Introduction:
Today, we’re delving into the incredibly fascinating and diverse world of grain sorghum harvesting on the homestead. Join us as we explore the incredible journey of the creator, Chef, who shares his passion for this unique crop. From the excitement of gaining new subscribers to the practical aspects of growing and harvesting grain sorghum, Chef takes us on an immersive and informative homestead adventure. So, let’s embark on this captivating exploration and discover the wonders of grain sorghum harvesting on the homestead.
How to Harvest Grain Sorghum on the Homestead:
Grain sorghum is a versatile crop that can be grown for food, feed, and fuel. It is also relatively easy to grow and harvest, making it a good choice for homesteaders.
When to Harvest
Sorghum is ready to harvest when the grain has reached physiological maturity, which means that the grain has stopped filling and is drying down. The grain should be hard and dry, and the leaves should have turned brown and died.
To determine if the grain has reached physiological maturity, you can check the moisture content of the grain. The moisture content should be between 30% and 35%. If the moisture content is too high, the grain will not store well. If the moisture content is too low, the grain will be difficult to thresh and mill.
Harvesting
Sorghum can be harvested by hand or with a machine. If you are harvesting by hand, you can use a sickle or a scythe to cut the stalks. If you are using a machine, you can use a sickle bar mower or a combine.
If you are harvesting by hand, cut the stalks about 6 inches above the ground. If you are using a machine, you can cut the stalks higher, but be careful not to lose too much grain.
Once the stalks have been cut, you can bundle them together and tie them with string or twine. The bundles can then be loaded onto a wagon or trailer and transported to a storage area.
Threshing and Winnowing
Once the sorghum has been harvested, it needs to be threshed and winnowed. Threshing is the process of removing the grain from the stalks. Winnowing is the process of removing the chaff and other debris from the grain.
Sorghum can be threshed by hand or with a machine. If you are threshing by hand, you can use a flail or a threshing machine. If you are using a machine, you can use a combine or a threshing machine.
If you are threshing by hand, spread the bundles of sorghum on a hard surface and beat them with a flail or threshing machine. The grain will be separated from the stalks and fall to the ground.
Once the grain has been threshed, it needs to be winnowed. To winnow the grain, you can use a winnowing basket or a fan. If you are using a winnowing basket, toss the grain into the air. The wind will blow away the chaff and other debris, and the grain will fall back into the basket. If you are using a fan, blow the grain over a screen. The chaff and other debris will be blown away, and the grain will fall through the screen.
Storing Sorghum
Sorghum should be stored in a cool, dry place. The grain should be stored in a sealed container to prevent pests from getting in.
If you are storing sorghum for long periods of time, you may want to consider freezing it. Freezing will kill any pests that may be in the grain and will help to preserve the grain’s quality.
Tips for Harvesting Grain Sorghum
- Harvest sorghum when the grain has reached physiological maturity.
- Cut the stalks about 6 inches above the ground.
- Bundle the stalks together and tie them with string or twine.
- Transport the bundles to a storage area.
- Thresh and winnow the sorghum.
- Store the grain in a cool, dry place.
Sorghum market size in SEA:
The sorghum market size in Southeast Asia is estimated to be around USD 1 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5-6% over the next five years.
The major factors driving the growth of the sorghum market in Southeast Asia include:
- Increasing demand for sorghum as a feed ingredient due to the growing livestock industry
- Increasing demand for sorghum as a food ingredient due to its nutritional benefits and gluten-free properties
- Growing awareness of the sustainable benefits of sorghum cultivation
- Government initiatives to promote sorghum cultivation and consumption
The major sorghum producing and consuming countries in Southeast Asia are Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar.
The major sorghum market players in include:
- Cargill
- Louis Dreyfus Company
- Archer Daniels Midland
These companies are involved in the procurement, processing, and distribution of sorghum in Southeast Asia.
The sorghum market in Southeast Asia is expected to continue to grow in the coming years due to the factors mentioned above. The market is also expected to benefit from the growing trade between Southeast Asian countries and other parts of the world, such as China and India.
Related Sections:
- Getting Started (00:00 – 02:07) Chef begins by expressing his sincere appreciation for the support from his new subscribers. He takes a moment to share exciting updates about his ongoing homestead projects, such as the progress on the construction of the chicken coop. Additionally, he introduces us to the main highlight of the day – grain sorghum, which is commonly referred to as Milo. This remarkable crop not only boasts its robust nature but also captivates the eye with its vibrant spectrum of colors, ranging from stunning shades of orange-red all the way to pure white.
- Sorghum Basics (02:07 – 05:54) The chef provides a detailed explanation of why he specifically opted to grow grain sorghum, despite it not being a commonly cultivated crop in his region. He expresses his fondness for this particular crop due to its exceptional suitability as a food source for his chickens. In addition to its nutritional benefits, he highlights the ease of cultivating and maintaining grain sorghum, drawing parallels to the familiar practice of corn farming. Moreover, the chef imparts a clever insight into his farming strategy by involving his chickens in the harvesting process, further demonstrating the practicality and efficiency of incorporating this crop into his agricultural practices.
- Harvesting Technique (05:54 – 08:16) The real action begins as Chef demonstrates his straightforward harvesting process. First, he carefully selects the ripest seed heads from the plants, ensuring maximum flavor and quality. Then, using a pair of pruners, he skillfully cuts the seed heads, making sure to leave a small stem attached for easy handling. As he works, Chef expertly bundles the seed heads together with rubber bands, providing convenience and efficiency in the harvesting process. Additionally, he mentions the option of using twine or zip ties for added security, ensuring that the seed heads stay intact during transportation. Overall, Chef’s harvesting process is a simple yet effective technique that showcases his expertise in the field. It’s clear that while it may not require advanced scientific knowledge, it requires precision and skill to achieve the best results!
- Storage and Use (08:16 – 11:33) The video takes us into the rustic barn, a place filled with the nostalgic scent of the countryside. In this tranquil setting, Chef gracefully demonstrates his traditional method of hanging sorghum bundles using aged tobacco sticks. These weathered sticks, with their own rich history, have found a purpose in supporting the sorghum harvest. As Chef meticulously fills up his spacious barn with these carefully arranged bundles, he passionately shares his wisdom on the importance of keeping the sorghum dry. By safeguarding this precious crop from moisture, he ensures that it remains in pristine condition, ready to be transformed into delectable delights. Amidst the serenity of the barn, Chef also humorously mentions the occasional feathered guests who may, out of curiosity, indulge in a nibble or two of the succulent sorghum.
Conclusion with Takeaway Key Points:
In conclusion, Chef’s video is an insightful peek into the world of grain sorghum harvesting. Here are the key takeaways:
- Grain Sorghum for Chickens: Grain sorghum is a fantastic option if you’re looking to grow your own feed for chickens. It’s easy to cultivate and provides a reliable food source.
- Simple Harvesting: The harvesting process is straightforward. You can use basic tools like pruners and rubber bands to gather and store your sorghum.
- Storage Matters: Hanging the sorghum in a dry environment, like a barn, preserves its quality, making it an excellent, long-lasting food source.
- Tobacco Sticks: Tobacco sticks, with their unique history, come in handy for sorghum storage. They’re a practical solution for homesteaders..
