BULLETIN 1019, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



SHED CURING. 



The best method of curing both Standard and Dwarf broom corn, 

 and at present the only method of curing which offers assurance of a 

 uniformly colored, dependable product, is to place it under sheds. 

 For the best grades, a pea-green color is essential, a bright pea-green 

 color being evidence of care not only in harvesting but in curing. 

 The lack of it is evidence that the crop is overripe, immature, bleached, 

 or otherwise damaged. Pea-green brush, if of good fiber, desirable 

 length, and well baled, is in best demand in all markets and com- 

 mands the top price. To produce it suitable housing space must be 

 provided, equipped with slats or shelves where the brush can be 

 sj)read out thinly, permitting a circulation of air above and below 

 each layer. The shelving is best made by using cross-section slats 

 on which other slats are placed, forming shelves at intervals of about 



It 



Fig. 1. — Rack on which broom corn is shelved in the open for curing. 



4 inches. On these slats the brush is placed about 2 inches deep. 

 Unless dry weather prevails during the time of curing the piling of 

 brush more than 2 inches deep is likely to result in mold. As a pre- 

 caution against loss the brush should be examined frequently to see 

 that it is not heating, as damage from either heat or mold lowers the 

 value appreciably. 



Though open sheds are preferable for rapid curing, the damage 

 from wind and rain often makes additional protection necessary. 

 The ends and one side of curing sheds are sometimes sheeted with 

 good results, and canvas that can be raised or lowered has proved 

 effective in protecting the brush during storms. Since only about two 

 weeks of favorable weather are necessary before broom corn can be 

 " bulked," barns, cow sheds, etc., can be made to serve as curing places 

 unless the crop is large, in which case a suitable shed made especially 



