The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-12-12
GRAIN PREMIUM
QUALITY TESTS
WIN FAR MERS
Growers Strong to Learn Per-
centage Of Moisture and
Protein, Says Agent
COMBINE GAINS GROUND
Weed Problem Complaining
Use Of Most Complex Type
of Harvest Machine

Whether it be Marquis or Ceres OF
some other hard Northwestern
variety, this is the day of protein
wheats. The Northwest has long
known that its grain has an individ.
ual quality that makes it more val
liable in milling than the wheats of
other sections. Hence the protein
premium on the big grain markets,
as Minneapolis. This premium NAV
more than offset freight charges on
shipments, so it has become a fixed
goal in grain growing through the
Northwest grain belt Of the Dakotas
and Montana. Wheat growers strive
to improve their seed and obtain
thereby an unvarying high percent
age Of protein in their crops. Better
protein wheat, in fact, is on all
agricultural programs where extern
sion work is carried on.
And along with the protein test
movement goes the allied test for
moisture, SO essential for timely cut
ting of the grain where combines arc
used and for its substantial matur-
ity and satisfactory shipment. Both
movements are under way in Bur-
leigh county under the direction of
the extension service. A review OF
what has been and is being done,
both in moisture tests and increas-
ing use Of combines, fills a consider
able space in the yearly report of
A. r. Miesen, the county agent, just
compiled. The reports says of the
three phases of improved grain
growing:
approximately 200 wheat pro-
ducers availed themselves of the OPP
portunity to have wheat samples
through the extension office. These
tests included not only numerous
combine samples, but also many
samples from binder harvester grain.
Elevators Join in Tests
About August l, in Bismarck, in
cooperation with the elevators-prin-
cipally farmers elevators-the mar
keting department from the Agricul-
tural college, as we'll as the U. s.
department of agriculture, q confer
ence was held relative to the reflec-
ton of protein values at local points,
ways and means to reflect the values
and discussion as to the best ways
to handle the combine grain.
mo definite policy was adopted
as to the way in which to reflect
protein values direct to shippers.
Farmers elevators, grain buyers and
numerous large farmers from Bur-
leigh county, as we'll as the entire
southwestern part of North Dakota
were represented. So far as Bur-
leigh county was concerned, the ele-
vator men decided that they would
take samples of all grain in mois-
ture-proof containers, have the
samples tested for protein and re-
fleet as much of the protein pre-.
miums as possible, at least up to II
or so per cent. This plan was later
discussed with farmers and they felt
it was a fair plan.
LAS result, when grain was sold
many times, the farmer took one
half Of the composite sample
brought it to the county agents
office and had q separate protein
and moisture test made. In all the
numerous tests made in this way and
checked back on the elevator tests,
not one was found to vary over one
half OF one per cent in protein.
The elevators, as a rule, reflected
all they could to give the farmer as
much on his wheat as possible, al
though they all said it costs much
more in work for the elevators. Or
the other hand, there was less wheat
shipped direct to commission houses
this fall than there was in 1927
Upon investigation it was found that
the direct shipments were being
made as 2. protest against no pre-
MUM reflections on the local mar.
kets in 1927.
Moisture Tests Aid Combiners
Approximately 100 moisture anc
grade tests were made early in the
harvesting season for combine
owners. Due to the very dry early
part Of the growing season, most OF
the grain was thin. But later, about
June 10, when heavy rains fell, most
Of the weed seeds in the fields also
grew and, as result, most fields
Vvnro xvoaIvy Thrco ~~.o~ -