Fraud and protein?

[Rareearth]

Thanks Mallee
How does the falling number measuring process work. We will have frost issues here, green seeds etc. and falling numbers is the best measure of quality in these cases.
Exporters use and follow falling numbers as part of the export contract specs allow, it would seem reasonable then that these measurements take place at the inland terminals with the growers. Or do they and it's information held internally?

[mbdog]

If you are at a grainco with a truck probe that sample disappears, simply ask for another sample pail during unload and do your own sample to test, and/or to send away to CGC if need be. Never have a problem with this request from grainco's.
Errors do happen though.

[blackpowder]

Falling number is not quite as simple a test and likely could not be done in a driveway situation? SOME of our current grading parameters coincide with a number above industry minimum. Send your harvest samples to SGS labs.

[Tandem007]

Agree with the last post. My thoughts are if you don't trust them they don't trust you either. Said it many times, I view my grain rep as a partner.

[wmoebis]

It isn't a matter of trust.
Have you ever had a bank teller or a store clerk inadvertently or otherwise, give you the incorrect change or charge you too much for something, question them on it and had them recalculate their work?

I have and it isn't a matter of trust but being a good businessman and knowing proper procedures to protect my business.

[farmaholic]

I NEVER misrepresent my product and am upfront with them!!! I wish I could say the same for their sly marketing schemes and grading.

Don't get me wrong, they aren't all bad all the time, just saying know your stuff.....

I've noticed for as much bashing they receive I have yet to see anyone come on here and defend themselves. I know I would be defending myself if I was accused of as much as they are.....

[tstep]

I always look at my weight on monitor and make sure they enter those exact numbers in computer. I walk past that 'employes only sign' and watch them grade it. I have always questioned the protein testers, never sure if I'm getting the correct numbers. And I always rag on them about dockage and they are shaking the screens to much. It's my grain and I want to try and keep them honest. I remember my dad telling me stories about the old beam scales and how the agents would work the scale depending how ignorant the farmer was that was on the scale. Old technology games and I'm sure there is new technology games.

[GALAXIE500]

After reading this topic thread I feel that I have to give my 2cents . I was a grain buyer for twelve years for Sask.Pool in the Southwest corner of Sask. and worked as a elevator helper for most of those years. If any of you guys out there think that any grain company is on the level with their protein testers , you are sadly mistaken. The Grainspec protein testers , and the older Foss testors all have check samples that the employeees are to use for calibrating on a regular basis , and after the samples are outdated , they are sent new ones( yearly if I remember correctly) . When I quit working for the SWP, it was in 2002 (lots of changes since then) and at that time the protien testers were hooked up directly with head office to calibrate them (phone line), so you can use your own judgement. Where I haul most of my grain ( pioneer in Maple Creek) I have seious doubts that the people grading my grain really care about the customer , and actually are happy when they don't get cars to load! After all thats WORK , and we don't want to do any of that.I diquite a bit of grain grading training when I was still employed and have lots of experience. I keep my options open and give some business to the local producer car elevator in the area. Their system isn't foolproof either! Lots of guys have had their grain come back with lower grades than what was shipped/SGS graded, but it is close to me and gives competition. Now that the CWB is basically gone (not really defending them either!) and the CGC has less power , the grain companies are having a field day. When I worked for the SWP , if they were the only game in a small town , they were always buying grain for a lower grade and protein.The same is happening now , and the "bucket brigade" is still happening. If you don't shop around , you are stupid , plain and simple. Lots of durum and wheat this year is going to be bought for a #4 , or #3 red , or worse , and be blended out at a higher grade! Take this for example: notice how there is nobody on the driveway anymore sampling grain off the truck like they used to and bin the load after? #1 most employees now are too ****ing lazy, and #2 , just like it was stated in an earlier post , 3 trucks ahead of you and your truck is being probed, and grain being loaded out at the same time !!!??? Human error? No shit , and it is NOT in the farmers favour.

Ever sell triticale for a #1 red 13.5 protein? Ever sell screnings for a #2 durum? It isn't just the grain companies who should be playing games guys. Feed 'em a shit burger once in a while. Hope everybody has a safe hervest and take care out there!

[GALAXIE500]

Sorry about my spelling mistakes!
Galaxie 500

[wmoebis]

If there was evidence of intentional misrepresentation of grading, DKG, Weight or protein is it not the CGC's role to implement the Act and charge the grader and Co. See sec 107(2) GGAct.

I have always wondered why the CGC doesn't follow up when samples are sent in for subj to and see if there is something going on or if someone needs some training on how to properly grade, dDkg etc.