Grain Grader Career Description
Grain graders are responsible for the grading, storage and distribution of grain.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
In order to determine the quality of the grain, grain graders grade representative samples of all grain deliveries. Properties that are analysed are, for example, moisture, protein, siftings, hectolitre mass, insufficient seeds, grains infected with mould and harmful seeds, foreign materials and grain insects. Certain loads are rejected after analysis. Grain that is accepted is placed in various classes and grades for separate storage. The grain is marketed according to quality (class and grade).
Grain graders usually work in grading rooms, where ail the necessary grading equipment is available. If the grain graders work for a cooperation, grain-dealer or seedsman, they will work mainly in the countryside and if they work at a mill or other grain processors, they will be operative in the urban areas.
Grain graders often work in a silo complex where they are concerned with the determination of the mass of the grain received or dispatched, the storage of the grain and the fumigation and hygiene of the silo complex. They are often also responsible for the various administrative tasks necessary to run the silo complex.
Related careers are to be found in the grain and processing industry, for example mills, malt-houses and producers of breakfast cereals, the Perishable Products Export Control Board and also in the seed industry and the agricultural chemical industry. Specialization as an inspector and within the processing industries is also a possibility.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Grain graders should be honest, reliable, impartial, interested in and dedicated to their work. Good communication skills are a recommendation.
Where can I work?
Grain graders are employed by co-operatives, grain processors and corn-chandlers. Grain graders can be promoted to depot managers, inspectors, and chiefs of grain and products managers.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Opportunities for self-employment for grain graders are very limited.
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