Good Grains

[kstaven]

OK, I'm a bit of a rebel, but I feed only whole grains to all my grain-eaters, chickens, turkeys, and goats.

The lactating goat and growing baby get slightly sprouted grain. In winter, it was sprouted to the grass blade stage. I built a set of growlight shelves and scrounged some trays this spring so I am ready next winter to hopefully grow some serious greens, too.

Barley and oats for the goats. Barley's protein skyrockets when sprouted. Some whole corn added for the chickens and turkeys. BOSS for everyone. BOSS is the only reason the guineas come when called, little wild things.

Alfalfa for dairy girls, grass hay for loafers, no grain for loafers. More alfalfa pellets on the milking stand.

Free choice minerals, salt, and baking soda for everyone.

Lots of good pasture in season. Lots of veggies in winter, mostly for producers.

Sprouts do wonders for winter conditioning. Easy to do in bulk once one gets organized.

 

[freemotion]

Any hints for larger production of sprouts? I use pails now, plan to switch to trays for the coming winter. Rinsing and mold have been the issue with larger quantities, for me.

 

[helmstead]

I have had great luck with oven pans (cookie)...damp paper towel on bottom, seeds, damp paper towel on top, plastic wrap loosely covered. Them I put them in a warm place. Have a spray bottle handy in case it drys out.

 

[freemotion]

Thanks, Helmstead, but that wouldn't work in my situation. I have no problems getting barley and oats to the early sprout stage, but to get them to actually have a bit of a green blade has been my challenge. I got some used commercial baking sheets and I built my growlight shelves based on the size of the sheet pans. I haven't used the sheet pans yet (pasture was growing by then), but tried getting green sprouts in a plastic shoebox size storage tote. It takes so many days in the cellar, I would almost always get a sour smell and mold. So I had to feed the sprouts before the grass stage.

But I am determined to figure out the problem, as the health benefits for the critters who make our food are many! Ideas?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Thanks, Helmstead, but that wouldn't work in my situation. I have no problems getting barley and oats to the early sprout stage, but to get them to actually have a bit of a green blade has been my challenge. I got some used commercial baking sheets and I built my growlight shelves based on the size of the sheet pans. I haven't used the sheet pans yet (pasture was growing by then), but tried getting green sprouts in a plastic shoebox size storage tote. It takes so many days in the cellar, I would almost always get a sour smell and mold. So I had to feed the sprouts before the grass stage.

But I am determined to figure out the problem, as the health benefits for the critters who make our food are many! Ideas?

Is the basement a damp one? Maybe a dehumidifier or even a small fan to keep air circulating over them, creating a breeze?

 

[freemotion]

Yes, it tends to get a bit musty and floods a bit in heavy rains. A fan is a good idea. I just hope I remember that come November!!!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Yes, it tends to get a bit musty and floods a bit in heavy rains. A fan is a good idea. I just hope I remember that come November!!!

Write a note and tape it to your equipment somewhere.

 

[freemotion]

Good idea.....done!

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Good idea.....done!

It's what I would have to do to remember!

 

[wynedot55]

come on kitty your not that old