224 FIELD CROPS 



270. Thrashing. Thrashing barley from the shock is a 

 risky method, for the grain is very likely to be injured by the 

 weather before it is thrashed. When grain of the best quality 

 is wanted for market, it is advisable to stack and thrash the 

 cap bundles separate from the remainder of the crop. The 

 discolored grain in these bundles can then be used for feed 

 or can be sold by itself without injuring the market value of 

 the entire crop. In sections where there is no danger of 

 rain during the harvest season, thrashing from the shock 

 is the common practice. Cracking the grain in the thrasher 

 should be guarded against, as cracked kernels lower the mar- 

 ket value. Special care should be given to the work of 

 separation in thrashing, so as to remove as much of the dirt 

 and weed seeds as possible. 



271. Storing the Grain. Damp, musty bins should be 

 avoided in storing barley, for odor and appearance are 

 important factors in the market value of the grain. If the 

 grain is damp when thrashed or becomes damp in the bin, 

 it should be shoveled over several times in order to dry it out. 

 Where there is danger of injury from grain moths or other 

 insects, tight bins which can be fumigated should be pro- 

 vided. 



MARKETING AND RETURNS 



272. Marketing and Market Grades. A considerable 

 part, probably as much as two-thirds, of the barley crop goes 

 to market. The market grades of this grain are based very 

 largely on color, uniformity, appearance, and odor, and on 

 the strength and uniformity of germination. Material 

 differences in price are made between the grades, and the 

 farmer is usually well paid for care in handling the grain 

 from the time it is harvested till it is delivered to the ele- 

 vator. According to the official classification, the market 



