A troubleshooting guide was included for peanut combines as well. In addition to distribution at the field day, the guide was published on the Internet and announced to peanut producing counties through the county extension director. The printed and electronic versions of the guide will be enhanced and updated for distribution and access in 2001. Impact Statement Observations of peanut combine performance indicated excessive digging and combining losses during the 2000 harvest season. Peanut diggers contributed the greatest lost yield.
Studies are underway to pinpoint the primary cause of excessive harvest losses.
Losses attributed to equipment operation may be reduced through improved equipment management. Postemergence herbicide inputs from the weed sensing sprayer were influenced by the type of soil-applied herbicide program. This decrease in postemergence herbicide use was the result of excellent broadleaf weed control being provided by Strongarm and Valor. Using the weed sensing hooded sprayer for the row middles and having it trigger an application on the drill was very successful. Weed control with this approach was similar to weed control being provided by a continuous herbicide application on the drill.