You may buy an expensive tester labeled official, costing several times the cost of an economy scale and you would expect a superior product.

The facts are: If one would take 10 tests using each scale, you could do these tests with the simple economy scale, in a fraction of the time it would take using the cumbersome expensive scale. When the results of the tests are compiled, the economy scale will have more consistent accurate tests than the expensive scale.

This statement has been proven several times and verified by Berckes Mfg.

Test weight has been a useful test for grain producers and processors since 1917 when U.S. weight standards were adopted. Some examples of grain weight standards set are wheat, 60 lbs. corn 56 lbs., oats 32 lbs., barley 48lbs., soybeans 60 lbs. Per bushel. Test weight can not be determined by observing the kernels of a sample of grain. Plump kernels with good color will not necessarily mean high starch density within the kernel.

Many grain buyers will require only certain test weights and will dock buying price if below. Example: Oats for racehorse feed or cereal processing may be required to weigh over 36 lbs. The price dockage is justified for low-test weight grain when selling although the buyer many times will blend the low and high weights to produce a normal weight. If test weight is known, the producer may blend before selling.

Some of the variables effecting weights are beyond the producer’s control include rainfall, low heat units, early frost, and disease.

Within the producer’s control are variety selection, insect control, proper soil fertility and care of grain in storage.

Normally, grain with high moister content has a lower test weight, as water is lighter than the starch within a good quality kernel. Using high heat for drying also lowers test weight.

Livestock feeders should be aware of test weights, as high-test weights indicate high nutrition in feed rations.

Bin and truckload capacities can be determined if test weight is known.

Grain yield per acre can only be determined if the test weight is known.

Dave’s story:

I am a farmer from Minnesota. In the late 70's I realized the large variations in test weight of different varieties of feed grains (oats and corn). I also realized that if I knew the test weight, I could eliminate the low weight varieties and blend the different weights before delivering or feeding.

Understanding the importance of kernel density in grain when used in a livestock feed ration or sold for milling prompted me to buy a test weight scale. At that time, the only scale available cost over $250.00. It was made of metal and needed a striking stick to screed the top of the canister. The testing procedure was cumbersome. I decided to design a one-piece scale made of ABS telephone type plastic. It would be economical, accurate, simple to operate, easy to carry in the combine or truck, and use at the bin site.

I also produce a fertilizer density scale using the same mold. It is used for setting fertilizer application equipment to the proper rates. It determines lbs. per cu. Ft. and (metric) kg. per cu. m. of the dry fertilizer blend. (Each blended analysis has a different density)

The fertilizer density scale is also being used for setting air seeders and drills. It can be used for determining pounds per cubic foot of grain for setting Flexi-coil calibration charts.

If you want a fertilizer density scale, let me know and I will substitut it for you.