The combine should be adjusted so that the seeds are completely threshed while using the lowest possible cylinder speed. Careful adjustment of the cylinder speed and cylinder opening is important to avoid cracking. When the crop is very dry, every other cylinder bar may have to be removed. To test for cracking, run your hand into the threshed seed. If cracked mustard is present, it will adhere to the hair on the back of your hand, indicating the need for further combine adjustment.
Cracked seed is considered dockage and a loss to the producer.
Cylinder speed may need to be varied during the day as crop moisture content varies. Fan speed should be reduced to limit seed loss with the straw, yet maintain sufficient air to ensure a clean sample. Storage Mustard seed can be stored safely when the moisture content reaches 9 percent or less. Care should be taken to avoid cracking the seed while moving the crop in and out of storage. Cracked seed ends up as dockage and a loss to the producer.