On a warm September day along the edge of the Sandhills in Box Butte County, a combine harvested dry edible beans.The beans were in an On-Farm Research project by John Thomas, Nebraska Extension Educator at Box Butte County, and Tim Hashman, the farmer and driver of the combine.The project looked at a product called Pod Ceal.
“Last year, we had a hailstorm come through before harvest, and it (Pod Ceal) actually helped to keep the pod from shattering,” Hashman said. “This year, I’m hoping we see a sizable reduction in harvest loss.”
Pod Ceal is meant to reduce harvest loss with direct harvest beans. It’s sprayed on during the desiccation process. The coating should make the beans a bit tougher, so the pods don’t shatter and growers don’t lose as many beans in the field. It can also improve the quality of the beans. The product is supposed to help shed moisture.This is helpful with dry bean varieties like Great Northern. In a rainy season, the product will keep moisture out from causing staining or discoloration.
