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The STS Combine and Its Role in Modern Harvesting
John Deere’s STS (Single Tine Separator) combine series revolutionized grain harvesting in the early 2000s by introducing a rotary separation system that improved throughput, grain quality, and residue management. Unlike conventional straw walkers, the STS rotor uses centrifugal force to separate grain from chaff, allowing for higher capacity and cleaner samples—especially in wheat, barley, and canola.
Models like the 9750 STS and 9870 STS became staples in large-scale farming operations across North America, Australia, and Europe. With engine outputs ranging from 300 to over 500 horsepower and grain tank capacities exceeding 300 bushels, these machines were designed for high-efficiency harvesting in expansive fields.
Windrowing Straw for Baling and Soil Management
One of the key post-harvest tasks in cereal crop production is straw management. While many combines are equipped with choppers to mulch and spread residue, some operations prefer windrowing—laying straw in neat rows for baling. This practice is common in livestock regions where straw is used for bedding or feed, and in conservation tillage systems where residue is removed to prepare for no-till planting.
The STS combine can be configured for windrowing by disengaging the chopper and installing a straw hood or deflector. This redirects the straw into a narrow swath behind the machine, making it easier for balers to follow. Operators often adjust rotor speed and concave clearance to minimize straw damage and preserve fiber length.
Challenges in Capturing the Right Image
Photographing an STS combine windrowing straw during harvest isn’t as simple as it sounds. Timing, weather, and crop conditions all play a role. In regions like Nebraska or South Australia, wheat harvest coincides with unpredictable summer storms. Wet fields can delay cutting, reduce daily operating hours, and make straw baling impractical.
In one season, a contractor reported that rain limited cutting to just two hours per day—far below the usual 12–15 hour window. As a result, few operators opted to windrow straw, fearing it would rot before baling. This made it difficult to find active STS combines performing the task, let alone capture usable photos.
Why Visual Documentation Matters
Images of combines in action are more than promotional material—they’re tools for education, training, and community outreach. Agricultural bureaus, extension services, and equipment dealers often use such photos to demonstrate best practices, showcase technology adoption, or support grant applications.
In Australia, one agronomist needed photos of an STS combine windrowing straw for a presentation to a local agricultural bureau. The goal was to illustrate residue management techniques and promote baling as a sustainable alternative to burning. Without visual evidence, the message risked falling flat.
Recommendations for Capturing and Sharing Field Imagery
To document straw windrowing effectively:
Conclusion
The John Deere STS combine remains a powerful symbol of modern harvesting, and its role in straw windrowing is both practical and environmentally relevant. Capturing this process in action requires timing, cooperation, and a bit of luck with the weather. But when done right, a single photo can tell the story of innovation, stewardship, and the quiet precision of a machine built to feed the world—one swath at a time.
John Deere’s STS (Single Tine Separator) combine series revolutionized grain harvesting in the early 2000s by introducing a rotary separation system that improved throughput, grain quality, and residue management. Unlike conventional straw walkers, the STS rotor uses centrifugal force to separate grain from chaff, allowing for higher capacity and cleaner samples—especially in wheat, barley, and canola.
Models like the 9750 STS and 9870 STS became staples in large-scale farming operations across North America, Australia, and Europe. With engine outputs ranging from 300 to over 500 horsepower and grain tank capacities exceeding 300 bushels, these machines were designed for high-efficiency harvesting in expansive fields.
Windrowing Straw for Baling and Soil Management
One of the key post-harvest tasks in cereal crop production is straw management. While many combines are equipped with choppers to mulch and spread residue, some operations prefer windrowing—laying straw in neat rows for baling. This practice is common in livestock regions where straw is used for bedding or feed, and in conservation tillage systems where residue is removed to prepare for no-till planting.
The STS combine can be configured for windrowing by disengaging the chopper and installing a straw hood or deflector. This redirects the straw into a narrow swath behind the machine, making it easier for balers to follow. Operators often adjust rotor speed and concave clearance to minimize straw damage and preserve fiber length.
Challenges in Capturing the Right Image
Photographing an STS combine windrowing straw during harvest isn’t as simple as it sounds. Timing, weather, and crop conditions all play a role. In regions like Nebraska or South Australia, wheat harvest coincides with unpredictable summer storms. Wet fields can delay cutting, reduce daily operating hours, and make straw baling impractical.
In one season, a contractor reported that rain limited cutting to just two hours per day—far below the usual 12–15 hour window. As a result, few operators opted to windrow straw, fearing it would rot before baling. This made it difficult to find active STS combines performing the task, let alone capture usable photos.
Why Visual Documentation Matters
Images of combines in action are more than promotional material—they’re tools for education, training, and community outreach. Agricultural bureaus, extension services, and equipment dealers often use such photos to demonstrate best practices, showcase technology adoption, or support grant applications.
In Australia, one agronomist needed photos of an STS combine windrowing straw for a presentation to a local agricultural bureau. The goal was to illustrate residue management techniques and promote baling as a sustainable alternative to burning. Without visual evidence, the message risked falling flat.
Recommendations for Capturing and Sharing Field Imagery
To document straw windrowing effectively:
- Use a drone or elevated vantage point to capture the full swath pattern
- Photograph during golden hour for better contrast and reduced glare
- Include close-ups of the straw hood and discharge area
- Document rotor settings and combine configuration for context
- Pair images with yield data and straw moisture readings if available
Conclusion
The John Deere STS combine remains a powerful symbol of modern harvesting, and its role in straw windrowing is both practical and environmentally relevant. Capturing this process in action requires timing, cooperation, and a bit of luck with the weather. But when done right, a single photo can tell the story of innovation, stewardship, and the quiet precision of a machine built to feed the world—one swath at a time.
