.png "A Day In The Life Of A Grain Grader")
Nicolle Mejia
July 18, 2024
Newsletter ArticleDo you have a passion for agriculture, technology and quality assurance? If yes, then a career as a grain grader might be just what you need! This position is vital in ensuring that all types of grains are of good quality from the moment they are delivered to the grain elevator until they are ready for human consumption. This job combines the worlds of science and farming into one exciting career. It's always an exciting opportunity since every day brings thrilling new challenges.
Therefore, prepare to have an exclusive look at what happens on a typical day in the life of a grain grader. Find out what it takes to jump-start your career in this dynamic field and the education required for it to happen.
Collection and Testing of Samples
As grains like wheat, oil seeds and pulses are delivered to the grain elevator, the day's first task is to collect and prepare these samples for testing. Once in the lab, Grain graders will perform moisture and protein tests with the help of advanced computer software that helps them manage and analyze genomic data. Testing the samples is crucial because it helps determine if the grains comply with government regulations. Most importantly, grain graders must maintain a safe and well-organized laboratory area and comply with all existing safety standards before conducting tests.
Grading
Once the testing is completed, grains must be graded according to government regulations. In this stage, grain graders must implement their agriculture knowledge and attention-to-detail skills to carefully analyze distinct factors of grains like mass, moisture, and damage.
But that's not all; collaboration plays a significant role during this process. As a grain grader, you'll be an integral part of a team, providing technical assistance to outside inspectors and grain elevator staff and offering insight and advice on grade issues. You'll also work closely with plant breeders to genotype samples at different breeding stages, fostering a sense of harmony and shared goals.
Experimentation
Every day in the lab, experiments and research are conducted to improve the quality of the crops. Grain graders not only perform simple moisture tests, but they also crossbreed animals and crops to obtain new combinations of desirable traits. They also transform genomics data into information to find innovative pest control solutions. This job involves exciting challenges that put your agriculture and research skills to the test.
Documenting Findings
As the day winds down, grain researchers must ensure that all findings are accurately documented. Based on their research, they will create presentations and technical reports that provide practical recommendations to breeders and farmers to help them enhance the quality and efficiency of their grain production.
Career Path and Outlook
A career as a grain grader offers a promising future. You can embark on this exciting journey with a high school diploma and recommended courses in agricultural education, plant science, mathematics, business and computer skills. While employers prefer 2-3 years of experience, what matters most is your attitude and the value you can add to the company. Grain graders are typically employed by grain elevators, food production companies, animal nutrition companies, commodity traders and bioenergy companies. The job market outlook for this career is good, promising you many opportunities for growth and advancement.
Learn more about this career at: https://www.agcareers.com/career-profiles/grain-grader.cfm
Find your essential, rewarding career today on AgCareers.com
Explore more about the Skilled Trades pathway in our career profiles.
