Updated moisture meter calibrations

Jul 09, 2024

Moisture is one of the most important components of grain. It can affect the quality, test weight and appearance of grain. Grain that is too moist is susceptible to deterioration which affects the stability, quality and safety of foods. Moisture is an economically important quality factor to the producer, grain company, processor and consumer.

Moisture content in grain is typically measured using moisture meters which employ indirect methods to obtain results. To ensure accurate measurements, moisture meters are calibrated against official oven drying methods. Moisture calibrations align the meter’s measurements to the official method result.

The Canadian Grain Commission determines the moisture content of grain with Unified Grain Moisture Algorithm (UGMA) moisture meters. UGMA models include the Perten (PerkinElmer) AM 5200-A and the DICKEY-john GAC 2500-INTL. The Canadian Grain Commission also monitors and updates conversion tables for the model 919/3.5” moisture meter as it is still in operation in the grain sector.

The Canadian Grain Commission verifies the accuracy of existing moisture calibrations for the UGMA moisture meters and moisture conversion tables for the model 919/3.5” moisture meter using samples obtained from the annual harvest. Updates to calibrations and conversion tables are made when the difference between meter results and official method results exceed tolerances for the most recent 3 years (minimum) of data for each grain type. Calibration development for both model 919 and UGMA-type moisture meters is based on best-fit regressions to the official method results. In choosing the best calibration, the overall fit of the regression is evaluated, not specific samples.

The Canadian Grain Commission will apply the moisture calibration and conversion table updates listed below to all Canadian Grain Commission instruments effective July 1, 2024. The Canadian Grain Commission recommends the grain sector implements these updates to ensure accurate measurements and fair transactions.

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Video: Turning Better Feed Into Better Herds: Innovation in Forage Harvesting

What happens when a dairy farmer gets frustrated with equipment that isn’t doing its job? In this episode, we sit down with Horning Manufacturing founder Leon Horning to hear how a problem in the feed bunk led to a globally recognized forage equipment company.

Born out of a third-generation dairy operation in Pennsylvania, Horning Manufacturing started with one goal: helping cows get more nutrition from silage. Leon shares how his father, Leon Sr., built the first kernel processor rolls in the family farm shop after seeing whole corn kernels pass through cows undigested — costing valuable feed efficiency and milk production.

We explore the company’s journey from a side project on the farm to an international manufacturer serving dairy farmers, beef operators, and custom harvesters around the world. Along the way, Leon discusses the evolution of pull-type forage harvesters, the engineering behind Horning’s “plug-and-play” kernel processor kits, and why reducing downtime during harvest can make or break a season.

The conversation also dives into Horning’s row-independent corn heads, practical equipment design, real-world customer stories, and how innovations born in the field continue to shape the company today.

Whether you’re a producer, equipment enthusiast, or simply love stories of grassroots innovation, this episode offers a fascinating look at how one farm family turned necessity into industry-changing technology.

Contact Horning Manufacturing today at 717-354-5040
https://www.horningmfg.com/