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.

A computer-implemented method for managing crop harvesting activities is implemented by a harvest advisor computing device in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving an initial date of a crop within a field, receiving an initial moisture value associated with the crop and the initial date, and receiving a target harvest moisture value associated with the crop. The method also includes receiving field condition data associated with the field. The method further includes computing, by the harvest advisor, a target harvest date for the crop based at least in part on the initial date, the initial moisture value, the field condition data, and the target harvest moisture value, and displaying the target harvest date for the crop to the grower for harvest planning. The target harvest date indicates a date at which the crop will have a present moisture value approximately equal to the target harvest moisture value.

A computer-implemented method for managing crop harvesting activities is implemented by a harvest advisor computing device in communication with a memory. The method includes receiving an initial date of a crop within a field, receiving an initial moisture value associated with the crop and the initial date, and receiving a target harvest moisture value associated with the crop. The method also includes receiving field condition data associated with the field. The method further includes computing, by the harvest advisor, a target harvest date for the crop based at least in part on the initial date, the initial moisture value, the field condition data, and the target harvest moisture value, and displaying the target harvest date for the crop to the grower for harvest planning. The target harvest date indicates a date at which the crop will have a present moisture value approximately equal to the target harvest moisture value.

A method of monitoring a cut-crop laying in a field or during a cutting process, the method includes: receiving a sensing signal from a cut-crop sensor positioned on a mobile agricultural machine, wherein the sensing signal is representative of a sensed gaseous composition associated with the cut-crop; estimating a condition of the cut-crop based on the sensing signal; and outputting cut-crop state data including the condition of the cut-crop.

Described herein are systems and method for monitoring and controlling field operations including planting and harvesting operations. In one embodiment, a data processing system of a machine includes a data transfer and processing module that communicates bi-directionally with different types of controllers and sensors mounted on the machine or an implement attached to the machine. The data transfer and processing module is configured to execute instructions to receive signals from these controllers and sensors, process these signals, and generate data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine. At least one display device is coupled to the data transfer and processing module. The at least one display device displays the data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine or implement to a user or operator.

Described herein are systems and method for monitoring and controlling field operations including planting and harvesting operations. In one embodiment, a data processing system of a machine includes a data transfer and processing module that communicates bi-directionally with different types of controllers and sensors mounted on the machine or an implement attached to the machine. The data transfer and processing module is configured to execute instructions to receive signals from these controllers and sensors, process these signals, and generate data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine. At least one display device is coupled to the data transfer and processing module. The at least one display device displays the data for monitoring and controlling field operations of the machine or implement to a user or operator.

A system and method for non-destructively determining characteristics of a vegetable or fruit may include processing an image of the vegetable or fruit to produce image analysis results; analyzing hyperspectral and/or Near Infrared (NIR) illumination reflected from the vegetable or fruit to produce reflection analysis results; and calculating at least one value that reflects at least one characteristic of the vegetable or fruit based on the image analysis results and based on the reflection analysis results.

An outer stalk divider for an attachment for harvesting row crop, in particular for a corn picker or corn header, includes a base body that extends in a traveling direction and a surface that extends in the traveling direction on an upper side, a hood, which is situated at the front on the base body as viewed in the traveling direction, and tapers in the traveling direction, and a cover element which, in the traveling direction, is situated behind the hood and on the upper side. The cover element extends at least partially along the surface of the base body, and is at least partially arched in design on an outer surface facing away from the surface. The cover element may be adjustable relative to the base body.

An outer stalk divider for an attachment for harvesting row crop, in particular for a corn picker or corn header, includes a base body that extends in a traveling direction and a surface that extends in the traveling direction on an upper side, a hood, which is situated at the front on the base body as viewed in the traveling direction, and tapers in the traveling direction, and a cover element which, in the traveling direction, is situated behind the hood and on the upper side. The cover element extends at least partially along the surface of the base body, and is at least partially arched in design on an outer surface facing away from the surface. The cover element may be adjustable relative to the base body.

A harvesting machine is disclosed along with a method of operating the harvesting machine. The harvesting machine includes a frame having a first end and a second end. A rotatable pick-up head is pivotally mounted on the first end and is capable of urging a crop into the machine. A cutting mechanism is mounted on a bottom plate for cutting the stems of the plants. A crimper mechanism is positioned downstream of the bottom plate and is capable of compacting the cut stems into a moving web. A moisture removal mechanism is positioned after the crimper mechanism to lower the moisture in the cut stems. A crop converging mechanism is located downstream of the moisture removal mechanism and reduces the width of the moving web into a ribbon. A chopper then chops the ribbon into small pieces so that they can be blown into a storage wagon for transport.