MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. —  Maintaining grain quality, understanding how the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) grain standards are implemented and, the U.S. export grain inspection system, as well as writing contracts in way that secures the desired grain quality were the focuses of the USGC Mexico Grain Quality Workshop held at the IGP Institute on July 7-8, with a total of eight participants.

One participant, Roberto Salcedo, ruminant tech support at Nutrientes Basicos de Monterrey, was surprised at how practical the course was and how much the participants could apply the classroom situations to their jobs.

“The quality of the material that the instructors are giving us and the quality of the speakers are not only technical and knowledgeable, but they have practical experience,” Salcedo said. “It is an honor for me to be here.”

The course began by covering the basics of USDA grain standards and understanding why they are so important. The group then joined Carl Reed, grain storage specialist, for a hands-on lesson in grain grading practicum and inspection. The course then turned its focus on grain contracting terms and conditions.

Guadalupe Pamanes, manager of quality assurance and diagnostics at Grupo Crio chose this course specifically to gain a better understanding quality grain.

“The biggest investment the company has is in buying grains. I’m very aware of the importance for cost and how much of an impact quality represents on the finished product,” Pamanes said.