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1.4WORK RECORDSForms. FGIS personnel must use the following to record all sampling andinspection information:a.FGIS-920, “Grain Sample Ticket”b.FGIS-918, “Sample Pan Ticket”c.FGIS-919, “Sampling Ticket”d.FGIS-921, “Inspection Log”Official Agency personnel must use similar work forms to record all samplingand inspection information. Official inspection personnel must documentinspection information during sampling and grading. Additional information is inthe Grain Inspection Handbook IV, Forms and Certificates.1.5PRELIMINARY EXAMINATIONSThe sampler must: (1) observe the uniformity of the grain as to class, quality andcondition; (2) make preliminary determinations for "Heating, Infestation, andOdor;” (3) draw the representative sample; and (4) report relevant information tothe inspector.The inspector must review the sampler's remarks/information. If theinspector suspects the sample is not representative, the inspector shouldconsult the sampler and, if necessary, dismiss the inspection or arrange toobtain another sample.1.6BASIS OF DETERMINATIONEach chapter in the Grain Inspection Handbook, Book II, Grain GradingProcedures, provides a definition for basis of determination which establishes therules for testing/analyzing all factors. Do not analyze any factor until the basis formaking the determination is known.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-5

1.7SUBMITTED SAMPLE INSPECTIONSSection 800.80 of the regulations under the USGSA require that a submittedsample inspection service be based on a submitted sample of sufficient size toenable official personnel to perform a complete analysis for grade. If a completeanalysis for grade cannot be performed because of an inadequate sample size orother conditions, the request for service must be dismissed or a factor onlyinspection may be performed upon request.For the purpose of providing a complete inspection, due to the requirement thatthe test weight of the grain be shown on each certificate for grade, “sufficientsize” is defined as being of sufficient quantity to overflow the test weight kettle(minimum). Samples containing less than this amount must be limited to factoronly inspection.The amount of sample required to be submitted for a factor only inspectiondepends on the property or quality of each factor being requested. Certainobjective factors/official criteria (e.g., moisture, protein, or oil content) requirespecific quantities of grain in order for the equipment used in the determination tofunction properly. Whenever the amount of grain used in these determinationsdeviates from the prescribed amount, the accuracy of the determination issacrificed. Consequently, inspection requests for samples containing less thanthese specified amounts must be dismissed.For factors not dependent on equipment requiring specific work portion sizes, theamount of sample submitted for factor only inspections may vary since theinspection results only represent the amount of grain submitted. The analysis ofa submitted sample for subjective factors (e.g., damage or foreign material) orother objective factors (e.g., dockage or shrunken and broken kernels) is notcompromised through the use of portion sizes which are less than thosespecified in individual chapters of this handbook. Consequently, unless restrictedby equipment performance requirements, factor only inspection requests may beperformed on submitted samples which contain less grain than the portion sizeprescribed in this handbook.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-6

1.8FGIS-APPROVED DIVIDERAn approved divider reduces the size of a grain sample while maintaining therepresentativeness of the original sample. Use an FGIS-approved Boernerdivider, or an FGIS-approved divider that gives equivalent results, whenreducing a sample to the portion size required for a specific test/analysis.Use an approved divider to obtain subportions of a sample for analysis unlessotherwise specified.General Operating Procedures.a.Check the divider for condition and cleanliness.b.Close the hopper valve.c.Place empty collection pans under the discharge spouts.d.Pour the sample into the hopper.e.Open the valve quickly. For large samples, feed more grain into thehopper during the dividing process.For more specific information on the operation, maintenance, and performancetesting of FGIS approved dividers, refer to the Equipment Handbook.Process the original sample with an FGIS-approved divider to subdivide theoriginal sample into a file sample and appropriate work portion samples.(Chart 1.1 – Processing Original Sample)CHART 1.1 – PROCESSING ORIGINAL SAMPLEOriginal SampleWork SampleWork SampleFile SampleWork SampleAll quantities referenced in this handbook are approximate unless otherwisespecified. For specific information on processing the work sample, refer to theindividual grain chapters.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-7

1.9ODOROfficial inspection personnel must determine the odor of grain, rice, edible beans,peas, lentils, and like commodities by smelling the surface of the sample.Procedure. To ensure inspection uniformity in the application of odor, all officialinspection personnel must observe the following:a.The inspector(s) is/are responsible for making an impartial determinationfor all odors using their professional judgment.b.Cold samples may need to be warmed before making anodor determination.c.Stir or agitate the sample as necessary before making anodor determination.d.Place the nose as close as possible to the surface of the sample withoutthe nose touching the sample.e.If the odor is distinct, apply the odor. If the odor is marginal, utilize aconsensus approach to make an odor determination, when a propernumber of inspectors are available.f.Use a reference sample when necessary.When grain has a “distinct” odor, it should be graded as musty, sour, or ashaving commercially objectionable foreign odor (COFO). The definition of“distinct”, when it pertains to odor, is not the intensity of the off-odor, but thepresence of the off-odor.Fungicidal Additives. Fungicidal additives may contain propionic (or other)organic acids and are known to impart a vinegar-like odor to grain. Whendetected during official inspection, such an odor requires the inspector to make adetermination of COFO.a.If a vinegar-like odor is detected during an official inspection, officialpersonnel must observe the following procedure:(1)Immediately notify the applicant of odor;(2)Allow the sample to aerate in an open container for up to 4 hours tosee if suspected COFO will dissipate; and(3)If COFO is still detected, certify accordingly.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-8

Note: According to Directive 9060.2, “Implementation of the FGISFDA Memorandum of Understanding,” lots of grain, rice, and pulseshaving COFO odor are considered actionable and should be reportedto the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as instructed.b.If a fungicidal additive is applied after inspection per buyer and sellercontractual agreement, official personnel must provide the followingstatement in the “Remarks” section of the certificate:“Applicant states fungicidal additive was applied to grain aftersampling for the purpose of fungi control.”Consensus Approach. Under the consensus approach, if a clear majority(at least 2/3) of experienced licensed inspectors agree the samplecontains a Musty, Sour, or COFO odor, grade the sample “U.S. SampleGrade.” The consensus approach is not required if the initial inspectordoes not detect an odor or a distinct odor is detected.Note: If the consensus of inspectors agree that a sample grade odoris present, but are undecided whether it is musty, sour, or COFO, theoriginal inspector should make the final determination of whichsample grade odor to apply to the sample.The following are examples of a clear majority:a.Two inspectors – both inspectors must agree.b.Three inspectors – two of the three inspectors must agree.c.Four inspectors – three of the four inspectors must agree.d.Five inspectors – four of the five inspectors must agree.e.Six inspectors – four of the six inspectors must agree.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-9

1.10MOISTURE METERSFGIS approved moisture meters used by the AMS and its system of OfficialInspection Providers for official grain moisture measurement. For moreinformation, refer to Directive 9180.61, “Official Moisture Calibrations forUnified Grain Moisture Algorithm (UGMA) Compatible Meters.”a.Environmental Conditions. Ensure that the moisture meter is placed in aroom that is within the manufacturer’s basic requirements of 45-100 F (738 C). To reduce the chance for error codes and minimize the effects oftemperature in official inspection, it is recommended that the laboratorytemperature be maintained within the range of approximately 60-85 F(15-30 C).b.Sample Temperature. The maximum temperature range limit is 0 to113 F (-18 to 45 C). If the grain sample has a temperature outside thisrange, an error message will be displayed. The moisture sampletemperature is more restricted for some grain types and moisture ranges.c.Analytical Portion Size. A representative portion size ofapproximately 400 grams is required for moisture testing purposesfor oats and sunflower seed. For all other grains, a portion ofapproximately 650 grams is required.d.Type of Container. Unless they can be tested within approximately 15minutes, keep all samples in sealed, moisture-proof containers. Do notuse containers, such as paper bags or fiber cartons, for moisture samplesbecause they tend to draw moisture from the sample. Containers found tobe most practical for retaining moisture are plastic, 1-pint containers.Note: Do not place paper into moisture samples because paper absorbsmoisture and lowers the moisture of the grain.e.Recording Results. Official personnel will maintain a work record on thepan ticket and certificate.f.General Operating Procedures. The Moisture Handbook containsoperating instructions for each UGMA moisture meter. For additionalinstructions, refer to the appropriate operator’s manual.Note: The GAC2500-UGMA and Perten AM 5200-A are equipped to reportmoisture outside the approved range for the calibration. An errorindication will notify the operator if the calibration range is exceeded.When the moisture reading exceeds the approved calibration range,another determination must be made from the work sample or file. If thesecond determination is not outside the approved calibration range, usethe second moisture result. Otherwise, the final moisture must be basedon the average of the two determinations and rounded to the nearest 0.1percent moisture.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-10

1.11TEST WEIGHT PER BUSHEL APPARATUSFGIS approved equipment used to determine test weight on a portion of sufficientquantity to overflow the kettle. Refer to the respective chapter covering the basisof determination for the grain being tested and its certification requirements.General Operating Procedures.a.Level and balance the test weight per bushel apparatus.b.Close the hopper valve.c.Pour the work sample into the hopper.d.Center the hopper over the kettle.e.Fill the kettle by opening the hopper valve quickly.f.Once hopper is empty, move the hopper all the way to the leftbefore proceeding. Do not jar the apparatus. Jarring could causeinaccurate results.g.Using a standard stroker, stroke the kettle by holding the stroker in bothhands with the flat sides in a vertical position. Level the grain in the kettleby making three full-length, zigzag motions with the stroker.h.Convert the weight of the sample by either the “standard” method or oneof the “alternate” methods, as shown below:(1)Standard Method - Automatic Conversion. When using anelectronic scale programmed to convert gram weight to pounds perbushel select the appropriate test weight mode. Place an emptysample pan or the test weight kettle on the scale and zero thescale. Pour the sample from the kettle into the sample pan or placethe filled kettle onto the scale as appropriate. Read the result fromthe test weight mode selected.(2)Alternate Method - Manual Conversion. Pour the sample from thekettle onto a general class scale, note the weight of the sample,find the gram weight on the test weight conversion chart and readthe corresponding test weight per bushel shown to the right of thegram weight (Table 1.1 – Test Weight Per Bushel Conversions).(3)Alternate Method – Beam Method. Carefully hang the kettle on thebeam and move the weights until the beam is balanced. Read thetest weight per bushel scale.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-11

Note: While all grain samples may be weighed and converted topounds per bushel (lb/bu) using these electronic programmedscales, do not use these scales to convert gram weight to kilogramsper hectoliter (kg/ hl) for wheat, as they are only programmed toconvert to kg/hl for grains other than wheat. Use conversion valuesin Table 1.1 – Test Weight Per Bushel Conversions wheneverconverting Durum and all other wheat.i.Record the test weight per bushel as prescribed for the particular grainbeing tested. For more information, refer to the appropriate grain chapterin this handbook. Upon request, convert the pounds per bushel tokilograms per hectoliter. Refer to the test weight per bushel/kilogram perhectoliter conversion table (Attachment 2) or use the appropriate formulalisted in Table1.1 – Test Weight Per Bushel Conversions, to determinekilograms per hectoliter. Record the results (to the nearest tenth kg/hl) inthe “Remarks” section of the certificate.TABLE 1.1 – TEST WEIGHT PER BUSHEL CONVERSIONSFrom: Pounds Per Bushel (lb/bu)GrainDurum WheatTo: Kilograms Per Hectoliter (kg/hl)Input*FormulaResultPounds per bushel result (lb/bu x 1.292) 0.630 Kilograms per hectoliterAll other Wheat types Pounds per bushel result (lb/bu x 1.292) 1.419 Kilograms per hectoliterAll other grainsPounds per bushel resultlb/bu x 1.287Kilograms per hectoliter* Use the appropriate test weight per bushel result (i.e., whole and half pound,whole and tenth pound).For more specific information on the operation, maintenance, andperformance testing of the test weight per bushel apparatus, refer to theEquipment Handbook.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-12

1.12CARTER DOCKAGE TESTERThe Carter dockage tester uses aspiration (air) and a combination of riddles andsieves to prepare samples for grading by removing the readily separable foreignmatter. Generally, the foreign material removed consists of all matter lighter,larger, or smaller than grain.FIGURE 1.1 – CARTER DOCKAGE TESTER FLOW CHARTGeneral Operating Procedures.a.Set air and feed controls to the prescribed settings.b.Place the riddle, if applicable, and sieve(s) in the prescribed locations.Table 1.2 – Dockage Tester Control Settings and sieves lists the properriddles, sieves, air, and feed control settings to use for each type of grain.Chapter 1 – General InformationOctober 1, 2020Grain Inspection Handbook IIGrain Grading ProceduresPage 1-1

found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of