Organic Oats Production Part 3: Testing Oats & Loading Trucks
Part three of a four-part series on certified organic oat production in Nebraska.
On August 25, the Schuchardts load oats out of the bin and test moisture and test weight before shipping to the miller. In this video:
• Pulling bin samples with a grain probe and testing moisture and test weight yourself
• Why local co-op scales set up for corn and soybeans can read differently than the miller's results
• Running bin air during the day when humidity is low and temperatures are below 85°F to avoid cooking the oats • Using equilibrium moisture charts to target the right moisture percentage
• Comparing this year's cleaner, lower-foreign-matter crop with last year's harvest
• How the failed dryland corner became a free volunteer oat nurse crop for newly seeded alfalfa
• Seeding alfalfa in late summer and light irrigation to get it started
Funding for this video was provided by the Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). Produced by Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA) Nebraska chapter members.