Grain Grading Equipment: What You Need to Meet USDA Standards
Why Grain Grading Matters
Grain grading is more than just a formality. For farmers, grain elevators, and processors, it’s directly tied to market value, contract fulfillment, and compliance with USDA standards. Accurate grading helps ensure that:
- Buyers receive quality-assured products
- Sellers avoid unnecessary dockage or rejections
- Grain is sorted into the correct U.S. Grade classification
To do this right, you need reliable, certified grain grading equipment that can handle moisture, weight, purity, and visual quality testing.
What Equipment Do You Need to Grade Grain?
Here’s a breakdown of essential equipment used in grain grading labs, elevators, and farms:
1. Grain Moisture Testers
Moisture is a key determinant of grain quality and safe storage.
Recommended Equipment:
- Perten AM5200-A or FARM: USDA-approved, high-speed and precise
- Ag-Mac Plus HST-1: Portable tester, perfect for in-field checks
- GrainSense GO: Small handheld NIR tester for mobile use
Moisture content must be reported in grading for crops like wheat, corn, soybeans, and more.
2. Test Weight Scales
Test weight (bulk density) is a critical USDA grain grade factor, especially for wheat and corn.
Common Test Weight Tools:
- Seedburo 9000 Series Digital Test Weight Scale
- IM 9500 NIR Analyzer with HLW (Hectoliter Weight) option
- Standard kettle and strike-off stick
Example USDA requirement: #1 Hard Red Wheat must have a minimum test weight of 60 lbs/bu.
3. Dockage Testers & Cleaning Sieves
Dockage refers to non-grain material like chaff, weed seeds, or stones.
Tools to Measure Dockage:
- Dockage testers with airflow adjustment (e.g., Carter-Day type)
- Sieve sets matched to USDA specifications
- Hand sieves and shaker screens for quick visual analysis
Required for grading barley, oats, and wheat.
4. Visual Grading Tools
Visual defects such as smut, mold, frost damage, or insect damage are also part of USDA grading.
Helpful Tools:
- Grain inspection trays
- Magnifying glasses
- Seed tweezers
- Inspection lights
- Comparison charts (official USDA visual reference images)
5. Protein & Composition Analyzers (Advanced)
For buyers requiring value-added crop specs (like protein or oil content), consider:
Popular Options:
- IM 9500 NIR Whole Grain Analyzer
- Perten DA 7250 or DA 7440 (for labs and processors)
- Near-infrared (NIR) analyzers for protein, moisture, starch, and oil
These tools go beyond standard USDA grading but are used widely in quality assurance programs and contract-based selling.
USDA Standards Quick Summary
| Grain Type | Key Grading Criteria |
|---|---|
| Wheat | Moisture, test weight, dockage, damage, foreign material |
| Corn | Moisture, test weight, broken kernels, heat damage |
| Soybeans | Moisture, foreign material, splits, damage |
| Barley | Dockage, foreign material, color, odor, moisture |
See the USDA Grain Inspection Handbook for official rules.
Where to Buy Trusted Grain Grading Equipment
Prairie Ag Products is a leading supplier of:
- USDA-compliant grain grading tools
- High-quality Seedburo and Perten equipment
- Sieves, scales, dockage testers, sampling scoops, and more
- Calibration, support, and service options for labs and elevators
Final Thoughts
Grain grading is an investment in your product’s value. Whether you’re working from a field lab or operating a commercial elevator, having the right grain grading equipment is essential for consistent results and USDA compliance.
Have questions about setting up or upgrading your grain grading station? Contact Prairie Ag Products for expert guidance.
