Given the wide variances in crop grades and qualities, its important that growers know about their ability to dispute grain grades and dockage at licensed facilities.
I, myself, have disputed contracts on 3 different occasions and each time it was for something different: grade, protein and moisture. Here are some things I've learned along the way:
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Know what you have in the bin - This is KEY. Keep good records and take many samples at harvest time. Bag your samples as soon as possible to avoid moisture loss and send them away to different elevators. The more, the better.
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Take part in the Canadian Grain Commission's FREE Harvest Sample Program - Its an easy way to receive another unofficial grade on your product and it provides them with needed information to determine the standard samples that will be used to grade grain that year.
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Communicate with buyers AS SOON as you notice a problem - This is important because you need to ask them to keep extra grain samples on hand. The CGC recommends sending in 1000 grams if you are disputing grade. In my experience, buyers do not keep enough sample to send away if you want to dispute their results. Note that your on-farm samples will not suffice, as buyers do not know 100% where they have come from.
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Be ready to pay - Growers will most likely have to pay about $46.00 + GST per sample to get CGC's results. Rather than sending the CGC every sample, negotiate with your buyer to choose individual samples that can represent multiple loads and lower your cost.
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CGC rules - The CGC allows a 0.2 % variance in protein levels (between theirs and the buyers) but 0% variance in moisture and grade. If you are dissatisfied with the CGC's results, you are able to appeal and ask that your sample be sent to the Chief Grain Inspector for Canada for a final decision.
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Not all moisture testers are accurate - I have found that there are moisture testers that are NOT accurate with high moisture/damp grain. You are able to dispute moisture levels.
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Accept the outcome - The CGC sends both, the buyer and seller, results within a couple weeks. The CGC's results may or may not be in your favour. If you are dissatisfied with the CGC's results, you are able to appeal and ask that your sample be sent to the Chief Grain Inspector for Canada for a final decision.
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Stay professional - Keep your cool. Trust me, everyone is trying their best.
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If you want to learn more I suggest checking out CGC's website here.
Lynn Dargis
Farmbucks Founder