CLAAS is introducing a new grain nutrient analysis system for its Lexion combine harvesters, designed to help UK farmers and contractors measure crop quality and yield potential in real time.
The NUTRIMETER GRAIN will be available from model year 2026 and uses transmissive near-infrared (NIR) sensor technology to assess grain ingredients during harvest. CLAAS says the system is the first transmissive NIR measurement system for combine harvesters, enabling online measurement of grain quality while combining is underway.
Unlike reflection-based systems, which analyse the surface of the sample, the transmissive method measures through the grain. CLAAS says this gives a more homogeneous and accurate assessment of key ingredients, including protein content in cereals, oil content in oilseeds and moisture content.
The system works via a bypass in the LEXION grain elevator, where a small flow of grain is continuously directed through an integrating ball and fully illuminated for analysis. Results are shown in the CEBIS terminal in the cab and transferred to the CLAAS connect portal for documentation, storage, marketing and later crop planning.
For growers, the technology could allow different quality batches to be identified and separated during harvest. For example, wheat with varying protein levels could be unloaded, transported and stored separately, helping preserve quality and potentially improve marketing opportunities, particularly for milling wheat.
Real-time moisture measurement also supports more accurate site-specific yield mapping, while nutrient mapping can help guide future fertiliser and drilling decisions.
The NUTRIMETER GRAIN data can also be used for live mapping through the CEMIS 1200 terminal, giving operators an immediate view of yield and quality variation across a field.
CLAAS says the system will be available at about half the cost of previous factory-fitted NIR combine systems. A one-off licence fee will also apply for use on each machine.
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