Although this is Off-Topic, I feel it to be of suffcient import to
bring to the attention of those list members given to serious considerations
for maintaining some element of self-support in the face of any type of
emergency circumstance which might manifest in the future.
Having a keen interest in easily stored, maintained....and utilized
foodstuffs which can be stored in quantity---and procured at reasonable prices,
we have found what we consider to be a prime candidate. It is a small grain
called Paul Oats. The distinguishing character of this, particular, oat is
that is is hulless, that is...it has no outer husk adhering after it has pass
through the harvesting combine. The advantages become obvious, immediately, to
one familiar with common "field-run" oats. First, such an oat as the Paul
allows one to use it---unchanged, directly, in a similar manner as
ready-to-cook rice. Additionally, if preferred, they may be run through a
small "family-type" flaker, to make a superb oatmeal flake (immensely superior
to ANYTHING available from a super market). Since the oat grain has not been
subjected to downstream processing (such as mechanical dehusking by cereal
processors....it has not suffered cracking, breaking, etc., and the oute
r surface is completely intact....together with the enclosed nutrients.
Now comes the most pleasant part: these oats may be obtained from
several growers in the Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota areas. At present
we are obtaining about 1000 pounds of seed to be used to plant a test plot of
about seven acres...to determine the adaptability to the North Texas area. If
successful (as all of the other Minnesota area cultivars we have evaluted, have
been), we intend to make a full scale test planting year after next. As we
have nothing to sell, we intend to make the resulting seed available to
interested area farmers...gratis...in the hope they (especially the organic
farmers) test the Metroplex whole foods coop market and the local consumer
coops.
The most pleasant item, from among all of this information (for the potential
consumer) is the cost of this oat. At present, Paul Oats (from the supply
still available, as spring planting is very near and there are only limited
volumes left)are selling for around $0.10 per lb. in bulk
for Conventionally raised and $0.15 per lb for Certified Organic grain. Even
adding 100% for freight (worst case scenario), the value and cost savings are
enormous. Since the present price is $1.88 per lb, in one of our local Whole
Food Center stores for oat groats (the mechanically dehusked oat)...obtaining a
Paul type oat would appear to be the Survivalist's answer to
prayer....cost-wise. One caution, depending on where you reside in the U.S.,
trucking this time of year is, sometimes, iffy.
Buying and storing 20 or more gallons (in 5 gallon buckets with lids)
would appear to be a most attractive form of food insurance. Most especially
since a family can easily "rotate through" this stock, timed at their
convenience....or replacing the used material on a simple schedule. If this is
not desired or convenient, the simple mixing of a handful of amorphous
diatomaceous earth with the top three or so inches of each 5 gallon container
will "insect proof" the grain from moths and other potential destructive pests.
The shelf-life of this type grain is measured in multiples of many
years....provided moisture is not introduced to the contents. Several families
going together could obtain these oats at an extraordinarily economical cost.
Of the several sources we contacted, the Minnesota Buckwheat Growers
Association was (for our purposes)the best of the group. They specialize in
encouraging their associates to utilize Organic methodologies and in acquiring
the harvests of such participants. I suggest interested persons look up the
home page of the Buckwheat Growers Association (Google will work), click on
products and then on the SEED icon. That should take you to the grain page.
I do not have their url handy, at present, and must close this lengthy epistle.
I am not shilling for this organization...or others...they are just one
of several----quite reliable suppliers.
I apologize for such a lengthy diatribe, but my enthusiasim for this
project has carried me beyond ordinary bounds.
Sincerely, Brooks Bradley.
Need a new email address that people can remember
Check out the new EudoraMail at
http://www.eudoramail.com
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