Harvesting and Storage of Fall Rye

Recent research results from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada station at Swift Current showed that fall rye swathed with up to 47 per cent kernel moisture and allowed to field dry (7 - 9 days) suffered no quality loss and graded number one. However, artificial drying of rye grain resulted in downgrading when it was harvested at a moisture content greater than 20 per cent and was further downgraded when harvest moisture levels exceeded 35 per cent. The main downgrading factors were green and immature kernels and low test weight. Therefore, fall rye can be swathed and allowed to field dry without quality loss, but should not be combined and artificially dried until the kernel moisture is below 20 per cent.

Resistance to sprouting is almost nonexistent in our present varieties of rye, and this can result in quality loss problems if wet weather occurs during harvest.

Rye threshes very easily. Under dry threshing conditions care must be taken to adjust the concave setting and/or cylinder speed to minimize cracking. Care in picking up the swath is also necessary to avoid undue shattering.

Fall rye is ready to harvest before other cereals, including winter wheat and early seeded, early maturing barley.

Rye at 14 per cent or lower kernel moisture is considered dry and safe for storage. Normal storage bins used for cereal crops may be used to store fall rye.

Source: Agdex 117/20-1. Revised February 2007.

Other Documents in the Series