Agriculture
Automated grain sampler to ensure consistency─── SABRINA DEAN 18:58 Wed, 23 Mar 2016
Reitz - The agri-business VKB has embraced the concept of mechanisation along the value chain, following the installation of a state-of-the-art automatic core sampling system at four of its silos.
Executive Head of Grain, André Odendaal, says in the past they utilised hand operated probes to take samples from each and every truck.
He says when you are working with an endless line of 40-ton trucks it can get exhausting, which can then lead to inconsistency in the sample taking process.
The new automatic system was brought in from France through Agri Enviro Solutions.
“It is a core sampling apparatus, which means that the grain is not sucked out of the load. It actually blows the air around the core into the load and then siphons that core out. It will even go as far as to mechanically take that sample directly to your grading office.”
Odendaal says the apparatus has already been installed at its silos in Danielsrus, Warden, Villiers and Frankfort with plans already in place to roll it out in the rest of the silos across Free State and Limpopo.
Sabrina Dean/OFM News
Automated grain sampler:
