John Deere has entered into a new partnership with Bushel Plus that brings advanced harvest loss measurement tools directly into the John Deere dealer network. This move is designed to help farmers capture more grain, reduce waste, and make automation features on modern combines even more accurate. Both companies announced that dealers across the United States and Canada will begin stocking the Bushel Plus SmartPan System, which gives farmers precise, field-ready data on grain loss.

Why Harvest Loss Measurement Matters

Every farmer knows that even small losses behind the combine can add up to significant yield on a full season. The challenge has always been finding a fast, safe, and accurate way to measure that loss. Many growers either rely on guesswork or stop the machine and manually check behind it, which is both risky and inconsistent.

The Bushel Plus SmartPan System solves this by using a magnetic drop pan that collects a real sample of what is falling out of the back of the combine. The system then uses a paired scale and app to calculate the amount of grain being lost per acre. This gives farmers a true baseline, and it does so in a way that is safer and more efficient than manual checking.

How the Partnership Enhances John Deere Automation

John Deere combines already offer powerful automation features that adjust sieves, rotor speed, fan speed, and other settings based on operator targets. These systems are only as good as the numbers used to calibrate them.

The SmartPan System strengthens this process by providing accurate field measurements. When the operator knows the real loss rate, they can adjust the combine’s loss threshold to match actual field conditions. Once that threshold is set, John Deere’s automation reacts in real time to maintain that target. The result is more grain in the tank and less left on the ground.

Greater Accessibility Through the Dealer Network

A key benefit of this partnership is availability. Farmers no longer need to seek out third-party suppliers or wait for specialty shipments. Their local John Deere dealer can now stock, support, and demonstrate the SmartPan System.

Dealers are expected to host training sessions and offer hands-on demonstrations in the coming season. This gives farmers more opportunities to learn how to use the system correctly and to understand how harvest loss measurement can influence machine settings, profitability, and workflow.

Economic and Safety Advantages

Reducing harvest loss has a direct financial impact. Even a single bushel lost per acre can amount to thousands of dollars over a harvest. By pairing SmartPan measurements with automated settings control, farmers can make decisions that preserve yield and improve margins.

There is also a safety benefit. Traditional harvest loss checks sometimes require operators to walk behind running machinery. The SmartPan System allows farmers to collect a reliable sample without taking unnecessary risks.

What This Means for Farmers in 2026 and Beyond

The integration of Bushel Plus tools within the John Deere ecosystem signals a broader shift toward data-driven harvesting. Instead of relying on visual guesses or outdated rules of thumb, farmers now have a precise method to verify performance and get the most from their combines.

As farms grow larger and harvesting windows get tighter, tools that protect yield and streamline machine operation become increasingly valuable. The partnership between John Deere and Bushel Plus sets farmers up for more efficient harvests and better automation results, which should have a meaningful impact across North America.