Deadhead Stone Management – From Nuisance to Strategy

Stones have been a part of farming for as long as fields have been tilled. Farmers know the frustration of surface stones, often persevering to remove them during the narrow window between seeding and crop emergence. But hidden deadhead stones, buried or partially obscured beneath the soil, pose an even greater challenge. These unseen obstacles can cause structural damage to equipment, disrupt operations, and incur significant costs.

While traditional approaches have relied on practical, time-tested methods, advancements in technology now offer an opportunity to rethink how we handle stones. SAIRS believes in transforming stone management into a proactive, strategic process—treating stones with the same forethought as agronomy.

New Windows of Opportunity

Traditionally, the timing for addressing deadheads was limited to ideal conditions, such as clear fields with excellent visibility. However, accurate mapping has changed that. With precise datasets, farms can now locate and manage deadheads even when conditions are less than perfect—such as in the fall, when crop trash partially obscures them. This level of accuracy opens new doors for efficient stone management, making previously impractical tasks feasible.

A Unified System for Deadhead Mapping

At SAIRS, we’ve spent years refining a system that integrates seamlessly with farmers’ existing operations, offering tools and training that enhance productivity. Here’s how it works:

1. Rough Mapping During Routine Operations: Farmers flag potential deadhead stones during normal fieldwork, such as harrowing, surface stone picking, combining, or grain cart operations. This process builds a rough map of a farm’s deadheads without requiring additional time in the field.
2. RTK Precision in a Day: With a rough map in hand, transitioning to RTK accuracy is quick and efficient. Using RTK-equipped vehicles, SAIRS can resurvey approximately 200 flagged stones in just one day, creating centimeter-level datasets ready for use.
3. Combine Defense During Harvest: The accurate map is loaded into a Garmin heads-up display (HUD) in the combine cab, allowing operators to adjust header height and speed to avoid hidden deadheads. This proactive approach protects equipment and reduces downtime.
4. Efficient Post-Harvest Management: After harvest, the same dataset guides digging operations. What was once a time-consuming process can now be completed up to five times faster, demonstrating the value of accurate mapping.
5. Training for Maximum Efficiency: SAIRS provides farms with training on Garmin device use, ensuring operators maximize this user-friendly technology. While the tools are simple, proper guidance ensures farmers integrate them seamlessly into their workflows.
6. Collaboration and Versatility: Garmin devices transition easily between equipment, from combines to trackhoes. Maps can also be shared with custom combiners, offering additional value and equipment protection for everyone involved.

Building on Expertise and Innovation

This system didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of persistence and collaboration with JB Farms, a Manitoba farm that has been instrumental in shaping this solution. Together, we’ve demonstrated how proactive deadhead management can transform operations, saving time and protecting valuable equipment.

In addition, SAIRS, JB Farms, and Soilmate have pioneered AI-driven mapping for surface stones, an innovation that has recently gone commercial in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. This is just a preview of how advanced technology is expanding the possibilities for stone management.

Benefits Beyond the Field

Deadhead mapping isn’t just for landowners. For farms renting land, defensive mapping offers a cost-effective way to protect equipment without incurring the expense of full stone removal. For long-term operations, it creates a foundation for improving field conditions over time.

A New Perspective on Stone Management

Deadhead stone management isn’t about replacing traditional wisdom—it’s about building on it. By incorporating accurate mapping and proactive planning, farmers can rethink how they handle stones, turning a persistent challenge into a manageable aspect of their operations.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a better way to manage stones, now there is. Let’s start a conversation about how SAIRS can help your farm adopt a strategic approach to stone management.