Exploring The Grain Chain
Grain feeds millions of people all over the world. It is one of the earth’s biggest commodities. Most grains are used to make flour which is essential for many types of food products including breads and biscuits. Wheat is one of the most important products of the grain chain and the entire planet is dependent upon it.
Wheat has been around for thousands of years and only the best strains of wheat have survived. Today’s grain farmers use modern sophisticated equipment which helps them to produce excellent grains in massive quantities. Wheat farms are generally located in hot and humid climates where the land is lush and fertile. However, there are some areas that have very cold climates where wheat is grown, but at an accelerated rate.
Wheat is filled with starchy grains and each grain contains tens of thousands of flour particles. Each grain is made up of the bran layer, the wheat germ and the endosperm and all of these layers are surrounded by a very durable “skin”. Each separate part is used to make different types of flour.
Wheat is planted in late summer and is harvested about a year later when it is at the peak of its growth stage. When it is planted, farmers plow the land to prepare it for their crops. This conditions the soil, getting rid of debris and bringing healthful nutrients up to the surface. The wheat seeds are planted (sowed) in the summer and then grow most rapidly during the following spring because this is when there is more sunlight to warm them. Farmers watch their crops closely during the growing season so that disease and pests are kept under control. Once the wheat is ripe (generally in early fall) it is harvested using sophisticated harvesting machines which have mechanisms that separate out the grain portion of the plant. The left-over chaff and straw of the plant are often used food and bedding for farm animals.
Once the wheat is harvested, it is ready to be stored and dried. This is one of the final steps in the grain chain and is an extremely important one. In order for the wheat to be at its best when it’s finally shipped, it must be stored in the best possible manner. Strict guidelines must be followed so that the wheat dries and matures as it should.
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