NEZPERCE, Idaho — Hillco Technologies, working in a developmental partnership with John Deere, has developed a new system for harvesting corn and baling corn stover in one step.

The Hillco Single Pass Round Bale System delivers versatile, innovative and economical corn residue collection with minimal impact on corn harvesting efficiency and speed.

The new system is fully automated and offers continuous round baling with no stopping necessary. Harvesting and baling are accomplished in one pass, with less equipment, time and manpower required. This process maximizes overall efficiency and productivity while minimizing costs.

Key features of this system are:

    •    Low horsepower consumption
    •    Full visibility – Three strategically located cameras provide easy viewing
    •    Simple pintle style hitch for connecting and disconnecting
    •    Spread to collect at the touch of a button
    •    Even feeding creates dense, well-formed bales
    •    Faster grinding times for bales

“The ability to harvest and bale in one pass speaks to farmers’ efficiencies and economics, requiring less equipment, time and manpower," saysLenny Hill, owner and president of Hillco Technologies. "The SPRB System’s bales consist of a high percentage of cobs and husks and the feed quality is higher than other corn stalk bales.

"Because the baled material comes directly out of the back of the combine and the material never touches the ground, SPRB System bales are cleaner and contain far less ash, or 'dirt', than traditional stalk bales.

"Additionally, this system provides a highly sustainable harvesting and baling method.  At removal rates of around one ton per acre, the SPRB System removes a lower amount of essential nutrients from the soil, leaving the highest plant nutrients on the field. Studies show that stover removal rates of up to 30% can increase yield in corn-on-corn rotation, and the SPRB System removes, on average, .8 to 1.4 tons/ac.

"That’s a big plus for farmers who are looking for ways to produce more with their existing acreage.”

For more information on the Hillco Single Pass Round Bale System, see your local John Deere dealer or visit us on our website at www.hillcotechnologies.com.