Moisture Testing Inspection Changes

Posted on 12/23/2009

The Association has learned the Bureau of Weights and Measures of the Illinois Department of Agriculture will be adding some additional items to their list when checking moisture meters in 2010.  These new items will only apply to NTEP moisture testers and meet the requirements of Handbook 44.

Currently inspectors have been checking current calibrations, test weight and that the seals are applied to the machine.  Additional items to be checked include:

• Audit trail used for sealing
•  Printer for printing audit trail
• Level indicator
• Level
• Operating instructions readily available
• Printed ticket
• Accessory device used for determining a moisture content in close proximity
• Meter operating range posted for moisture and temperature for each grain
• Positioned in a “reasonable” customer and operator location

Of particular note is the new requirement to print out an audit trail and a customer ticket.  For some, this will require you to get a printer for your meter. Others may be able to accomplish this through an interface with their truck scales or other software. We encourage you to contact your moisture tester vendor to be sure you will be in compliance.