116 FORAGE CROPS 
The longer the fodder stands, the harder and less 
palatable it becomes, while if cut too early the 
best yield of grain is not secured. After the grain 
is hardened so that it is difficult to mash between 
the thumb and finger, and there is apparently 
little-moisture in the seed, there will be very little 
shrinkage in the grain. This would perhaps be 
called “just past the hard-dough stage.” If cut 
earlier, the fodder will be better feed, but there 
will be a considerable shrinkage in the grain. 
Methods of harvesting 
One thing that has kept this crop from being 
more generally raised is the problem of harvesting. 
There are a number of methods, and they all have 
their merits. If the fodder is desired for feed, it 
is perhaps best to cut stalk and all, and leave it in 
the shock until dry. The best machine for accom- 
plishing this is the corn-binder, which leaves it in 
bundles of convenient size for handling, and the 
fodder is held together. In the western and drier 
regions, if not planted too thick, it does not 
grow so high that it cannot be cut with an ordi- 
nary grain harvester, and this method is quite 
extensively used. The ordinary corn sled may 
also be used for cutting, and if the seed is to be 
fed with the fodder, this is perhaps the most in- 
expensive, 
