The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1912-08-12
MOISTURE
In CORN
WET CORN 10 LIABLE TO SPOIL
~ SHORT TINE.
Farmers Get Higher Prices for Corn
Containing Low Per Cent Of
Moisture.

The moisture content of corn has
become of more Importance to deal
ers and producers OF that cereal, dur
ing the past decade than IL ever did
before. OF course. corn. before that
period. contained excessive moisture,
but no Importance was attached to IL
until producers ceased to keep their
corn for the next years market. It
was at this period that the present
custom OF marketing the corn crop
direct from the field and cribs arose
Corn from a previous years crop has
now become curiosity upon the
market and when such corn is found
It generally commands a premium
Moisture Fixes Grade.
Moisture in the great majority Of
cases Is practically the paramount
factor in fixing the grade OF corn and
as must necessarily follow its price
upon the market. II one lot OF corn
Is commercially dry but contains a
considerable amount Of damaged kerr
nels. IL will often receive a higher
grade than will another lot OF damp
corn which contains no damaged
grains. To many persons who do
not understand these factors. this
seems an injustice, because they do
not appreciate the importance that
must be attached to the moisture
factor.
Water by the eushei.
Moisture in corn affects its intrin-
sic value from the stancroint of the
feeder. manufacturer and warehouse
man. Moisture is water. whether fed
TO animals in corn or given in the
water trough. and a feeder can pro-
cure his water much more inexpens-
lively than buying 1t by the pushel
The manufacturer considers excess
i've moisture in corn not only a loss
from buying water instead OF corn.
but a menace as we'll in that his pro-
ducts are too damp for storage and
may possibly mold and heat before
he can dry or dispose OF them. When
the varehouseman fills his elevators
with wet corn. he is conrronied with
this state OF affairs.
Runs Big Chance.
II Replaces the corn in large guam
titles in his bins. he is obliged to
keep turning II over on account Of
its liability 10 heat and on the other
hand II he dries il in "A drier, the
shrinkage is so large together with
the cost Of the extra handling that
IL often changes his contemplated
profits 10 n loss. While corn is in
wet state and stored in consider
able quantities il Is always liable 70
heat unless kept in frozen condi-
ton. state In which IL is impracti-
cal to keep corn. The consequent
risk in taking care of wet corn al
ways reduces the price that a buyer
will pay for IL. because he must pre-
tect himself against n possible loss.
Terminating Season"
Springtime has often pecn men
toned as a dangerous period in
which toship corn. because II is the
terminating season" The germina-
ton OF corn or OF any seed depends
upon three factions. namely: air.
heat and moisture. and whenever
and wherever these rac.ors are pres.
ent in sufficient quantities. granting
that the germ Is alive. the seed will
terminate. This fact may be cas-
lily and satisfactorily demonstrated
by placing a few kernels under the
conditions above mentioned. Indeed.
upon this fact depends the prosper
flowers and vegetables "out OF sea.
con"
Therefore. TO avoid the danger ~
corn going out Of condition. ~ IL
necessary 20 remove. so far as II
may be possible. the conditions that
are favorable 10 termination.
Dangers In Shipping.
In shipping corn. II Is difficult 10
control the factors 81 heat and air.
and the easiest Is the moisture con
tent Of The grain. which should be
reduced enough - make the condl-
tions for termination unfavorable
/ From numerous observations. n Is
generally considered that tho condl.
tons conducive 20 Rarminatf1n are
I also favorable Tor me growth ~
molds. fungus ami bacteria Enzymes
and other ferments would also have
n favorable condition for action and