Duty 15: Crop & Forage Operations

Crop Monitoring and Field Decisions.

Today I worked with the farm manager and agronomist to walk wheat and barley fields at different growth stages. We checked crop density, leaf colour, weeds, and any signs of disease pressure, then recorded what we found and discussed whether the crop needed any follow-up action. It was a crop monitoring and husbandry task, and I learned how regular checks help us make better decisions on nutrition, protection, and timing of operations.

We used a field map, notebook, and mobile recording app, and compared current observations with previous entries so we could spot changes quickly. I worked safely by wearing boots and high-visibility clothing, using safe access routes around machinery, and following instructions when moving between active field operations.

Forage Harvesting and Storage Management.

I helped with maize silage harvesting and then checked the clamp setup with the farm team. We recorded trailer loads, checked chop quality, and monitored compaction as material was added to the clamp. This was a forage operations task and I learned how harvesting and storage quality directly affect feed value later in the year.

We used tractors, trailers, loader equipment, and the storage checklist to prepare and seal the clamp correctly, then set up regular temperature and pest checks for the following days. I worked safely by using PPE, staying clear of moving machinery, communicating clearly with drivers and loader operators, and following the traffic plan for the yard and clamp area.