Minimising grain losses at harvest is still one of the simplest ways to protect soil moisture, avoid summer weed blowouts and retain income in tight years. National GRDC studies consistently show that harvest losses average between 1 to 3%, but can be much higher when machinery isn’t adjusted for the crop and conditions. In cereals alone, a seemingly small 1% grain loss can mean $20 to $30/ha left on the ground. Scale that across a 2,000ha program and suddenly $40,000 to $60,000 is slipping through the sieves, which is money that could instead be paying for next year’s fertiliser, contributing to on farm storage solutions, investing in variable rate mapping, or simply strengthening the business’s cash position during a dry cycle.
The good news is that most losses can be halved with relatively simple adjustments: rotor speed, fan settings, sieve configuration, ground speed or front setup. For mixed programs, desiccated cereals, small seeded canola or patchy lentils, the feedback from loss checks becomes even more valuable, helping to identify where grain is being lost and how settings need to shift as conditions change through the day. Whether you’re using a basic tray or a calibrated system, loss tools help speed up decision making and provide a clearer picture of harvest performance.
Every extra tonne that makes it into the bin supports cashflow heading into 2026, reduces pressure on financing decisions and helps maintain business strength. It also means fewer grains left on the ground to germinate through summer, cutting down chemical spend and protecting precious soil moisture. In dry years, that can materially improve establishment and crop vigour the following season. Reducing losses also minimises seedbank carryover, lowering weed pressure and preserving flexibility in the 2026 rotation, all key elements of drought preparedness highlighted through the Federal Government’s Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub North West Node and BCG’s broader resilience work.
As part of shining a spotlight on harvest practices, including loss checking, BCG is inviting growers to share what harvest looks like to them. Whether it’s a sunset header shot or a snap of the crew, we’d love to see it. You’ll also go in the running to win a Bushel Plus SmartPan System valued at $3,800, thanks to our friends at Primary Sales. The Bushell Plus is a tool designed to support more accurate harvest loss measurement and safer calibration. Share a photo, video or story of your harvest on social media, tag @bcg_birchip and use #hotofftheheader, follow @bcg_birchip and @primarysales before entries close on the 15th of December. Not on social? You can upload your entry via our Harvest Competition Form. Private account? A screenshot and DM works too, we just need to see it. The winner will also feature in a short interview with BCG to share their harvest story.
