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ProCrop |
Canarygrass, Fescue, Foxtail
| Grass | When to Harvest* | Harvest Methods | Comments |
| Canarygrass Reed |
Mid to late July. About 1/2 of the seeds will be brown or gray. Seed head moisture content 50-55%. | Swathing reduces shattering. If straight combining, raise table to avoid basal leaves. Cylinder speed should be slowed and air intake reduced-- concaves should be adjusted so seeds are not de-hulled. | Shatters very easily. High winds can mean total crop loss. For top grade 55% of the seed must be viable. |
| Fescue Creeping Red |
Early August. Seed head moisture content 35-40% | Swath. Can straight combine, but only if there is not much green material. Cylinder speed slower than for wheat, clearance between cylinder and concaves should be as wide as possible. | Seed shatters easily if harvest is delayed. Swath in early evening or early morning if shattering is a problem. |
| Meadow Tall | Early August. Heads will be slightly tinge of green (5 to 15% of seeds immature). Seed head moisture content 45 to 50%. | Swath. Start with settings for barley and then adjust. Concave and rub bars should be in good condition to thresh the slippery strawed crop properly. | Seed shatters easily if harvest is delayed. Swathing too early results in shrunken, light seed. |
| Foxtail Creeping Meadow |
Seed ripens over time in early July. Seed head moisture content 55-60%. | Strippers and specialized machinery. If combining, set cylinder speed to about 900 rpm. Adjust concave spacing to about 1/4 inch. Open to sieve 2/3 to 3/4 and bottom sieve about 1/2. Adjust as needed. Remove all screens. Shut off all air. | Growers are urged to investigate production and handling techniques before growing these grasses. |
*Moisture content for entire seed heads established by research at Agriculture Canada, Beaverlodge. You can use a commercial moisture tester or a home oven set at 180 degrees F (82 degrees). Use a scale to determine before and after drying weights. Allow about 4 hours for drying to reach a stable weight when using the home oven method.
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