Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Prices grain growers are paid for grains are determined by the grains’ quality. Canadian Grain Commission grading factors are an important part of the pricing models, but additional premiums can be obtained by achieving certain quality parameters. Grains that achieve these parameters can be segmented and mixed with varying qualities of grains. If done correctly, the average price of the grain can be raised, however if done incorrectly or accidently, the premium pricing on grains can be lost. This system relies on accurate grain samples being completed prior to mixing grain. Grain growers face several challenges related to the quality of their grain and they are beginning to look to precision agriculture for solutions. Except for harvest data such as location, moisture, and weight, current methods of obtaining harvest data are often aggregated. For example, grain samples are taken for offsite testing after grain has been moved into a grain cart or a grain bin. Often this means that the grain isn’t uniformly mixed before obtaining a sample which can result in test result variations. This can result in mispricing of grain or even rejection of a delivery. It also means that location, moisture, and weight data are stored separately from the remaining quality data. Ground Truth wants to create a grains grading tool that reflects quality data more accurately at the time it is harvested. This would allow growers to market their grains with confidence. This project focuses on using machine vision tools for accurate identification of damaged Canada Western Red Spring Wheat kernels.