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clarkscreek 
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Joined: 04 Mar 2017
Location: kentucky
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 Topic: Ear corn stock tank test
Posted: 27 Sep 2021 at 4:11pm |
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I know I've heard about putting ears of corn in the stock tank to tell if it's ready but when I Google it I get conflicting answers. What do you guys do or did to determine if ear corn is ready for the crib. I've used my moisture tester for shelled in the past but was going to try another method and then compare.
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Tbone95
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Joined: 31 Aug 2012
Location: Michigan
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Posted: 27 Sep 2021 at 5:27pm |
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Back when we picked, seems dad would just break a few ears, maybe bite a few kernels. He knew. Of course half the time it was thanksgiving weekend.
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PaulB
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Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Rocky Ridge Md
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Posted: 27 Sep 2021 at 7:05pm |
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We never picked any corn until all of the stalk has lost it's green and the ears dropped.
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If it was fun to pull in LOW gear, I could have a John Deere.
Real pullers don't have speed limits.
If you can't make it GO... make it SHINY
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SLee(IA)
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Polk City, Iowa
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Posted: 27 Sep 2021 at 10:46pm |
Toss some ears (without husks) into the tank. If they sink, still to wet to pick. If they float, time to pick. At least that's what I was taught 60 years ago. Steve
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allisbred
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Joined: 28 Mar 2015
Location: Hanover Pa
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 3:34am |
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Checking it by the kernel is what we do, remember the cob can hold a lot of moisture depending on variety. If you have the narrow cribs for storage, they can take the wettest, round wire don’t breath as well and will need to be a little dryer to prevent mold. In any event, we pick corn around 18% so it does not shell as much with a new idea picker and that doesn’t leave a husk on. If the ear twist at the kernels, it can be picked. Shelled corn needs to be a little dryer if storage is a bin.
Edited by allisbred - 28 Sep 2021 at 3:54am
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Joe(OH)
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Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Montezuma, Ohio
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 7:42am |
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I usually go for 3 out 5 or 5 out of 7 floating. Picked that way for over ten years and havent had a crib issue.
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Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.
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clarkscreek
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Location: kentucky
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 7:49am |
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Joe, have you ever checked kernel moisture after that test?
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allisbred
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 8:14am |
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What is the average moisture reading of that floating corn? I’m going to go on a rant and give my opinion only. Have been working in feed dust think since I could stand, spent (2) full weeks in the hospital damn near dead in 1988 after grinding moldy corn for years. My father checked all grain with the bite test, hay with the crack test back then as he didn’t have the correct tools. When I started play farming, I bought moisture checkers for grain & hay! Guess what, no more dust that will eventually shorten your or those helping you lives. You will have better quality, learn a little on later developments for processes and not be disgusted with spoiled batches. I even learned that I can make hay better in the fall cool weather if the humidity is low. Learned as mentioned that ear corn will keep good at 18% depending on a few variables. All those old methods have a base that is approximately close, but we have better tools available now at a low cost. Sorry about my rant. Kevin
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clarkscreek
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 9:26am |
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I was going to use the new tool, I was going to test some with old methods and then compare to my tester just for a fun experiment.
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allisbred
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 10:58am |
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What you have been doing is the best method in my own opinion. Would be nice to compare for shows and such though. I know that was a little rant but would like to teach people the best methods so they don’t cut important corner to save a buck.
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clarkscreek
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Location: kentucky
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Posted: 28 Sep 2021 at 11:24am |
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I understand this is just for fun.
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