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Data Recording Methods and Time-Motion Analysis of the Forage Harvest Process

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2016 ASABE Annual International Meeting  162462681.(doi:10.13031/aim.20162462681)
Authors:   Joshua D. Harmon, Brian D. Luck
Keywords:   Forage harvest; time-motion analysis; GPS; CAN; logistics

Abstract. Silage is a popular feed for livestock. Forage production for haylage has grown steadily in the past years, with more than 90 million tons produced in the United States in 2015. Growers in Wisconsin produced nearly 10 million tons of haylage during 2015. Producers often employ self-propelled forage harvesters (SPFH) and many transport vehicles to harvest their crops. Managing these vehicles is a logistical challenge, leaving significant opportunities for improvements in efficiency. A study was conducted to assess the in-field efficiency of forage harvest on a commercial dairy in Wisconsin which used two self-propelled forage harvesters, 10 straight trucks and two tractor-trailers. GPS tracking allowed for vehicle paths to be recorded. Controller Area Network signals from the harvesters were used to define vehicle work statuses for both the harvesters and transport vehicles. Using these data, the efficiency of the operation was determined based on the harvester.

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