Stored grain is subject to major biosecurity problems which have the potential to significantly reduce the quality of the stored grain and to make it unsuitable for both domestic and international markets. The problems include attack by insect pests, rodents, birds and pathogens like fungi, as well as contamination by weed seeds, mycotoxins and pest faeces.

The Grain Storage and Biosecurity Training project was conducted to meet a need expressed by the grains storage industry for an accredited training program to ensure industry personnel managing the storage of bulk grain have the required knowledge and skills to protect and preserve stored grains to meet market demands. The training program developed has built on a Grain Quality Protection Course previously delivered by Charles Sturt University.

Research outcomes

Stored grain is subject to major biosecurity problems which have the potential to significantly reduce the quality of the stored grain and to make it unsuitable for both domestic and international markets. The problems include attack by insect pests, rodents, birds and pathogens like fungi, as well as contamination by weed seeds, mycotoxins and pest faeces.

The Grain Storage and Biosecurity Training project was conducted to meet a need expressed by the grains storage industry for an accredited training program to ensure industry personnel managing the storage of bulk grain have the required knowledge and skills to protect and preserve stored grains to meet market demands. The training program developed has built on a Grain Quality Protection Course previously delivered by Charles Sturt University.

The project entailed industry consultation, development of on-line training materials and assessments to maximise accessibility and flexibility, and conduct of a pilot course and workshop at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga in March 2011.

On successful completion of the training and assessments participants are awarded a Statement of Attainment for the National Competency Standard: RTE4008A Maintain grain quality in storage. This will change to AHCBAC406A Maintain grain quality in storage when this comes into effect.

Ongoing delivery of the training program will be undertaken by Charles Sturt University’s School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences and CSU Training. 

Research implications

This professional development course is broadly aimed at middle level management/supervisors and operators involved principally in bulk-grain handling, grain merchandising, stock feeds manufacturing, brewing, milling, general rural merchandising, and grain storage. The course is also of relevance to grain transporters, advisers/consultants, marketers and re-sellers of grain protectants and fumigants.

Industry organisations and personnel, the community and policy makers will benefit in a number of ways:

• A more competent and adaptable workforce will lead to more cost-effective operations, greater competitiveness and higher profits for industry.
• Employees benefit in terms of potential for promotion, workplace satisfaction, employment and further education opportunities as well as a more professional approach to their duties.
• A skilled workforce will help protect the grains industry from biosecurity threats and assure domestic and international customers of the quality of Australian grain.

Acknowledgements

• Paul Weston, Project Officer, Charles Sturt University
• Jo Holloway, Research Entomologist, NSW Department Primary Industries
• Jo Slattery, Plant Health Australia
• Gerard McMullen, Consultant
• Jenny King, CSU Training
• Kamala Anggamuthu, CSU School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences
• Kirsty Bayliss, CRCNPB
• Chris Newman, Department of Agricultre and Food, WA
• David Jeffries, CBH
• Peter Botta, Department of Primary Industry, VIC
• Stephen Buick, Viterra
• Robin Reid, Graincorp Operations Ltd
• Stephen Dibley, Plant Health Australia