Introduction to Grain Grading – Basic Concepts

Course Description

Grain grading and specification systems are designed to assure that a particular lot of grain meets the set standards of the buyer/seller. This is mostly important for food safety and the determination of price.

Insects in stored grain can cause significant damage. The farmer may lose up to 30% of the stored grain. It is therefore important to know exactly HOW and WHERE to store grain. If you consume the insects with the stored grain, it does not necessarily mean that you will become ill, but this will have financial implications when the grain is traded. Sometimes grain containing insects can become mouldy, and mildew is poisonous. If you eat a meal with mildew you may die.

Grain deteriorates easily and quickly if good storage practices are not adhered to and the conditions are not favourable for the grain. The two most important factors affecting the deterioration of grain are too high moisture content, and insect infestation.

Key Concepts

The purpose of this training course is to provide students in the grain industry with the necessary knowledge to comply with legislation and food safety regulations.

In this course you will learn about the following:

• An overview of the origin of the specific grain
• Types and uses of the specific grain
• Morphology of the plant
• Grading 
• Calculation of percentages

Course Content

Theory

• Sampling
• Dividing
• Safe Storage Of Grain
• Storage Management
• Insects
• Pest Control
• Moisture In Grains
• Poisonous, Toxic And/Or Harmful
• Seeds
• Suffocation Or Engulfment In Silos
• Dust Explosions
• Hygiene

Practical

• In-Laboratory Training