Oats

Oats grow in fields and can grow very tall. Farmers put a spray on oats so it doesn't grow to high. Most oats are used for cooking and some are fed to animals, especially horses.

Wheat

Wheat needs rain and sunshine to grow.Wheat does not grow very tall.The top of the wheat is called the ear.The grains of wheat are found in the ear.Some of the wheat grown in Ireland is used to make flour for baking and making bread.The rest is fed to animals.

Barley

Barley grows in a field and it is cut with a combine harvester.Barley is hairy and does not grow that tall.Some barley is used to feed animals and some is used to make beer.

Combine Harvester

A Combine Havester is used to cut barley, wheat and oats.They are usually cut in Autumn.They are very slow so it takes a long time to cut a big field.The combine separates the grain from the straw.The grain is kept in a special tank.When the tank is full it is emptied into a trailer.The straw is left behind in the field.

by Matthew and Shane