Meet the Factor: Protein – A Key Indicator of Grain Quality

Grain grading goes beyond just visual assessments—some of the most critical quality characteristics are hidden beneath the surface. One of the most essential factors in determining grain value, milling performance, and end-use application is protein content.

Our benchtop MV/NIRS technology measures protein levels in real time, providing fast and accurate results to help farmers, grain buyers, processors, and millers make informed decisions.

What is Protein in Grain?

Protein is a key structural component in grains, impacting everything from baking quality to processing efficiency. While all grains contain some level of protein, the type and amount vary significantly based on genetics, environmental conditions, and agronomic practices.

We currently analyse protein content in the following grains:

✔ Wheat (CWRS, CWAD, CWSWS, CPS, and more) – Protein determines gluten strength, impacting flour quality for bread, pasta, and baking.

✔ Soybeans – Protein levels affect crush value and meal quality for livestock feed and processing.

As we continue refining our models, our automated grain grading system will expand to support more crops—delivering real-time, standardized protein analysis across the supply chain.

Why Does Protein Matter?

📌 For Farmers & Grain Sellers – Protein levels impact market pricing and premiums, directly influencing a crop’s value. Buyers often set thresholds for protein levels, with higher or lower protein influencing demand.

📌 For Millers & Processors – Protein affects flour strength, dough elasticity, and milling performance. Wheat protein levels determine if grain is suited for bread, pasta, or lower-protein products like crackers and pastries.

📌 For Feed & Food Production – In soybeans, oats, and faba beans, protein content is critical for livestock nutrition, plant-based proteins, and ingredient formulations. Accurate protein data ensures consistency and efficiency in processing.

How We Measure Protein

Our benchtop MV/NIRS unit uses Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to analyse protein content instantly, along side all other assessments, removing the wait time for results or the need for multiple pieces of equipment.

With real-time protein analysis, buyers can:

✅ Make faster purchasing decisions

✅ Optimize blending and storage strategies

✅ Improve milling efficiency and end-product consistency

By integrating AI-powered protein measurement into grain grading, we’re helping the supply chain make more data-driven decisions with confidence.

Want to learn more about our AI-powered grain grading? Book a demo today.