What's the role of swathing in farming?

Swathing, a method commonly used for crops such as wheat, barley, canola and oats, refers to the process of cutting and laying down the crop in rows for drying. This technique is typically employed by farmers, especially in areas with short growing seasons, when the crop has reached its maturity stage and the grains have fully developed but are not yet ready for harvest.

Compared to straight cut harvesting, swathing has several advantages that make it a key component in modern farming practices.  Straight cutting involves harvesting the crop directly without cutting and leaving it to dry in the field. While it's indeed a faster method, the quality of the crop may be compromised due to uneven drying and exposure to weather elements.

Swathing, on the other hand, allows for a more controlled drying process, which in turn results in a higher quality crop. Below, our team detailed some of the key advantages of swathing in farming.

Enhanced Drying

When crops are swathed, they are cut near the base of the plant and laid in rows parallel to each other. This creates a structure that allows air to flow freely and reach all parts of the crop. Without swathing, crops may lay in random directions, making it difficult for air to circulate evenly.

In humid climates, including Australia's wheat belt or the southern United States,  swathing can help prevent the growth of mould and other diseases that thrive in damp conditions, as it exposes the crop to sunlight and dries out any excess moisture.

Optimal Ripeness

When grains are fully matured, they typically contain a high amount of moisture which can affect their quality during storage or transportation. Using a swather or windrower, the crop is laid down in rows, and with the help of wind and sun exposure, the moisture content decreases gradually. This also allows for a more even ripening process as all parts of the crop are exposed to similar conditions.

Weather Adaptability

Farmers are often at the mercy of Mother Nature, with a sudden storm or heavy downpour having the potential to ruin their crops. By swathing, farmers can quickly and efficiently cut and gather their crops, reducing the risk of weather-related damage such as lodging (when plants are bent or flattened by strong winds) or shattering (when grains fall off the plant prematurely due to harsh weather conditions). Managing moisture levels to its ideal state through swathing also leads to higher-quality grains that are less prone to damage during inclement weather.

Get Your Customised Swathing Solutions At Burando Hill Today

Discover the ultimate farming solutions tailored for your swathing season at our manufacturing facility. Our comprehensive range includes high-quality carts, saddle tanks, swath rollers, and liquid kits that we can customise to meet your specific requirements.

Reach out to our expert team today to find out more about our products and how we can help you optimise your swathing process for the best results.