News

Montana’s grain lab only one of its kind

HELENA – Knowing the quality of grains before the sale is a critical element to getting the most out
of a competitive grain market.
The Montana State Grain Laboratory is an independent, third-party laboratory that provides testing services
including grade, dockage, protein and other quality factors such as sprout damage, which collectively determine
the market value of grain.

"Montana producers have an ideal testing facility. With the harvest in full swing, we definitely encourage
anyone in the industry to use the State Grain Laboratory for testing wheat, small grains and other specialty
crops," says Ralph Peck, director of the Montana Department of Agriculture."
The State Grain Laboratory is the only official federal grain inspection laboratory in Montana, and is
self-supporting based on fees charged for services.

"We provide neutral, unbiased test results. We don’t buy grain. We don’t sell grain. Our only interest is
accurate grain inspection, testing and certification," says Sharon Campbell, bureau chief of the State Grain
Laboratory.
The lab is designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Federal Grain Inspection Service to serve as
part of the nationwide federal grain inspection system.

"Our professional USDA-FGIS licensed staff issue grain quality determinations for all grains and major
specialty crops grown in Montana," Campbell said. "Many people in the grain trade rely on the laboratory for
independent, third-party analysis of the quality of grain marketed both domestically and internationally."
All procedures and laboratory equipment at the State Grain Laboratory are strictly monitored by USDA-FGIS
to ensure the highest degree of accuracy and repeatability.

The State Grain Laboratory received an excellent
review in its recent audit by the USDA-FGIS.
Under Montana state grain law, both the grain producer and purchaser have the right to request official
grades, dockage, protein and other quality determinations at the time the grain is delivered, or if disputes arise
during contract settlement. All these services are available at the State Grain Laboratory.

In addition to wheat and small grains, the State Grain Laboratory can analyze and certify grade, protein, test
weight and other "factor" determinations on specialty crops such as buckwheat, safflower, mustard, peas,
beans and lentils. Other laboratory services include certification of falling numbers, oil content, malting
germination and vomitoxin for customer marketing knowledge or for contract requirements.
The Montana Department of Agriculture urges grain producers and others involved in Montana’s grain trade
to take advantage of the laboratory’s services. For more information about the State Grain Laboratory, contact
Sharon Campbell, bureau chief of the State Grain Laboratory at (406) 452-9561, or by e-mail at
[email protected]

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