Sieves had various uses in both soil cultivation and harvesting including separating dust, earth and seeds from grains that had been harvested.

On a “very fine day” in January 1830, Joseph Archer returned from Launceston after having “engaged a set of barn sieves” (Diary of William Archer, 29 January).

Iron Wire Sieve. Source: The Book of Farm Implements and Machines, Slight & Burn, 1858, p494.
Iron Wire Sieve (Source: The Book of Farm Implements and Machines, Slight & Burn, 1858, p494)