Development and validation of on-farm sampling protocols: Assessment of an automatic bucket sampler for use during out-loading

Abstract

This is a short extension of HGCA Project Report No. 325 - Developing and validating on-farm sampling protocols: Sampling in store and during outloading (attached above).

The objective of the work was to test and compare the assessment of grain properties obtained using a sample collected with bucket sampler to the results from samples collected by manual and automated spear sampling of the loaded lorry.

Samples were collected at 4 stores. Two batches of feed wheat, one batch of feed barley and two batches of malting barley were sampled over a 3-month period.  The procedure for sampling was to load a lorry with the bucket, collect the sample from the sampler, then to sample the loaded lorry.  At least 6 lorry-loads were sampled on each occasion except at the Site 1, where only 4 loads were assessed. 

The samples were weighed and then tested for screenings by manually sieving.  All other properties were tested in a single assessment using a Foss Infratec instrument.  Both cereals were tested for moisture, hardness and specific weight whilst barley was tested for nitrogen and wheat for protein.  Results from each set of experiments were analysed to test for any differences between the bucket sampling method and the alternative method being used

The automatic bucket sampler worked well and appeared to provide a consistent way of taking out-loading samples. It caused no delay in the loading process.  The automatic bucket sampler provided samples of grain that were comparable with samples collected from lorries following best practice recommendations. The sample collected was always of sufficient size to allow it to be divided into two parts, one of which could be retained by the seller and the other sent with the load to the buyer.   It is concluded that the adoption of this approach could save time and money for buyers and sellers, as well as offering a standard sample that would have a high probability of being representative.