Enzyme systems are more active in grain with higher moisture the total dry matter content that once was in the kernel is reduced due to this action. Often when test weights are low, dockage content increases due to difficulty in threshing the grain. Combines should be set carefully and checked often for optimum settings to do a thorough threshing job and to get grain as clean as possible. Changes throughout the day in threshability are greater under adverse conditions than under ideal conditions. Some fields of white wheat may be showing heightened levels of alpha amalyse activity which is an indication of sprouting.
Millers discount heavily for sprouted grain even if there is no visible evidence of sprouting.
Lodged areas will be more susceptible to damage than areas with no lodging. This may be the year to have grain tested prior to general harvest and bin separately if necessary. If you have both damaged and undamaged grain, they should not be mixed or you may get a lowered grade on the entire amount. Seed vigor Many of the factors that reduce test weight are the same factors that contribute to reduced seed vigor. Higher test weight seed planted this fall will yield more than lower test weight seed.