Elements of Precision Agriculture: Basics of Yield Monitor Installation and Operation

Yield monitors are a recent development in agricultural machinery that allow grain producers to assess the effects of weather, soil properties, and management on grain production. They are a logical first step for those who want to begin practicing sitespecific crop management or “precision agriculture.” The accuracy of these devices depends on appropriate installation, calibration, and operation. Therefore, it is essential that grain producers understand how the yield monitor works to improve their grain enterprise. This publication is intended to help equipment operators and farm managers select, install, and operate a yield monitor. It explores the costs of establishing a yield monitoring system, the essential components of yield monitors and the functions of those components and methods for ensuring accuracy of the data.