The Most Common Types of Farming Equipment
If you run a farm, having the right equipment is essential. You want to make sure you have everything you need before you start farming. Here are some of the most common types of farming equipment and what they do.
The Combine
If you grow wheat or grains of any variety, a combine is one of the most critical pieces of equipment. Combines perform three essential tasks as you work:
- They reap, or cut the plants from the ground.
- They thresh, or separate the edible parts of the plant from the inedible ones.
- They winnow, or remove the dry, flaky chaff (outer skin) of the grain.
The Plow
Plowing is one of the most crucial steps in preparing your land for growing crops. It’s also an essential step for keeping your soil healthy and ensuring a bountiful harvest before you plant your seeds. Plows break up the ground, softening it and preventing it from impeding growth. A plow will also shift and destroy any harmful buildup that rests on the top layer of your soil.
The Seeder
The role of the seeder is self-explanatory: it spreads seeds across your soil. However, you’ll want to invest in the proper seeder for the size of your field. For farmers with smaller plots of land, hand seeders are acceptable.
The Fertilizer Spreader
Fertilizing your crops provides them with important nutrients and allows them to grow larger and more quickly. However, nobody wants to handle massive amounts of fertilizer by hand. Fortunately, one of the most common types of farming equipment is the fertilizer spreader, which ensures your planted seeds get an even distribution of fertilizer spread over them.
Knowing the different types of farming equipment and their roles not only keeps everything running smoothly but also reduces the risk of farming accidents. Being aware of the tools necessary to run a farm will result in higher-quality crops in the long run.