As we mentioned in our previous post, we have closed a historic year with exceptional results, achieving yields we had never seen before. At the end of the season, the only task remaining is the baling of cereal straw (barley, wheat, triticale) and pulse vegetables (yeros and lentils).
This work is normally carried out in our village by service companies from Murcia and some from Albacete. For many years now, for example, the Rosado Brothers (Bullas - Murcia) have been welcome here for baling the remains of the harvest. This year, other companies such as El Parra from Bullas, Murcia, and Soria Brothers from Pozo Cañada, Albacete, are also performing this task. Therefore, over the next few weeks we will inspect the plots to ensure the straw has been baledand so we will be able to complete this season and start the next one, that is to say, to begin preparation, including ploughing the stubble for future sowing.
Regarding straw yields, this year has been particularly interesting due to the exceptional height of the cereal crops, resulting in a high number of bales. Typically, the amount of straw generated is about half the amount of grain produced. For example, if a field yields 3,000 kg/ha of grain, it will likely produce around 1,500 kg/ha of straw. Bales usually weigh around 350kg. The working speed of the baler varies a lot depending on the amount of straw, but it can be around 7 km/h. As you can see in the video, this year we are using a JCB Fastrac 4220 iCON tractor paired with a Fendt 1270N baler, capable of producing approximately 15,000 bales.
In conclusion, this season's impressive straw yield highlights the efficiency and productivity of our baling process, ensuring a strong start to the next agricultural cycle.
