182 FIELD CROP 8 



223. Storing the Grain. Oats are sometimes hauled 

 direct from the threshing machine to the elevator and sold, 

 but by far the greater part of the crop is stored to be used on 

 the farm or to be sold at some later time. More than two 

 thirds of the oats grown in the United States is fed on the 

 farms where they are grown. Clean, tight bins are neces- 

 sary for the proper storing of this grain. These should be 

 placed well above the ground, where there is no possibilitj^ 

 of the grain's absorbing moisture from the soil. They should 

 be separated by a tight partition from the portion of the 

 barn where live stock is kept, to prevent the absorption of 

 moisture from the stable. The storage bin, however, should 

 be located near the place where the grain is to be fed, to 

 avoid extra labor in handling. In the Southern and Central 

 states, where grain is frequently destroyed bj^ grain weevils 

 and moths, storing in tight bins with covers of sheet iron or 

 matched lumber is almost necessary in order that the grain 

 can be fumigated. Some means of keeping mice and rats 

 out of the bins should be provided, if possible. 



MARKETING AND RETURNS 



224. Market Grades. The market grades for oats are 

 less strictly adhered to than those for wheat and compara- 

 tively little difference is made on the market between clean, 

 bright grain and that which contains considerable quantities 

 of chaff, dirt, and weed seeds, or is discolored. Usualty this 

 difference is not enough to pay the farmer for cleaning his 

 grain, though it does justify him in demanding proper separa- 

 tion and cleaning by the threshing machine. The market 

 grades of oats depend on color, weight and freedom from 

 dirt and discoloration. The commercial grades are Nos. 

 1, 2, 3, and 4, in white, mixed, and red, or rustproof, oats. 

 In white oats, a special grade known as ''standard" is pro- 

 viderl, ranking between No. 2 and No. 3. Most of the oats 

 sold on the market is of this grade or No. 3. Usually there 



