Feature
The WD6 series windrower from Case IH features industry-first Relative Yield Mapping Technology for hay and forage operations.
continuously analyzes chopped corn as it moves through the machine and monitors the percentage of fully processed kernels to calculate a kernel processing score( KPS). The KPS is then compared with a predetermined target, and the system automatically adjusts kernel processing as needed. New Holland claims the technology can reduce machine wear, minimize fuel consumption, and eliminate underprocessing.
“ For dairy and beef producers, feed quality is the most important indicator of forage harvester performance,” said Patrick Weitzel, forage harvester marketing manager for New Holland North America.“ With ForageCam, producers and custom operators are getting a real-time KPS and can assess right away if the quality is high enough the moment their forage is running through the harvester. In the past, we had to guess from the cab what the score was or send samples to the lab to
JD can compare fuel use across years, evaluate singulation and yield, measure sprayer productivity, and review trends to help determine harvest timing. determine the KPS. Now, we instantly know the forage score and quality.”
Previously, producers could only estimate forage quality; here, they can use real-time information to make adjustments as conditions change, rather than relying on information after the fact.
Visualizing Field Variety
As producers move from intuition toward information, technology is also helping them see what is happening across the field and respond to those differences. The new Case IH WD6 series windrower features Relative Yield Mapping technology, allowing operations to view a color-coded map of relative, in-field yield while harvesting, displaying high, low, and average areas.
“ Producers can now leverage data to paint a real picture of where in the field there might be issues impacting yield potential,” explained Ryan Kau, customer segment lead at Case IH.“ This gives you a clear edge, providing year-over-year insights to make smarter decisions on inputs when costs are high, directly boosting your profit potential.”
The data, viewed through Case IH FieldOps, allows for yearover-year comparisons and more targeted management.
Connecting Field Operations
Mapped information and data are no doubt useful, but connectedness is where these technologies can work together. John Deere’ s addition of Hands-Free Baling, an integrated automation system for consistent baling of hay and corn stalks, exemplifies this approach. The system combines AutoTrac, AutoTrac turn automation, gate automation, speed automation, and weave automation, using guidance lines from previous
10 | 800-247-2000 | 515-955-1600 | October 2026