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Grain Sampling and Analysis

In 2009 it was estimated that the costs associated with rejections, deductions and additional haulage are in the order of £2.5m per annum to the arable industry, with these losses effecting every aspect of the supply chain. In response to this HGCA invested in a research programme investigating robust methods for grain sampling cereals throughout the supply chain along with standardising grain analysis in all UK testing laboratories. This research helped form the basis to the following guides and information.

Tools

Safe Storage Time Calculator Aims to help growers keep on top of drying and cooling at harvest to protect the quality and safety of their grain in store.

Grain Moisture Calculator Based on the initial and final moisture readings from a sample of grain, calculate the weight loss from the drying process. Publications - Sampling

Grain Sampling - a Farmers Guide This guide looks at adopting similar standards for grain sampling by sellers and buyers.

Grain sampling from field to buyer - understanding variation This guide 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.

Inspecting grain for defects and impurities This poster shows pictures of wheat and barley grains damaged physically and by pests and diseases.

Grain sampling on farm A poster showing how to take representative samples of grain as it goes into store. 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