The Service of Federal Grain Standards

Excerpts from the report: From the 1880' s down to the World War the story of grain marketing was one of growing chaos in respect to grades and inspection. The system was very hard on the farmer. It also led finally to serious complaints from foreign buyers. The United States Grain Standards Act was passed by Congress August 11, 1916. Its purpose was to set up a system of uniform grading under Federal supervision. Under this act the United States Department of Agriculture established official standards which are now in force for wheat, corn, barley, rye, oats, Feed Oats, Mixed Feed Oats, grain sorghums, flaxseed, and Mixed Grain. The Federal grading system applies to grain sold and shipped by grade in interstate or foreign commerce. Practically all grain received at the terminal markets is graded and warehoused according to the Federal grain standards