A Modified Cotton Picker for On-the-go Plot Harvest and Sampling.

Cotton harvest from experimental plots is a labor intensive activity.  Seedcotton can be collected in scale trailers, boll buggies or mesh bags depending on the size of plots to be harvested.  Harvesting small plots into mesh bags requires the most labor and exposes workers to many potential hazards.  Collecting a small subsample is also required.  Each activity has its advantages and disadvantages for accuracy, representative subsampling and safety.  A cotton picker was modified to accommodate an on-the-go automated weigh system with subsample collection.    All weights are automatically totaled and recorded.  The system is adaptable to any plot length.  The seedcotton subsample is collected continuously through the plot.  Only one person is required to collect subsamples.  The system greatly speeds harvest, improves safety and reduces labor needs.