The Art & Science of Quality Small Grains Production
Small Valley Milling
Halifax, Dauphin County
Thursday, June 17, 2010
10am - 4pm
$15 PASA members, $25 all others; lunch will be provided
Joel Steigman, Small Valley Milling and Greg Roth, Penn State University
Quality issues in small grain production are paramount... and quality is influenced by a myriad of things, some of which we can control, others which are up to Mother Nature. Join us at Small Valley Milling, where Joel Steigman and Greg Roth will discuss a range of subjects of interest to folks who are producing small grains, particularly on a large scale.
Joel will give a brief history of Small Valley Milling. He will then talk about the differences in raising grains for seed and for flour, pointing out quality and handling concerns. He’ll present his experiences with a variety of grains, explaining some of the pros and cons of species and varieties, and using both his fields and his past crops as examples of what’s been working for him as well as what’s new. Time will be spent talking about his experiences with spelt (both spring and regular), emmer (with characteristics similar to Durham wheat) and how his crop rotation cycles are handled.
Joel will also discuss the type of equipment needed to handle small grains in large scale. Participants will learn how the manner in which equipment is designed and functions influences not only the volume of grain handled but also the quality, nutrition and storage characteristics of the end product.
Greg Roth, Penn State University Extension Crops Specialist, will be there to lead a hands-on look of the fields. Since the harvest will still be on the fields, we’ll have the opportunity to examine the crops, judging the quality of the grain, identifying any potential pests - insects, bacteria, molds and toxins among them – and generally getting a sense of things before the harvest. We’ll also talk about how the findings in the field might influence the handling of the grain during and after harvest as well as the end use of the harvest. We’ll take some time in the afternoon for a discussion, led by Greg, about risk management and crop insurance and how those programs fit in to the grains farm plan.
The information covered in this field day will be of use to anyone who is growing small grains or considering diversifying into small grain production. This event is supported in part by the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA).
About the Presenters
Joel Steigman owns and operates Small Valley Milling, an organic flour mill located in Small Valley in Central PA. The Steigmans purchased the home farm in 1975 to continue their farming heritage and start a family.
After some research and ready for the challenge, the Steigmans decided to transition to organic farming in 1997 and raise certified organic crops. Their interest in spelt grain led to the raising of spelt on the farm and to the construction of a facility to de-hull the grain so it can be enjoyed as a nutritious whole grain or be milled into flour. The spelt and wheat flours produced at Small Valley originate mainly from grain raised on the farm.
Gregory Roth is a Professor of Agronomy at PSU and the State Program Leader for Renewable and Alternative Energy. In his position as the extension grain crops specialist, Greg develops educational programs for extension agents, agribusiness groups and producers on timely issues such as managing crops during drought stress, GMO issues, potential of specialty corn hybrids, managing for grain quality, organic grain production and producing corn for silage. He also conducts applied field research on various issues is studying the potential of added value wheat and barley varieties to try to create more opportunities for crop producers in the state.
Click here for directions, available on the Google Maps page.
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