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Best Practices Tip: Representative Samples Matter

With harvest knocking on the doorstep

it is worth reminding everyone that keeping good samples of every bin is a money maker. There is no way you can maximize your returns without good information. Do not be afraid to spend some money getting your samples graded. The local line companies are grading for their own benefit, not yours. Intertec or SGS do a great job of giving you export based grades on all crops. Alternatively, the Canadian Grain Commission will provide you with a complementary grade – this can take a bit more time to get the results but is another great option. There is nothing worse than shipping several loads of what you thought were 2 CW quality oats, as an example, and the buyer grades that a 4 CW. Now what do you do? Bring them home? Not a likely option. Discounts are at the buyer’s discretion, and that is not likely to be fun.

Be careful with cleanout of trucks and handling equipment when switching crops. Nothing worse than having that discount or causing a rejection on the last load out of the bin due to contamination.

Keep good records on what was applied to the crop as harvest approaches. We are getting more enquiries about that and more bids based on no glyphosate on oats and peas as an example. It isn’t that we can find decent markets if you are forced to apply certain products, but we need to know at the time of marketing.

For some of you out there that can hold onto your grain throughout the winter, it is a good idea to regularly checking your bins, especially if they have more volatile grains like Canola. Check your bins. We can maximize the returns if you have the misfortune to have some heat but don’t wait for the snow to melt off the roof. We have good interest in all heated grains you do have, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you do find a problem.

Reed McDonald