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Grain storage and sampling

OSR - growers guide

Read our complete guide to grain store management

The HGCA Grain storage guide is a one-stop-shop for good grain storage practice. It aims to help storekeepers identify and manage food-borne safety risks associated with insects, mites, fungi and mycotoxins.

Learn how to sample grain effectively

To optimise returns in a demanding market, growers must know what they have to sell. This is best achieved by taking samples of grain and having them analysed. This knowledge can be used for crucial decision making. It can also be used to help avoid rejections and disputes.

Control grain storage pests

The principal causes of spoilage in stored grain are fungi, insects and mites. Rodents can also consume and contaminate grain. It is important that pests are correctly identified, monitored and controlled appropriately.

slug controlManage grain drying and cooling

Temperature and moisture management can be used to limit unfavourable growth of fungal, insect and mite populations.

HGCA tools and publications aim to help growers keep on top of drying and cooling to protect the quality and safety of grain in-store.

Minimise mycotoxin risks

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by specific fungi which infect crops. Different fungal species produce mycotoxins of varying toxicity to humans and animals. HGCA has developed a risk assessment tool to aid with the managemen in-field mycotoxins.

CIPC residues in grain stores

CIPC (Chlorpropham) is a sprout suppressant authorised for use on potatoes. However, CIPC residues have been detected in stored grain where buildings have previously been used for potato storage, leading to rejections.

It is critical to understand the history of the grain store, and:

  • If there is a history of CIPC use, do not store non-potato commodities
  • If there is any uncertainty, sample and test the fabric of the building for the presence of CIPC residues (see Red Tractor Assurance website, for guidance).
  • If CIPC residues are detected, do not store non-potato commodities

The Potato Industry CIPC Stewardship Scheme offers further information:
Web: www.potato.org.uk/cipc
Tel: 0800 0282111

More tools/publications

This calculator generates detailed analysis of UK wheat and barley crop quality using information provided by cereal laboratories for the annual Cereal Quality Survey.

Associated pages

Keep up to date with the latest research on HGCA’s grain quality research page for the latest information.

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