674 



IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



SCORE CARD FOR SEED OATS. 

 (Used in Minnesota.) 



Points noted 



1. Weight per bushel 



2. Plumpness and quality. 



3. Uniformity and purity. 



4. Color 



5. Market condition.. 



Total points 



Explanation and Rules of Score Card. 



An exhibit must consist of at least 1 peck and 12 selected seed heads 

 according to the method described for wheat. 



WEIGHT PER BUSHEL. 



The standard weight in Minnesota is 32 pounds per bushel. By 

 means of a patent weighing kettle or by taking a 4-quart measure of the 

 grain and getting its weight on grocery scales, then multiplying by 8, the 

 weight per bushel can be obtained. 



Rule — Cut 2 points from the score card for each pound less than the 

 standard weight per bushel (32 pounds). Thus if the sample weighs 30 

 pounds per bushel, it would score only 21 points. 



PLUMPNESS. 



This character must be observed very closely, as tbe eye is easily 

 deceived by the hull being well rounded out. It frequently happens that 

 two kernels are inclosed within one hull. This makes the hull appear 

 very plump, but in reality it is the opposite. One good way to judge 

 plumpness is to squeeze a handful of the oats. If they do not spring 

 much, they are well filled. Look closely at the tip of the hulls. I they 

 are short and broad, they indicate plumpness, but if they are rather 

 slender and pointed, the seed is either wanting or it is very small and 

 poorly filled. 



Rule — There is not set rule by which the plumpness may be scored. 

 The judge should look carefully for poorly filled hulls, double seeds, 

 etc. Then cut the score card about what he thinks the sample lacks of 

 being perfect in plumpness. 



UNIFORMITY AND PURITY. 



The uniformity of the kernels is very important in oats for seeding 

 and in determining the purity of the breed represented. All the seeds 

 should be of the same general size and of an even color and should all be 

 of the shape that represents the variety. 



