Alternative Definitions For The Grade Factor Of Broken Corn And Foreign Material

The purpose of the research reported in this publication was to evaluate the current definition of the grade factor for broken corn and foreign material (BC FM) and to examine alternative definitions based on various sizes of screens. The data were obtained through analysis of 1,080 samples of corn from Illinois elevators. The data show that the 12/64-inch round-hole sieve currently used does not result in maximum differentiation between corn and BC FM since much of the material passing through the sieve is broken corn. Other sieve sizes would increase the contrast between corn and BC FM on physical and chemical properties, although in this research none of the sieve sizes clearly differentiated between corn and BC FM on all properties. To improve the information provided by the BC FM factor in the corn standards, any revision of the factor must involve more than just a change in sieve size. It must also include a redefinition of foreign material, alteration of the maximum allowances for each grade, and development of some means of identifying broken kernels. In addition, these revisions must take into account the requirements of processors, feeders, and merchandisers. This study provides data on which an evaluation of the alternatives can be based.