How to handle grading disputes

June 2025

VALERIE CILLIERS, PULA CONTRIBUTOR

MAIZE REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CROPS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND IS OFTEN THE CORNERSTONE OF MANY SMALLHOLDER AND EMERGING FARMERS’ OPERATIONS. IT OFFERS BOTH FOOD SECURITY AND A VITAL INCOME. ONCE A CROP IS HARVESTED AND DELIVERED TO THE SILO OR MILL, ITS FINAL VALUE IS DETERMINED THROUGH THE GRADING PROCESS.

If the grading process is flawed or unfair, it can severely impact a farmer’s profits. This is why it is crucial for farmers to understand their rights and the steps to take when declaring a dispute.

MAIZE GRADING
Maize grading is based on several quality indicators, including the moisture content, presence of foreign matter, extent of physical damage and condition of the kernels. These assessments are used to place your crop into a specific grade, which directly determines the price you receive. 

Unfortunately, there are cases where the grade issued at a silo or mill does not accurately reflect the quality of the grain delivered. When this happens, you are entitled to declare a dispute.

The Agricultural Product Standards Act is the legal foundation for maize grading in South Africa. This act governs the grading, packing and marketing of agricultural goods and outlines acceptable quality standards. 

According to Jerry Maritz, chairperson of Agbiz Grain, the grading system provides a framework for consistent and fair trade. It outlines permissible levels of defects and contaminants, helping to ensure that grain complies with safety and hygiene requirements while supporting fair transactions between farmers and buyers.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE GRADING
In practice, if you suspect that your maize has been incorrectly graded, there is a formal dispute resolution process available through the South African Grain Laboratory (SAGL). SAGL is an independent, accredited body that offers unbiased, scientific testing of grain quality. Jolanda Nortjé, laboratory manager of SAGL, explains that farmers can request an independent reassessment through this organisation if they believe a grade has been unfairly assigned.

The first step is to notify the silo or mill operator immediately after receiving the grading result. This step is crucial as delaying the dispute can weaken your case and limit your options.

According to Nortjé, a representative sample of the disputed maize must be taken on site. Once collected, the sample is sealed, ensuring its integrity is preserved for analysis. ‘The sample must be sealed immediately after collection and in the presence of both the farmer and the representative of the silo/mill,’ she says. This protects both parties and ensures a fair reassessment process.

Once the sample is sealed, it can be submitted to SAGL with the official dispute documentation. This paperwork must clearly identify the parties involved and include the name and contact details of the responsible parties. Nortjé adds that the farmer is responsible for payment, and results are only sent to this person, unless permission is given to share them with others.

Collecting a sample
Depending on the location of your farm, there are several ways to collect the sample: 

1. If the farm is located within 100 km of a SAGL grading office, farmers can request a SAGL grader to visit the farm. 
2. If not, they may use a certified private grading company or accredited service provider. 

THE GRADING PROCESS 
At SAGL, the grading process is thorough and tailored to the type of crop being tested.

Maize grading

• The laboratory performs full grading for maize, which includes detecting physical damage to kernels, discolouration and the presence of foreign matter such as glass, soil or organic debris.
• The moisture content is tested using the official oven-drying method, in which maize is dried at 103°C for 72 hours to ensure accurate results.
• Additionally, the grain is checked for various defects and classified accordingly.

Nortjé explains that maize is relatively easier to grade than other grains, but only if it is presented in the correct condition. ‘I recommend that maize should be as dry as possible when delivered. Wet maize often leads to immediate downgrades,’ she cautions.

Wheat grading
For wheat, SAGL also tests for the falling number, which measures sprouting damage, the hectolitre mass (to assess density), the protein content and overall physical grading. Once the testing is complete, the laboratory issues a certificate of analysis. This certificate carries legal and commercial weight, and it can be used to contest the original grade assigned by the silo or mill.

GRAIN CONTAMINATION
Preventing disputes in the first place is always preferable. Nortjé advises farmers to ensure that their grain is clean and uncontaminated. One common reason for grading disputes is contamination. ‘Make sure the trucks are clean, especially if they have been used for transporting livestock. Working with trusted transporters and reputable silos can also reduce the chances of a dispute.’

According to Jan de Sousa, general manager: operations at AFGRI, contamination also includes blending with wet grain or grain that was previously contaminated. ‘It is important to manage storage and transport in such a way that the risk of contamination is mitigated as much as possible. Mismanagement and subsequent contamination can produce a sample that is not indicative of the grain that was originally harvested.’ 

Regarding the falling number in wheat, De Sousa says wet grain that is kept in storage can lead to fermentation in the stalk. This is not obser­vable when grading is done at the silo, meaning in such a case that the outcome of an SAGL test could indicate an even lower grade.

SUPPORT FROM ORGANISED AGRICULTURE
Farmers are not alone in this process. Organisations such as Grain SA and Agbiz Grain provide support, education and advocacy. Grain SA, for example, successfully lobbied in 2024 to change policies that previously resulted in the downgrading of maize with water speckling – harmless discolouration that had unfairly impacted many farmers. Both organisations offer workshops, updates on regulatory changes and direct assistance in navigating grading disputes.

For new era and developing farmers, understanding this process is vital for long-term success. Accurate grading ensures market access, fair payment and a reputation for high quality. It also builds credibility with buyers and contributes to stronger rural economies.

Maize grading disputes are not just technical issues – they are about protecting the value of a farmer’s harvest and securing an income. It is important to remember that the tools and protocols exist to ensure fair outcomes. Understanding your rights and the procedures for disputing maize or wheat grading can protect your income and ensure fair treatment in the agricultural market.

Remember these important steps for grading disputes

1. Notify the silo or mill operator immediately after receiving the grading result.
2. Take a representative sample of the disputed maize on site.
3. Seal the sample.
4. Submit the sample with the official dispute documentation.

Farmers can access information from SAGL at www.sagl.co.za, from Agbiz Grain at www.agbizgrain.co.za or from Grain SA at www.grainsa.co.za.

Publication: June 2025

Section: Pula/Imvula