JUDGING SMALL GRAINS 63 



large as possible, up to a certain limit. Therefore, all the 

 grains of a sample should be large for the variety, as this is 

 an indication of a well-matured and vigorous grain. In 

 other words, the kernels should be large and plump, not 

 undersized or shrunken. 



Freedom from Weed Seed, Dirt, and Other Foreign 

 Material. The grain should be free from all kinds of foul 

 material. A sample is at once scored against heavily if not 

 thoroughly clean. The cut should be much more severe 

 if among the weed seeds in the grain there are those of 

 noxious weeds, such as Canada thistle, quack grass, and 

 wild mustard. Cracked and shrunken grain, weed seeds, 

 and other objectionable materials should be separated from 

 the good grain. The farmer should make this separation 

 himself. The increased price obtained for the cleaned 

 grain will ordinarily more than pay for the cleaning, and the 

 screenings can be converted, by grinding, into a good grade 

 of ground feed for stock. The grain can be cleaned on rainy 

 days or in winter when the value of labor is low. The full 

 value of a good fanning mill or grain grader is seldom 

 realized. 



Weight of Grain per Bushel. The weight of grain per 

 measured bushel is usually an indication of quality and is 

 the principal point by which grain inspectors and buyers 

 determine the grade and market value of grain. In wheat, 

 high weight is indicative of comparatively high protein, or 

 more specifically, gluten content, and it is the amount of 

 gluten in wheat which determines its bread-making qualities. 

 In barley, the same rule applies. Feeders of live stock want 

 a high protein barley. 



In oats the higher the proportion of meat to hulls the 

 better the feeding value of the oats, as the hulls consist 



