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2015/2016 Sorghum Harvest and Export Quality Report

Contents

  1. Harvest Quality Highlights
  2. Export Quality Highlights
  3. Introduction
  4. Harvest Quality Test Results
  5. Moisture
  6. Physical Factors
  7. Mycotoxins
  8. Export Quality Test Results
  9. Moisture
  10. Chemical Composition
  11. Physical Factors
  12. Mycotoxins
  13. Crop and Weather Conditions
  14. Planting and Early Growth Conditions
  15. Late Vegetative and Mid-Pollination Conditions
  16. Maturity and Harvest Conditions
  17. Comparison of 2015 to 2010-2014
  18. U.S. Sorghum Export System
  19. U.S. Sorghum Export Flow
  20. Impact of the Sorghum Market Channel on Quality
  21. U.S. Government Inspection and Grading
  22. U.S. Sorghum Production, Usage and Outlook
  23. U.S. Sorghum Use and Ending Stocks
  24. Outlook
  25. Harvest Survey and Statistical Analysis Methods
  26. Survey Design and Sampling
  27. Statistical Analysis
  28. Export Survey and Statistical Analysis Methods
  29. Survey Design and Sampling
  30. Statistical Analysis
  31. Testing Analysis Methods
  32. Sorghum Grading Factors
  33. Moisture
  34. Chemical Composition
  35. Physical Factors
  36. Mycotoxin Testing
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D.Physical Factors

1. 1000-Kernel Weight (TKW), Kernel Volume, and Kernel True Density

The 1000-kernel weight (TKW) is determined from the average weight of 300 individual kernel replicates using the Perten Single Kernel Characterization System (SKCS 4100). The instrument weighs each seed to the nearest 0.01 mg and automatically calculates the TKW based on the average weight of the 300 individual seeds. The averaged TKW is reported in grams.

The kernel volume for an accurately weighed 80.00 ± 0.05 g kernel sample is calculated using a helium pycnometer and is expressed in mm3/kernel. The individual kernel volume is obtained by dividing the TKW (g) by the total seed weight (g) used in the pycnometer, and multiplying the recorded pycnometer volume (cm3) by this factor. The value obtained, cm3/1000-kernels, is equivalent to mm3/kernel. Kernel volumes usually range from 12 to 28 mm3 per kernel for small and large kernels, respectively.

True density of kernel samples is calculated by dividing the mass (or weight) of the 80.00 ± 0.05 g externally sound kernels by the pycnometer volume (displacement) of the same kernels, and is reported in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3). True densities typically range from 1.24 to 1.39 g/cm3 at “as is” moistures of about 12 to 15%.

2. Kernel Hardness Index

Grain hardness is measured using the SKCS 4100. The SKCS 4100 automatically selects individual kernels, weighs them, and then crushes them between a toothed rotor and a progressively narrowing crescent gap. As a kernel is crushed, the force between the rotor and crescent is measured. About 50 g of clean, externally intact seed is introduced into the instrument hopper. The instrument then automatically characterizes 300 individual seeds. The data are reported as average kernel hardness index, based on the 300 individual seeds. Samples are also classified as hard, mixed, or soft, depending on average hardness index value and hardness distribution among the 300 seeds. Kernel hardness index values can range from 20 to 120.

3. Kernel Diameter

Kernel diameter is measured using the SKCS 4100. The instrument records the individual diameter of 300 seeds, and calculates the average seed diameter in mm.