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Grain Sampling and Analysis

The problem

All parties involved in producing, selling or purchasing grain need to know and agree on the properties of the grain being traded.  If this is not so then it can and does lead to rejection, deductions and even disputes.   It was estimated that the costs associated with rejections, deductions and additional haulage are in the order of £2.5m per annum.

To achieve agreement it is essential to ensure that grain is sampled effectively and then tested by proficient laboratories working to a high standard.

HGCA managed a 2 year programme of activities with two main objectives:

  • Develop effective and robust methods for sampling cereals at all points in the grain chain.
  • Standardise and improve grain analysis (testing) in all UK grain testing laboratories.

Grain sampling

To establish new sampling protocols, four projects were undertaken, which found that:

  • Sampling ex-trailer from the field is necessary to determine moisture and hence drying requirements
  • Sampling grain into store gives a better prediction of quality than sampling in store after harvest
  • Each trailer should be sampled and composites made of similar grain for analysis
  • Once in store and dry, grain properties are stable
  • Sampling at out-loading (each bucketful that is put into a lorry) is a better predictor of grain properties than in-store sampling
  • On delivery lorries need to be sampled in as many places as possible (ideally 8) to give a good prediction of mean quality
  • Composite samples (both on-farm or ex-lorry) must be thoroughly mixed before sub-sampling to produce the 'analytical' sample.

Sampling guides

On-line and hard copy guides to the sampling protocols are available.

Grain Sampling Guidlines  
These guidlines are intended to provide guidance when taking samples to test for both grain quality and mycotoxins. They are part of an industry initiative to minimise the differences found when testing (especially for mycotoxins).

Grain sampling from field to buyer - understanding variation 
This publicationn covers all aspects of grain sampling and explains the variability of bulk grain and the need and approaches to minimise the effects though effective sampling

Grain sampling - a farmers guide 
This publication covers on-farm sampling.
This publication is also available as a CD version.

Please email hgca@cambertown.com to order hard copy publications

HGCA funded finished projects

A national grain sampling and analysis system for improved food marketing and safety (PR 349)

Development and validation of on-farm sampling protocols for collection of marketing (quality) samples at harvest (PR 301)

Developing and validating on-farm sampling protocols: sampling in store and during out-loading (PR 325)

Grain sampling and assessment: Sampling grain in lorries (PR 339)

Grain sampling methods to achieve consumer confidence and food safety (RR 50)

Grain testing standard
 
Grain testing throughout the UK grain chain has been standardised so that all concerned will be operating to the same high standard. This will lead to improved agreement between laboratories when testing the same sample.

Grain testing - standards for testing (169kb)

Training CDs

A combination of training CDs and information sheets, to help with the visual inspection of grains, will provide all grain analysts with a full set of supportive material that will help them achieve and maintain high standards of testing.

'Wheat grain analyst training' and 'Barley grain analyst training' are two CDs available from publications@hgca.com.

Inspecting grain for defects and impurities - information sheets

Inspecting grain for defects and impurities - Poster

Grain Store management: GrainPlan 

Improved sampling and testing can be complemented by a grain store management software tool that integrates the test results with the stored grain and provides risk analysis that gives clear guidance on storage condition requirements.

GrainPlan is the new user-friendly electronic grain store package that combines storage records with testing and monitoring data.  It gives an overview of the stored grain's status throughout the season. 

Grain Plan is available on the HGCA Crop Oracle 2010 CD ROM
Please email hgca@cambertown.com to order your copy

For more information about Grain Plan visit: http://www.grainplan.info/

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