Harvest, storage, and economics

Question 1

Physiological maturity:

Answer 1

The stage of development at which maximum dry
weight has been attained by the plant and consequently no gains in
product yield can occur with increased production costs.

Question 2

Harvest maturity:

Answer 2

The stage of harvesting a product to obtain peak

quality and quantity, as determined by the producer.

Question 3

Storage maturity:

Answer 3

When post-harvest drying is not available, the stage
when the crop can be directly stored. In grains with less than 14%
moisture.

Question 4

What seed factors need to be considered when storing grains?

Answer 4

o High purity: Cleaned to remove admixtures, weed seeds and chaff.
o Good physical condition: no shrinkage or discoloration.
o Minimal physical damage: cracks and splits.
o High viability: If used for planting.
o No insect damage (holes or devoured contents).
o No disease or molds: Suitable drying prior to storage can reduce these.
o No contamination from rodent droppings.
o No pesticide residues, particularly is treated with pesticides while in
storage.
o No toxic microbial metabolites as a result of mold infection.
o No loss of flavor caused by excessive heat.
o No foul odor caused my high moisture or disease.
o Adequate seed moisture.

Question 5

What factors are important to make good quality silage?

Answer 5

o Improper anaerobic conditions.
 Good-quality silage has an alcoholic odor and sour taste
 Poor quality has a strong odor caused by high ammonia, hydrogen
sulfite and butyric acid.
o Poor-quality crop material.
 Garbage in = garbage out.
 Crop has to be the correct maturity, free from weeds.
o Improper moisture content.
 Beginning moisture should be 60-70%, higher may not create the
suitable anaerobic conditions.
o The desires pH (3.6 to 4.6) may not occur.

Question 6

List some of the components of grower input costs.

Answer 6

o Land rental, crop share, mortgage payment.
o Seed, seed treatment.
o Fertilizer, pesticide, application.
o Storage, Fuel, Machinery replacement.
o Salary.

Question 7

Describe the four elements of crop marketing.

Answer 7

o Packaging to reduce produce damage and ease transportation. Some
products (i.e. grains) are bulked into trucks and semi’s direct from
harvesters.
o Storage and transpiration are the two critical components of marketing.
Storage is expensive but stored produce can sell at a premium.
o Distribution. Marketing depends on the principals of supply and demand.
Produce must be moved in a timely manner to customers.
o Financing is needed to provide a means to cover the costs of storage and
transportation

Question 8

How can farmers sell fresh produce direct to the end user?

Answer 8

o Pick-your own, usually fruits and vegetables.
o Roadside stand (gates).
o Farmer’s markets.