FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Sandy Courtnage
May 17, 2012

Pea and Lentil Inspection Changes

Changes are coming to the inspection of peas and lentils as the methods used to determine dockage components among other pulse certification issues is changing. At the present time, the method of determining dockage on lentils is hand sorting the sample to identify split and small lentils and other materials. A sieve method is being proposed for estimating the dockage. This can be found in the Federal Grain Inspection Service pea and lentil handbook and is being proposed in Montana at the State Grain Lab. There are different types of sieves used in the dealing with lentil types.

Discussion also focused on other certification of pulses that includes changes in the grading for mold, and mildew damage in peas and chickpeas, mold and water blister damage in beans and a presentation of changes in moisture determination in lentils, peas and other commodities. Additional information will be available from the State Grain Labs in Great Falls or Plentywood.

A public meeting regarding pulse crop grading will be held at the State Grain laboratory in Plentywood at 121 N. Main Street, on June 5, at 2 PM.