What is the UK Grain Testing Network?

The UK Grain Testing Network exists because grain testing is an essential element of food production, impacting producers, suppliers, retailers and, ultimately, consumers.

The main purpose of the network is to ensure that grain testers throughout the country work together for the benefit of the agricultural sector.

Grain analysis depends on accurate results, and the task of the UK Grain Testing Network is to help its members achieve the best, most accurate results possible with specialist equipment, including Near Infrared Reflectance (NIR) technology.

The network is a user-group, not a company, providing support to its members to help them, in turn, to support other organisations in the interests of grain testing.

It also works with suppliers of specialist grain testing equipment, including Calibre, to support advances in grain testing technology.

Meeting Standards

Like other food products, grain must meet certain standards when produced and in farming, the harvest season is a critical time for crops grown for both food and animal feed.

Farmers must harvest their crops carefully, but also ensure that they store them properly, and measure their yields accurately. Consequently, testing grain for moisture is an essential part of this process.

Other parameters farmers test grain for include: protein content, weight and oil content. When selling to specific traders, farmers must ensure they meet protein specifications, for example.

Distillers and brewers have exacting specifications, which means controlling the quality of barley at maltings. Since 2002, maltsters have reported to the Maltsters Association of Great Britain (MAGB) the proportion of barley they have refused, giving reasons why.

This data is analysed to check the overall performance of the supply chain, and identify any areas for improvement.

A key aspect of this is ensuring that there is use of right grain testing equipment, along with the corresponding skills and training in grain analysis.

The Use of NIR in Grain Testing

In grain testing, near infrared reflectance (NIR) analysis uses the naturally occurring electromagnetic spectrum to test for the main constituents in grains.

This method provides rapid analysis, without the addition of any chemicals, and with reliable and precise results.

It is a spectroscopic technique, where near infrared light is directed onto a grain sample.

Modifying the light according to the makeup of the grain sample then gives information about the sample’s composition through a conversion process known as calibration.

The calibration files convert the information that is originally in the form of spectra files into readable data.

A good NIR instrument for grain testing will have a good optical performance across the relevant wavelength to produce reliable results. It can then test for various critical things, including moisture and protein.

It should be user-friendly, as it will be typically used in environments where time is essential and where there needs to be a low risk of human error.

The equipment must be durable, especially if it is being used in a relatively harsh environment. It must also be standardised and its calibration should have 100% compatibility with other instruments, including earlier models.

Grain Testing Excellence

Consistent, high quality grain testing is the focus of both the UK Grain Testing Network and Calibre.

For more information, please get in touch, using our online contact form. Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0) 1925 860 401, or email info@calibrecontrol.com