Real-Time Forage Quality Analysis on Forage Harvesters with EVONIR

Why install NIR sensor on a forage harvester?

Without real-time forage analysis on board the forage harvester, variability in key parameters such as dry matter, starch, protein and fiber becomes visible only after harvest, when silage has already been stored and harvesting decisions can no longer be optimized. The EVONIR sensor installed on the forage harvester allows operators to:

Monitor dry matter and forage nutrients in real time during harvesting
Optimize harvest timing to ensure the crop is collected within the optimal dry matter range
Separate forage loads based on nutritional value, improving silage management
Create traceable forage quality documentation for farmers and contractors
Generate reliable data for feeding management and agronomic decision-making

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Dinamica Generale solutions for forage harvesters

Dinamica Generale offers advanced solutions for forage harvesters that deliver value to both dairy farmers and agricultural contractors by improving harvesting management and forage quality control.

For dairy farmers, the quality of harvested forage directly impacts feed efficiency, milk production and overall farm profitability.

For agricultural contractors, installing NIR technology on forage harvesters creates new service opportunities and strengthens their role as technology partners for modern dairy farms.

NIR & Imaging

EVONIR

EVONIR is an on-board NIR analyzer for forage harvesters, installed directly in the spout to continuously analyze chopped forage during harvesting. This enables real-time forage analysis in the field, allowing operators to monitor crop composition while harvesting.

The sensor measures key parameters such as dry matter, starch, crude protein and fiber, transmitting the data via ISOBUS or CAN J1939 to the machine’s Virtual Terminal, where operators can monitor forage quality and crop variability directly from the cab.

Key advantages for forage harvesters

Compatible with all major forage harvester brands worldwide, supporting both OEM integration and aftermarket installation.
Provides field variability insights, helping identify differences in forage quality across the field.
Main forages analyzed: Green Maize, Green Grass, Green Alfalfa, Green Triticale, Green Rye, Green Barley and more.
Measures key nutritional parameters: dry matter (DM), starch, crude protein, ADF fiber, NDF fiber among others depending on calibration.

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Real-time forage quality monitoring

Real-time forage analysis during harvesting provides immediate insight into crop composition, helping operators manage harvest logistics and bunker silo filling more effectively.

This allows operators to direct forage with different qualities to specific storage areas, improving bunker organization and compaction. Harvesting within the optimal 30–35% dry matter range helps ensure stable fermentation and reduce silage losses, while collected data support better silage management, storage planning and future crop decisions.

Watch the video: NIR Analysis in Real-Time during Harvesting

Economic value of real-time forage analysis

Real-time forage analysis during harvest allows operators to adjust chop length and kernel processing according to crop dry matter, improving starch availability and fiber digestibility in corn silage. Better digestibility can reduce the need for purchased concentrates and improve feed efficiency. Even a small improvement of €0.05–0.10 per cow per day can represent €9,000–€18,000 per year on a 500-cow dairy farm. For contractors, providing forage quality data during harvest also enables premium harvesting services and strengthens relationships with dairy farms.

*Based on silage management studies and Journal of Dairy Science research

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Data Management · Software

FIELD trace

FIELD trace automatically collects and organizes harvesting data into field-level insights, enabling better decision-making for farmers and contractors.

Key advantages for forage harvesters

Dry matter and yield analysis
Forage quality variability mapping
Field performance comparison
Harvest documentation and traceability
Data-driven forage management

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How Real-Time NIR Analysis Improves Corn Silage Quality at Harvest

Producing high-quality corn silage depends on harvesting the crop at the correct maturity and dry matter level. Parameters such as moisture, dry matter and nutrient composition determine how well silage will ferment and how effectively it will support animal performance.

Traditional laboratory analysis often takes days, making it difficult to adjust harvesting decisions in real time. By using on-board NIR sensors installed on forage harvesters, farmers and contractors can analyze fresh corn directly during harvesting, monitoring crop quality instantly.

Real-time forage analysis allows operators to optimize harvest timing, reduce silage losses and produce more consistent, high-quality feed, supporting better feed efficiency and improved dairy herd performance.

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