Upcoming Combine University workshops to help farmers optimize harvest performance and data accuracy
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State will offer Combine University, a premier educational experience designed for operators to meet the technical demands of the 2026 harvest season. The single-day, hands-on training will be offered on three dates — Aug. 24, 25 and 26 — in Boone.
Modeled after the popular Planter University, Combine University provides expert instruction to help producers navigate common harvest challenges. The program focuses on the critical relationship between mechanical machine settings and data accuracy, ensuring participants can maximize field efficiency and prevent costly mid-season downtime.
The 2026 program features a blend of interactive equipment demonstrations and classroom instruction. Participants will explore:
- Machine basics and maintenance: Detailed walkthroughs of material flow fundamentals and essential maintenance for clean grain elevators, feeder house chains and headers.
- Calibration and technology: Master protocols for yield monitor calibration and sensor adjustments to ensure reliable in-cab data.
- Grain loss elimination: Practical procedures for identifying and quantifying specific sources of loss using industry-standard mobile apps and drop-pan methods.
- Agronomic impacts: Analysis of specialized scenarios and the long-term impact of uniform residue distribution on the following year’s crop performance.
Event details and registration
Each daily session runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with lunch provided on site. The cost to register is $249 per person, and the deadline to sign up is Aug. 19. Interested participants can register online for the date they would like to attend. Each workshop will be held at Blomgren Seeds, located at 1927 250th Street, Boone.
For more information, contact Luke Fuhrer at [email protected].
PHOTO: The mechanics repair combine harvester. Modern agricultural machinery. (Adobe Stock-#362397816 │ romaset)
