Infrared Grain Analyzer Goes with the Flow Knowing the exact quality of grain can increase profits for farmers.
Corn containing a high oil content and wheat with a high level of protein can demand higher prices.
Because these stationary instruments measure small samples taken from a single load, the results only indicate how well those samples represent the entire batch. Continuous measurement could also reduce sampling errors and help control protein content by adjusting fertilization programs. A near-IR grain analyzer developed by Textron Systems could make this possible for combines manufactured by Case IH Advanced Farming Systems. Prototypes of the grain analyzer have performed successfully in field and laboratory trials during the last three years and have shown that a crop can have a wide range in quality. Stationary infrared lab instruments qualify whole batches of grain based on a few small, representative samples.