for seed production. As yield measurement systems continue to evolve, they promise to provide farmers with deeper insights into their operations, ultimately enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture.