It isn't straw we chew, it's grass.
Straw is made from the stems of wheat, oats, or barley that's been cut and baled to provide bedding for animals after the grains have been harvested.
What you see farmers chewing is grass--tall, tasseled prairie grass--which is liable to be growing in yards and pastures out in the country. There isn't a specific reason why we chew it. We just do. It's kind of like Chewing Gum. Many tall prairie grasses have a sweet, refreshing taste--one of the kind I like to chew, called big blue stem, actually tastes a bit like watermelon. So if you're working outside and it's hot out and you don't have any gum, a long piece of grass not only gives you something sweet to chew on but it can also (ever so slightly) re-hydrate you. In the very least, it breaks the monotony of farm work.
Farmers often chew on straw as a practical way to test its quality, particularly its moisture content and palatability for livestock. Chewing straw allows them to assess its fibrous texture and digestibility, which are crucial factors for animal feed. Additionally, it provides a simple, immediate method to gauge the overall health of their crops. This practice can also be a traditional habit passed down through generations.
They are safe to chew but not safe to eat.
Straw
Straw is the hollow stalk of a grain plant, most farmers use Oat plants.
Gum or a straw(s).
Farmers may occasionally put items in their mouths for practical reasons, such as testing the moisture of soil or checking the ripeness of a crop. However, it's not a recommended practice due to hygiene and health concerns. More commonly, they might chew on items like straw or tobacco, though this is also less common today. Overall, it's important for farmers to prioritize safety and cleanliness in their work.
They were skilled dry farmers, and they built houses with adobe bricks which were made from mixed mud and straw.
they used straw instead of wood as they are cultral and free spirited
No, butterflies cannot chew their food. They have a straw-like structure called a proboscis that they use to sip nectar or other liquids. They primarily feed on liquids, and their food is broken down by enzymes in their stomach.
You can get straw from various sources, including local farms, garden supply stores, and agricultural co-ops. Many farmers sell straw bales directly, especially after harvesting crops like wheat or oats. Additionally, some home improvement stores and online retailers offer straw for gardening and landscaping purposes. Always check for quality and availability based on your specific needs.
The amount of wheat straw produced per acre can vary based on factors such as the wheat variety, growing conditions, and farming practices. On average, an acre of wheat can yield approximately 1 to 2 tons of straw. This means that for each acre of harvested wheat, farmers may obtain around 1,500 to 4,000 pounds of straw, depending on these variables.
it means: the last staw