Harvest ready
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WHEAT harvest is just around the corner. Use these tips and tricks to make sure everything on your farm runs smoothly during the busy harvest season.
check before you deliver
Good communication with your delivery point for harvested wheat is important during the busy harvest season. By checking with your elevator to determine the best times to deliver, significant hassle may be avoided.
Inquiring about potential downgrading discounts is also an important step prior to delivery. If there is any concern about the quality of your crop, know what discounts each elevator is implementing and shop around accordingly.
If you are delivering directly to a terminal, it is especially important to check in prior to delivery. Many terminals only accept certain classes of wheat on certain days and in some cases, appointments for delivery need to be made.
shop around
While you may have always dealt with the same elevator, it doesn’t hurt to shop around to other local delivery points. If you’re near a terminal, call and get their price and their storage costs and make inquiries at different elevators that are nearby.
know your rights
Elevators and delivery points work hard to grade and test all incoming loads with as much precision as possible. However, discrepancies happen and there are steps that can be taken to dispute a grade.
When delivering grain to an elevator, producers have the right to challenge the grading decision. If you disagree with the grade given at the elevator you must notify the elevator before unloading. A sample will be sent to the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). The decision provided by the CGC is binding and the producer will be paid accordingly.
If your grain is being picked up at the farm by a third party, it is good practice to take your own sample and have it tested at your elevator.
stay protected
The Grain Financial Protection Program (GFPP) was established to protect the financial interests of producers of grain corn, soybeans, wheat and canola who sell their crop to licensed dealers or store their crops in licensed storage facilities. Producers contribute to the GFPP through a portion of their license fees which are submitted by the commodity groups on their behalf. In the event that something happens to the licensed dealer or storage facility, producers can submit claims to Agricorp under the GFPP for reimbursement.
In order to benefit from the program’s protection, it is important to understand your own responsibilities. Below is a partial list of producer responsibilities. For a complete list and information about the responsibilities of elevators and grain handles, please visit Agricorp online at www.agricorp.com or call them at 1-888-247-4999.
producer responsibilities
• Ensure that you receive weigh tickets or grain receiving vouchers for each delivery
• Ensure that you receive your grain storage receipt within 45 days of delivery, or within five days of your request
• Check that your grain storage receipt is signed by the elevator operator and that it shows the expiration date, charges and other agreements
• Make sure that your payment is issued on time, within 10 days for all deliveries
• Ensure your payment is issued the next day for all sales out of storage
• Cash your cheque within five banking days
• Report all delayed payments to the underwriter for the Grain Financial Protection Program.
safe storage
If you plan on storing grain, be sure your bins are prepared prior to harvest to avoid problems during the busy season. A complete system cleanout is a good way to start prepping for harvest. Be sure all old grain is cleaned from unloading sumps, distributors, augers, the elevator boot and the dump pit. Treat bins with diatomaceous earth to kill any stored grain pests under the aeration floor and interior bin surfaces.
Check belts, bearings and motors on all components to see if any maintenance is required. Visit ontariograinfarmer.ca for information about bin preparation from Helmut Speiser, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Engineer. •
