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Harvesting is the process of collecting a crop or natural resource for human use. This can involve various methods, such as picking, gathering, or reaping. In agriculture, specialized machinery is often used to efficiently harvest different types of crops.1

For cereal grains, reapers cut the stalks, and threshers separate the seeds. Modern combines perform all these tasks in one operation. Corn is harvested by mechanical pickers that remove ears from the stalk, while cotton harvesters strip bolls. Hay and forage are handled by machines like mowers, windrowers, and balers.2

Root crops are gathered using diggers, and tobacco harvesting involves specialized aids depending on the curing method. Tree crops can be harvested by hand or with mechanical shakers. While many fruits and vegetables are still picked by hand, mechanization is increasing to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.23

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