Requirements June 1972 until 1975

1. Show on a map of the United States where the following crops are grown in volume: rye, oats, barley, wheat, rice, flax, corn, soybeans, sorghum.

2. Run a germination test of 100 seeds each for two of the above crops raised where you live. Tell how you would treat these seeds to control disease.

3. Make a drawing of a field on which grain is to be grown. Show how you would control erosion. Describe crop rotation, strip farming, and contour farming.

4. Show in an outdoor seedbed or large box filled with soil how to prepare a seedbed. Plant two small grains native to where you live.

5. Explain steps farmers take to protect crops from disease and insects. Tell how they protect stored crops from rodents.

6. Make an exhibit of three or more grain crops. Show it at a school, fair, or Scout show. Include root systems, stems, leaves, and seeds.

7. Do THREE of the following:

(a) Collect, bottle, and label seeds of three grains grown where you live. Mark the variety and where grown. Show the number of days from planting to harvest.

(b) Do a soil conservation project. Describe how it was done. Give the results.

(c) Explain how you would prepare the field for two grains grown where you live. Give dates and methods of planting. Tell the amount of seed per acre. Describe "certified" seed.

(d) Help to harvest a crop of grain. Describe a combine and how it works.

(e) Visit a grain elevator, a seed sales plant, or a grain marketing center. Take notes. Write about what you learned.

(f) Visit a grocery store. List the grain products sold. Describe how one of these products is made.

(g) Prepare and serve a hot cereal food at home or camp. Describe protein and other food ingredients in cereal and grain products. Tell how they contribute to health.

This merit badge may be earned as a 4-H'er by completing a club project in that subject or as an FFA member by meeting these requirements through the FFA-supervised farming program.