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Grain Graders

Arkansas Grain Graders Program Overview

The Arkansas Grain Graders Program, managed by the QCC Section of Plant Industries Division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, ensures that individuals performing official grain grading in Arkansas are properly certified, trained, and accountable to established standards. This program upholds the integrity of grain transactions, protects both buyers and sellers, and maintains compliance with state and federal grading practices.    

Anyone performing official grain grading or issuing grading certificates in Arkansas must hold a valid Arkansas Grain Grader Certificate from this program.  

For questions, email [email protected] or call (501) 219-6350.

GRAIN SLOW-PAY HOTLINE: (501) 219-6308 or email [email protected]

Arkansas Grain Grader Certification

Certificates are issued on the calendar-year basis, January 1 – December 31 of each year.

Renewal applications are due to this office no later than December 15 of each year.

  • WHO MUST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATION:
    • Any individual who grades grain in Arkansas for commercial purposes.
    • Any individual issuing official grade certificates for grain buyers, warehouses, or dealers.
    • Exemptions include producers grading their own grain for on-farm use and individuals not engaged in commercial grain transactions.
  • APPLICATION PROCESS & FEES:
    • Forms for this program are located below.
    • For new applicants, submit a “NEW GRAIN GRADER APPLICATION PACKET,” providing proof of training or competency as required by Law/Rules.
      • This may include but is not limited to:
        • A copy of the grain dealer entity’s Training Manual or similar Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document that meets USDA standards.
        • A certificate of completion from Midsouth Grain Inspection Services. Contact Joseph Cupples at (901) 942-3216 or email at [email protected]
        • A copy of each grain grader’s license from the USDA, as part of the federal USDA Grain Warehouses Licensing Program.
    • For renewal applicants, submit the renewal application provided below.
    • The Department may ask for additional documentation or examination before granting a certificate.

Arkansas Grain Graders Laws & Rules

  • STATUTORY BASIS:
    • The Arkansas Grain Grading Act (A.C.A. § 2-25-101 et seq.) establishes the authority for certifying, training, and oversight of grain graders in Arkansas.  
  • GRAIN GRADER CERTIFICATION:
    • Any person conducting official grain grading activities in Arkansas is required to be certified from this program.
    • New applicants must demonstrate knowledge of grain grading standards and procedures.
    • Renewal applicants must certify continued competency and compliance with grading rules/laws.  
  • TRAINING & COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS:
    • Applicants must provide proof of training in accordance with USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) standards or other recognized grading programs approved by the Department.
    • Examinations or proof of continuing education may be required for certificate issuance or renewal.
  • GRAIN GRADING STANDARDS:
    • All grading must follow official state and federal standards for corn, soybeans, and wheat.
    • Official grade certificates must reflect accurate and verifiable determinations.
  • RECORD-KEEPING & DEPARTMENT INSPECTION:
    • Certified Grain Graders must retain and maintain all grading records and certificates for a minimum of three (3) years.
    • The Department reserves the right to inspect or audit grading records to verify accuracy and compliance.
    • Records must be made available upon request.  

DEPARTMENT RULES WEBPAGE

Please review the entire Act and associated Rules.

Grain Graders Forms

New applications are accepted at any time; renewal applications are due to this office no later than December 15 of each year.

FORM SUBMISSION: Grain Grader Program Forms may be submitted via email to [email protected] or via post mail to the Department of Agriculture.

  • Forms submitted via email: Payments to the program may be made using the online payment portal link below.
  • Forms submitted via post mail: Mail your check or money order with the associated form to the Department.

Enforcement, Penalties, & Violations

The Department is responsible for enforcing certification, training, record-keeping, and compliance requirements under the Arkansas Grain Grading Act. The Department has the authority to investigate complaints, audit grading practices, and take corrective or disciplinary action when necessary.

  • Operating without a certification is a violation of state law.
  • False or fraudulent grading results may result in certification suspension or revocation.
  • Civil penalties may be assessed for violations of the Act or the Rules.
  • Refusal to allow inspection or provide records may result in immediate enforcement action.
  • Repeat or intentional violations may result in permanent ineligibility for licensure.

Resources

GRAIN GRADERS RESOURCES: