CHAPTER IX 

 SMALL GRAINS 



WHEAT, oats, barley, rye, rice and buckwheat are known 

 as small grains. Their relative agricultural importance may 

 be seen from the following table showing the total production 

 and value of each in the United States for 1916: 



Kind of Grain Bushels Estimated Farm Value 



Wheat 1,011,505,000 $930,302,000.00 



Oats 1,540,362,000 555,567,000.00 



Barley 237,009,000 122,499,000.00 



Rye 49,190,000 41,295,000.00 



Rice 40,861,000 36,325,000.00 



Buckwheat 15,769,000 12,408,000.00 



The distribution maps show clearly the various regions of 

 production for each grain. There are several facts that may 

 account for this distribution. The one of especial interest is 

 that where an area of large production of a crop occurs, con- 

 ditions favorable for growing that crop are indicated. 



In general, the problem of the farmer is first, to decide 

 whether he shall use any of the small grains in his farming; 

 then, if he wishes to use them, he must next select those best 

 suited to the soil and climatic conditions of his farm and to 

 his system of farming; finally, a choice having been made, 

 he should know how to secure a profitable yield, how to 

 harvest and dispose of his crop. 



The general discussion of these grains which follows will 

 be limited to the chief points which should receive con- 



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