Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Grain Grading Systems & Standards

• Importance of standardization in grain trade

• Overview of major cereals (wheat, maize, rice, barley) and pulses (lentils, chickpeas, beans)

• Key regulatory bodies and grading systems (e.g., national standards, USDA, Codex)

• Basic grain morphology and terminology

• Case Study: Resolving a trade dispute through standardized grading

Module 2: Sampling Methods & Sample Handling

• Principles of representative sampling

• Techniques for sampling static and moving grain (probes, pelican samplers)

• Use of mechanical dividers (Boerner, Gamet) to reduce samples

• Sample labeling, sealing, and storage protocols

• Practical Exercise: Obtaining and reducing a representative sample from a bulk lot

Module 3: Physical & Visual Grading Factors

• Moisture Content: Measurement using moisture meters and its critical impact

• Test Weight/Bulk Density: Procedure and interpretation for different grains

• Foreign Material (FM): Separation and quantification of inorganic and organic matter

• Damaged Kernels: Identification of heat-damage, frost-damage, sprouting, insect-boring and mould

• Purity & Varietal Mixtures: Assessment of kernel uniformity and contamination

• Practical Exercise: Hands-on grading of a wheat sample using sieves, scales, and visual inspection

Module 4: Commodity-Specific Grading & Special Tests

• Wheat: Classes, protein content (intro to NIR), falling number test for sprout damage

• Rice: Milling yield (head rice vs. brokens), degree of milling, chalkiness

• Pulses: Size grading, splitting, color classification, defect counting

• Mycotoxin and Contaminant Awareness: An overview of critical food safety factors

• Case Study: Applying specific standards for a maize export contract

Module 5: Documentation, Equipment Calibration & Quality Assurance

• Completing official inspection certificates and reports

• Basics of equipment calibration and maintenance (scales, moisture testers)

• Establishing internal quality assurance (QA) protocols for consistent grading

• Ethics and professionalism in grain inspection

• Capstone Exercise: Conduct a full inspection from sampling to final grade determination and certificate preparation for an unknown commodity sample.