Prepare for a Successful Harvest Season: What to Focus on This September

As September begins, many Nebraska growers are shifting into harvest mode—and at Kaup Seed & Fertilizer, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re harvesting early-maturing crops or prepping bins for what’s ahead, the steps you take now can set the tone for the rest of the season—and next year’s results.

Here are three core priorities for September harvest prep:

1. Harvest Early-Maturing Crops Promptly

As corn and soybeans begin to dry down, getting into the field at the right time helps preserve grain quality and reduce losses. Fields planted with shorter-season hybrids may be ready for the combine earlier than expected, especially after a warm August.

At this stage, small differences in timing can have a big impact. Prioritize fields with faster dry-down rates, moisture variability, or signs of stress. Field scouting tools like NDVI imagery and moisture probes can help pinpoint where to begin.

2. Monitor Grain Moisture Closely

Maintaining optimal grain moisture is critical—both for yield and storage quality. The more precisely you harvest within your target moisture range, the better the return.

Before you hit the field, make sure all your harvest data is loaded into your combine monitor. That includes planting maps, hybrid locations, and any trial products used. Accurate in-cab setup allows you to document performance through the field and analyze return on investment once harvest is complete. This also sets the foundation for smarter hybrid selection and nutrient planning going into 2026.

3. Begin Bin Prep and Storage Planning

With yields looking strong in many areas, don’t let storage become the bottleneck. Now is the time to:

• Clean out and inspect bins

• Check aeration systems and fans

• Review insect and mold management strategies

Evaluate previous years’ data—moisture levels, drying costs, and shrink loss—to guide your storage and drying approach this fall. For seed crops or high-value grain, be mindful of hybrid-specific storage considerations to preserve quality post-harvest.

Set Yourself Up for Smarter Decisions

Harvest is more than bringing in the crop—it’s your opportunity to gather insights, assess ROI, and shape next season’s strategy. If you need help with monitor setup, field prioritization, or storage preparation, Kaup is here to support your acres every step of the way.

Talk to a Kaup advisor today.
Let’s make this harvest count—on every acre.