Gleadell has launched a state-of-the-art mobile grain-cleaning service enabling farmers to improve the specification of stored grain or optimise the quality of home-saved seed quickly and cost effectively.
The multi-million-pound investment, which employs some of the most advanced equipment available, marks Gleadell’s first foray into the on-farm grain-cleaning market and will help satisfy increasing demand from existing and new customers, says Chris Guest, Gleadell’s seed manager.
“It’s evident that the presence of impurities such as ergot is increasing, due to rotations and rising grassweed pressure,” he explains. “The new service will enable customers to maximise grain-marketing options through removal of unwanted admixture such as ergot, as well as improving bushel weights and Hagbergs.
“From a seed perspective, about 40-50% of the market uses home-saved seed, depending on crop species. It is, therefore, very important to be able to offer such a service to our farmer customers.”
Initially one mobile cleaner, operating within a 50-mile radius of Long Sutton, Lincolnshire, will be available, says Mr Guest. It is fitted with a range of hi-tech equipment, including the latest camera and software technology.
This includes an innovative SEA chrome optical colour sorter, equipped with high-resolution, full-colour cameras, allowing 0.1mm optical resolution. Combined with advanced software this provides near human-eye vision that can identify precisely the smallest shade differences, even allowing separation of barley from wheat plus a wide range of other admixtures.
The sorter also boasts shape-sizing integrated into the system. “This equipment is the most innovative and flexible sorting solution available, and offers a real advance in terms of mobile grain cleaning,” says Mr Guest.
“In addition, a high quality de-awner, pre-cleaner, gravity selection and batch treater have been fitted, while an on-board self-contained generator and intake and offtake weighing systems add to the high quality service Gleadell offers.”
Fully trained and qualified operators will accompany the vehicle on every job and a range of seed treatment options will be available from all the major seed treatment manufacturers, he adds.
