[WorkingClassFilth]

Hello folks,

Just wondering if any of y’all have any experience with small scale grain raising? I have Gene Logsdon’s book ‘Small Scale Grain Raising’ and I’m prepping about 1/10th of an acre for raising some different grains next season. My intent is to eventually raise a year’s worth of wheat, sorghum and, maybe, barley probably pretty much like they did 100+ years ago.

I’ve got an eye out for a good fanning mill and a grist mill, too. My soil prep got rid of most weed seeds in the soil seed bank and I’ve got a stand of oats as a nurse crop over alfalfa and sweet clover to increase tilth, nitrogen and drainage (clay soils). I broadcast seed and plan to cut with a scythe and snath and rake into windrows. I’m also insane. . .

What I’d like to know is: Has anyone has raised small grains without mechanization (i.e.; tractors, threshers, driers, etc); at what scale; and how did you clean and store your grain.

Thanks much!

WCF

[Red_Devil 232]

Wish I could help but I have no experience with grains. I am sure there is a FReeper gardener or two who can help.

[tdscpa]

Every year I grow a very small quantity of wheat planted by birds that crap wheat kernels on my driveways, sidewalks, or garden.

I wait until it matures and turns golden, then pull off the heads, and crumble in my hands, and save the grain, discard the chaff. If I do not eat it immediately, I store it in pill bottles. Then, I eat the grain whole.

[greeneyes]

We raised a test patch last year. About 15 x 15. You can beat the heads inside a 5 gallon bucket or Spread out a clean sheet on the patio, walk on it, and toss it up in front of a fan to get all the chaff out.

When you cut it. Bind it into sheaves, and allow it to dry in the open or in a shed with plenty of air circulation. It is important to get the harvest, drying, and separate the wheat from the chaff done and avoid rainfall during that time.

I just use the blender or an electric coffee grinder to make the flour as I need it.