1.
Cob Baling<br />Learning year with learning curves<br />PBM witnessed both the “Right” and “Wrong” way to cob bale<br />Over communication and education between producer and PBM was critical<br />Still have many things to learn<br />

2.
Early Learning's - Baling<br />All biomass in baler’s path removed. <br />Black strips can be seen up and down the field.<br />

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Early Learning’s – Baling<br />Tine marks can be see in the dirt due to the balers pickup being run to low.<br />Large amounts of dirt can be see in the bale samples due to low baler pickup heights.<br />

4.
After Discussions with Producers<br />Many producers called to make sure they were doing the procedure right<br />Multiple farm visits were preformed by the PBM-EMM Staff (Alan & Eric)<br />Clarification was made on the material wanted (Many producers were not on the same page as POET)<br />“You just want cob and husks, right?”<br />“You don’t want me to leave any cobs behind, right”<br />“It sure seems like I am leaving a lot behind?”<br />

5.
Post Discussion/ Correct Operations<br />Residue is still left in the baler’s path. <br />It is hard to see where a baler even went. <br />

6.
With the pickup set right some cob and leaf material are left, but no tine marks meaning no to little dirt.<br />Bale samples are free of dirt and clean.<br />Post Discussion/ Correct Operations<br />

7.
Overview<br />Many producers started by running the baler pickup too low<br />Many were then concerned with leaving too much behind when the baler pickup was raised<br />Clarification on what POET’s desired feedstock to the producer was a key step<br />When baling was done according to SOP, many landlords were pleased with the level of residue removed and gave their blessing to collect cob bales on their land<br />This year provided the learning year we planned on and hope it will minimize the learning curve need by producers in future years<br />Alan Keller and Eric Bruhn did a great job working with producers and helping to educate them to the desired practices and on any questions the producer had<br />