A row crop header for a harvester having a subframe removably coupleable to a feeder housing of the harvester. A pivot assembly is supported by the subframe permitting first and second header sections to pivotably move between raised and lowered positions together or independently of the other. A cross-auger center suspension assembly rotateably supports one end of the first cross-auger section and one end of the second cross-auger section as the first and second header sections pivotally move between the raised and lowered positions.

A system for positioning crop windrow guide shields projecting generally rearwardly alongside the crop discharge stream as it exits an agricultural mower. The shields are coupled for simultaneous, coordinated movement and repositioned by a powered actuator in response to either a manual input by a vehicle operator or automatically by a controller based on a steering angle deflection between a tractor and a towed implement. The system may be adapted for use with a single implement being operated on a side hill to control windrow drifting. The system may also be used with simultaneously operated front-mounted and pull-behind mowers to direct the crop discharge streams into a merged windrow.

A system for positioning crop windrow guide shields projecting generally rearwardly alongside the crop discharge stream as it exits an agricultural mower. The shields are coupled for simultaneous, coordinated movement and repositioned by a powered actuator in response to either a manual input by a vehicle operator or automatically by a controller based on a steering angle deflection between a tractor and a towed implement. The system may be adapted for use with a single implement being operated on a side hill to control windrow drifting. The system may also be used with simultaneously operated front-mounted and pull-behind mowers to direct the crop discharge streams into a merged windrow.

A system for modifying a row unit of a harvesting head, the system including at least one cutting disk, a right angle gear set configured for being drivingly connected to the cutting disk, and a drive shaft between a row unit gear box and the right angle gear set. The system may drive two counter-rotating cutting disks that can be positioned either at near the rear or the front of the row unit. A method for modifying the row unit includes removing existing stalk rolls and housings, installing a cover plate over a gearbox to which the housings were mounted, removing existing trash knives, drilling holes in the row unit frame for mounting the cutting disks, installing the cutting disks.

A dual cut header assembly including a header, a chopper suspended from the header, and an actuator system comprising one or more cylinders. The actuator system solely connects the chopper to the header. The dual cut header assembly further includes at least one sensor for measuring a state of the chopper and an actuator steering module connected to the actuator system. The header is configured to be lifted by an agricultural vehicle to cut crop material from a field at a first height. The chopper is configured to cut the crop material at a second height lower than the first height. The actuator steering module is configured to automatically adapt the distance based on the measured state of the chopper.

A dual cut header assembly including a header, a chopper suspended from the header, and an actuator system comprising one or more cylinders. The actuator system solely connects the chopper to the header. The dual cut header assembly further includes at least one sensor for measuring a state of the chopper and an actuator steering module connected to the actuator system. The header is configured to be lifted by an agricultural vehicle to cut crop material from a field at a first height. The chopper is configured to cut the crop material at a second height lower than the first height. The actuator steering module is configured to automatically adapt the distance based on the measured state of the chopper.

Systems and methods for managing the waste associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs are. provided. Also provided is a portable local sub-station for reducing the transportation costs associated with the processing of guayule shrubs for the extraction of rubber. Use of the disclosed systems, methods and/or local sub-station can reduce transportation costs, reduce processing costs and reduce the downstream processing complexity associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs.

Systems and methods for managing the waste associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs are. provided. Also provided is a portable local sub-station for reducing the transportation costs associated with the processing of guayule shrubs for the extraction of rubber. Use of the disclosed systems, methods and/or local sub-station can reduce transportation costs, reduce processing costs and reduce the downstream processing complexity associated with the extraction of rubber from guayule shrubs.

A harvester for bedded plants having a driving mechanism having two sets of wheels or tracks positioned on opposing sides of a plant bed. An adjustable U shaped frame allows the legs connected to the wheels/tracks to be elongated or shortened with the cross member also being elongated to meet the demands of the particular plant bed. Secured to the cross member is a harvest mechanism which grips and cuts the plants stock, removes the flowers and or leaves, and then deposits the harvested material into a receiving bin.

A method for cultivating Monarda fistulosa for production of thymoquinone includes planting seeds at rates between about 2.5 and about 5 pounds per acre, preferably about 4 pounds per acre. The heavy rate of planting produces plants bearing oil without weed contamination and reduces herbicide use due to production of natural herbicides by the monarda plants. Seeding and mowing the first season, and harvesting in seasons thereafter reduce costs. The method results in increased production of essential oils including thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone at levels up to about 40% or more of recovered oils, and which may be distilled from the plant.