Grain Merchant's not sampling

[Godber]

In normal times our 3 grain buyers send some one to take grain samples. We then have 3 lots of results to compare but at least 2 have said its too risky and here are some sample bags to send to us.
If we keep the 1 set of results to ourselves and not bother send the others sample bags are they going to be at a disadvantage?
They manage to get an idea of tonnages as well with a visit.
Will we be disadvantaged for not sending samples?

 

[teslacoils]

No. We've drawn our own samples for ages, worked out the tonnages and had the rep collect them. Can't understand how students could be allowed on farms by themselves for ages.

 

[Widgetone]

Must be better to take samples yourself as you fill a store.
Most farms have done it like that for years, and I have been surprised H and S haven't banned the practice of strangers wandering over heaps of grain/climbing your ladders years ago.
Never saw the point of a spear sample merely scratching the surface of a big heap. And at least the merchants sample results should be similar.

 

[Barleymow]

My man has been and sampled ever thing

 

[Steevo]

Two merchants here not sampling (just sending a man in van to collect), one still is happy to do so.

I value that customer service.



Grain sampling is a difficult thing to get right, as is segregating good quality from poor.

In an ideal world farmers would sample and test every trailer load and segregate as appropriate. That could transform the grain trade and deductions imo. Especially as grain could be tested when loading out also. Currently we don't even get full feedback on test results when the lorry gets to the end user.

 

[MrNoo]

Two who I would use, one sampled no issue and the other sent some bags, bags are still on the kitchen table. I have enough to do without being a sampling service. The former got my business.

 

[Steevo]

Covid has certainly given many businesses a good excuse to change their practice in different ways.

It's good to see some merchants are still recognising that farmers really value additional customer service like this when provided.

 

[MrNoo]

Yes agreed, this same company is first rate for customer service and that's why I use them, I dont care if they maybe a pound or two light on grain prices, their service is worth it.

 

[Steevo]

Yes agreed, this same company is first rate for customer service and that's why I use them, I dont care if they maybe a pound or two light on grain prices, their service is worth it.

Sounds like we're talking about the same company!

 

[HarryB97]

Coronavirus is just another excuse for people and companys to be lazy and reduce their costs whilst passing none of the savings onto us but all of the inconvenience.

 

[An Gof]

Two who I would use, one sampled no issue and the other sent some bags, bags are still on the kitchen table. I have enough to do without being a sampling service. The former got my business.

Strange attitude for someone trying to market their produce as well as possible

 

[farenheit]

Coronavirus is just another excuse for people and companys to be lazy and reduce their costs whilst passing none of the savings onto us but all of the inconvenience.

I'm not sure that the margin for grain merchants is really that big to be honest!

As an earlier poster said, it is kind of crazy that 18 year olds are sent on to farms they don't know by themselves to clamber all over heaps of grain. Surely farmers are sampling every intake load anyway, so its much easier even just to have a bucket of that days grain mixed up.

 

[ollie989898]

If the merchant is keen to buy your grain, he will send someone to sample it, surely.

 

[farenheit]

If the merchant is keen to buy your grain, he will send someone to sample it, surely.

Absolutely, but should that involve what is basically a kid clambering over grain heaps?

 

[Steevo]

I'm not sure that the margin for grain merchants is really that big to be honest!

As an earlier poster said, it is kind of crazy that 18 year olds are sent on to farms they don't know by themselves to clamber all over heaps of grain. Surely farmers are sampling every intake load anyway, so its much easier even just to have a bucket of that days grain mixed up.

The farmer does not specify who the merchant uses to sample the grain. If merchants use untrained 18y/o then that is their choice and their responsibility. The local merchant uses the same staff year after year who are well used to doing the job and have an interest in doing the job properly and safely.

Climbing up a heap of grain in a flat store is about as safe as you can get imo. No ladders involved unlike round bins or such. It's not much different than climbing up stairs in a house or walking on a footpath up a hill.

 

[Steevo]

Coronavirus is just another excuse for people and companys to be lazy and reduce their costs whilst passing none of the savings onto us but all of the inconvenience.

But under the guise that they are being responsible in doing so!

 

[ollie989898]

Absolutely, but should that involve what is basically a kid clambering over grain heaps?

That strikes me as an issue for your merchant to sort.

 

[7610 super q]

Absolutely, but should that involve what is basically a kid clambering over grain heaps?

Other than linseed, is it that dangerous ? I suppose sampling in a pillow factory would be less risky.

 

[Farmer Fin]

Have done our own for years. It’s not difficult or rocket science. Normally PP envelopes.

 

[D14]

In normal times our 3 grain buyers send some one to take grain samples. We then have 3 lots of results to compare but at least 2 have said its too risky and here are some sample bags to send to us.
If we keep the 1 set of results to ourselves and not bother send the others sample bags are they going to be at a disadvantage?
They manage to get an idea of tonnages as well with a visit.
Will we be disadvantaged for not sending samples?

I take a sample out of every single trailer to do the moisture, bushel and temp. I put some of each trailer into the sample bags to get a proper average. Its always worked well for us. No way should people be climbing all over your crops in store due to HSE in my view.