Open day at the post-harvest line in Kasejovice: How did it perform in the first season?
The morning was cold and foggy. In the yard of Agrochov Kasejovice farmers were slowly gathering and curiously looking at the large grain silos. The new post-harvest line had had its first season, so it was time to see how it stood up in practice. “We finished it right on time, so we could store the grain right after the harvest,” says Miroslav Slavíček, Chairman of the Board of Agrochov Kasejovice. Farmers look at the massive silos. The storage capacity gives farmers freedom – they don’t have to sell right away, but only when it’s really worthwhile.
How does the post-harvest line work in practice?
Guided tours showed details
Guided tours took place all day.
Visitors toured the complete post-harvest line from the grain intake, through the grain cleaning and drying plant to the storage silos.
Some asked about maintenance details, others compared how their own technology stacks up against this new line. “We’ve been through the whole thing, it gives you a much better understanding of how it all fits together,” one farmer commented.
Drying for others?
Inspiration from other companies
“And you dry the corn?” asks the man in the dark jacket. The operations manager shakes his head. “Not yet, but the possibility is there. Elsewhere, where they have the same dryer, they dry for others, and they say it brings in a decent income.” The farmers exchange glances. Being able to dry not only for themselves but also for others could be an interesting opportunity in the future.
Cost and operation
How much does it eat? And what about the noise level?
Farmers walk past the technology. “What about consumption?” comes the question. The FARMIX technician has the answer right away. “Several times lower than with the original technology. And most importantly, it’s more efficient.” Some people nod. Most have experience with old dryers with expensive operation and very slow processing. “And the noise?” asks another. The technician smiles. “If you’re expecting a rumble like a tractor, no. Listen for yourself.” There is only a muffled hum in the hall.
Shared discussions over a meal
Plates full of food, heads full of ideas
There’s already the smell of food in the hall above the reception basket. There’s hot and cold buffet on the tables, beer in rusty glasses.
“Every year the same thing,” sighs one farmer. “Sell now, or hold on and wait for a better price? We have storage capacity, but the market is unpredictable.” His neighbour nods. “If you have somewhere to store it, you’re at an advantage. And if we start drying for others someday, that could pay off, too.”
“It’s not easy to decide” – when finances determine options
After the meal, we sit, talk, count. A lot of questions are asked, but also the first decisions are made. “Send me more information on this,” says the man in the baseball cap, handing over a business card. “If we’re going to consider this, we need to start addressing it now,” comes from another table.
Farmers are leaving with new ideas about how such an investment could change their farming.
Open days are not just about technology demonstrations. They are about seeing how it works in practice, hearing the experiences of those who have already gone for it, and realising that some investments are not just an expense but a smart step towards a more secure future.