Grain Operations Manager David Capper said CBH estimated the equipment had already delivered close to A$25 million of increased value for wheat crops.
Despite the patience required to undertake the 10-minute test, it is the only mechanism that allows potential feed wheat to be upgraded to higher value milling grades.
“Under the official Grains Industry of Western Australia Wheat Receival Standards and the Grain Trade Australia standards used in Eastern Australia any load in which sprouted grain is detected is classified as feed grade unless a Falling Number result is available to override the sprouted grain result,” Capper said. "So far this harvest, CBH has tested at least 11,000 individual loads with an estimated value uplift at this stage close to A$25 million.
CBH Quality Manager Mathew Regan said sprouted grains contained damaged starch and protein components resulting in poor quality end products.
"Sprouted wheat can result in end products with reduced mixing strength, sticky dough and reduced shelf life,” he said. "The Falling Number test enables the best possible classification for growers' wheat deliveries while maintaining WA's reputation to supply quality wheat to international customers.”
