Production,harvesting, processing,utilization and economic importance of oats

Oats constitute an important feed grain crop in the United States and many other countries. World production in pounds averages one- third that of wheat and two- fifths that of rice or corn. The United States and Canada produce nearly half of the world crop. Oats are utilized primarily as feed for domestic animals. Although their bone- and muscle- building ingredients and other nutrient values are well known, less than five percent of the world crop is used as human food.