Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

NC-213 Annual Business Meeting

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 – 12:30PM Central Time.

Agenda/Minutes

Comments from Paul Armstrong, USDA, Manhattan, Kansas, NC-213 Chair

Paul shared with the group that all Student Presentation Competition Reviewers should send their score sheets to Bill Koshar. Paul thanked all of those involved in planning, etc., the Annual Meeting for their time and efforts. Paul gave a special; “Thank You” to Scott Swanson for all of his efforts. Paul shared with the group that the Presentations can be downloaded, but please ask the Author(s) prior to downloading. 

Updates from the NC-213 Administrative Advisor/Coordinator. (Comments shared at the NC-213 Executive Committee Annual Teleconference.)

Gary Pierzynski shared with the group that NC-213 is scheduled for a Renewal and that the WorkPlan/Renewal must be submitted no later than December 1, 2022. The submission sets into place the Approval Process. Gretchen Mosher offered to Mentor the Chair of the Renewal Committee.

NC-213 Chair (Paul Armstrong).

NC-213 Annual Meeting 2023 site options:

--GEAPS - February 25-28, 2023, Kansas City, MO

--Wheat Quality Council, typically the third full week in the month of February.

--Any Land Grant Institution or U.S.D.A. Agency that would like to host.

Due to the past meetings with GEAPS, the group felt it better to meet at a different location than GEAPS’ site which is usually a Convention Center. We experienced not being able to gain early access, removal of all audio-visual equipment before meeting adjourned, and no staff on-hand to offer assistance with meeting room issues.

Paul Armstrong did like the idea to have the Annual Meeting at a Member Institution. He believes that there is great value in Tours of Research Facilities. Kingsly Ambrose, Purdue University, offered to host the meeting last year, and can host for 2023. Kingsly will work with his folks and work with Bill Koshar on particulars.

Paul Armstrong and Griffiths Atungulu – Discussion on the appointment of the NC-213 Secretary

As a reminder:

Chair: Paul Armstrong, moves to Past Chair

Vice Chair: Devin Rose moves to Chair

Secretary: Janie McClurkin Moore moves to Vice Chair

Past Chair: Griffiths Atungulu rotates off of the Executive Committee.

Need to fill the position of; “Secretary.” After some discussion, it was proposed that Deanna Scheff, USDA-ARS-CGAHR-SPIERU, Manhattan Kansas can be nominated. Paul Armstrong will work with Deanna and Bill Koshar to have Deanna added to the Appendix E. Bill shared with the group that we can directly work with Chris Hamilton, NIMSS (National Information Management and Support System) to make it Official. After discussion and a vote, Deanna Scheff was elected to NC-213 Secretary.

Along those lines, NC-213 does have an opening with the Objective Co-Chairs; “Objective 2.” Janie McClurkin Moore, Texas A&M University, offered to take the Role as Objective Co-Chair – Objective 2. The group voted on this Candidate and welcomed Janie to the new Role.

Industry Advisory Committee Chair: Chuck Hill remains if so desires. Chuck Hill is willing to be in this Role for another year.

CSRS/USDA: Hondga Chen remains.

Administrative Advisor/Coordinator: Gary Pierzynski remains.

The Andersons Representative: Christopher Reed remains.

Objective Co-Chairs

1: K.M. Lee and Senay Simsek

2: Janie Moore and Kaliramesh Siliveru

3: R.P. Kingsly Ambrose and Gretchen Mosher

NC-213 Past Chair (Griffiths Atungulu) – The Andersons Awards – Update

Paul Armstrong and Griffiths Atungulu gave an update on the Awards.

The NC-213 Andersons Cereals and Oilseeds Award of Excellence went to Dr. Kent D. Rausch, Associate Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The NC-213 Andersons Cereals and Oilseeds Early-in-Career Award went to Dr. Janie M. Moore, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M Agriculture & Life Sciences.

The Student Presentation Competition went to Nahndi Kirk-Bradley, Texas A&M University.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes submitted by Bill Koshar, NC-213 Administrative Support

NC-213 2021 Accomplishments

Objective 1: To measure, model, and assess factors which influence quality and safety attributes in the post-harvest usage, drying, handling, and distribution of cereal grains and oilseeds.

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research collaborated with the USDA ARS Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory for application of spectral imaging for aflatoxin screening. In this study, multiple hyperspectral imaging techniques with visible and near-infrared (VNIR) system, short-wave infrared (SWIR) system, and Raman spectroscopy were applied for rapid detection and classification of aflatoxins in ground maize. Four classification models developed on each hyperspectral imaging mode in combination with different preprocessing methods displayed acceptable classification accuracies of 95.7%, 82.6%, 95.7%, 87.0% for fluorescence, VNIR, SWIR, and Raman, respectively while no false negative error was found at the cutoff of 10 µg/kg. The findings from this study imply that the hyperspectral imaging techniques employed are promising and feasible as simple and inexpensive tools for rapid detection of aflatoxins in maize and grain-based food and feed products.

The researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Research also performed a critical analysis of cattle exposure to dietary fumonisin via oral consumption. A Meta-Analysis and Benchmark Dose Approach table was created that categorizes the number of animals, administered dose of fumonisin, and the mean and standard deviation of animal body weight. Future analysis will increase the statistical power and confidence of a newly defined safety breakpoint associated with fumonisin in cattle diets. This study will address hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and pulmonary edema or hypertension thought to arise following the disruption of sphingolipid metabolism from consumption of fumonisin-contaminated corn by cattle.

This research group used a Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the impact of dietary S in Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and effective neutral detergent fiber (eNDF) levels on the risk of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) for feedlot cattle in Texas. Results currently reveal the lowest observable effect concentration for total dietary S on S-induced PEM in Texas feedlot cattle is 0.3% diet DM. Findings also indicate that as eNDF levels increased in feedlot cattle diets at a given S concentration, the relative risk of PEM decreased. This suggests that cattle producers and handlers should feed feedlot cattle at higher eNDF levels if the total dietary S concentration varies significantly.

A screening method for confirmation of 107 pesticides in feed product was developed using UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. This method is suitable for screening the pesticides in feed products at levels above the Minimum Level of Applicability.

NC-213 Research Group at Texas A&M AgriLife Research demonstrated that Atmospheric Cold Plasma (ACP) can effectively treat cowpea weevils. As a result, this novel treatment technology has the potential to be used and aid in grain storage sustainability.

Researchers at the Iowa State University Grain Quality Laboratory continued to create corn and soybean proximate analysis calibrations for multiple models of near infrared transmission (NIRT) analyzers. These calibrations have been utilized by the lab in testing submitted samples for internal and commercial users, and by plant breeding and grain market participants for testing purposes. Instruments used in laboratory testing were from the Foss Infratec series, 1225, 1229,1241, and Nova. Factors measured were corn moisture, protein, oil, starch, and density; soybean moisture, protein, oil, and fiber. Primary sources of variation in the model were error and employee variation.

Researchers at Iowa State University evaluated the existing and emerging challenges to improve and expand the supply chain of hermetic storage bag technology on food security in smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. The researchers quantified key engineering properties to develop a standard on gas tightness of hermetic storage bags; estimated the environmental impacts of hermetic storage bag technology; predicted the oxygen depletion during grain storage using hermetic bag technology; and applied the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to rank commercially available hermetic storage bag liners.

This research group completed a study for shea nut postharvest loss assessment in Ullo, Ghana. The results of the study found that drying and storage tasks continue to be a bottleneck in the sustainable production of shea nuts in Ullo. It was recommended that the Yieldwise model in reducing food and post-harvest loss has potential to improve the shea nut value chain for improved livelihood in the community.

NC-213 Researchers conducted a study with three different storage bags; hermetic bags, jute sacks, and woven polypropylene (PP) bags, were used to store shea nuts over a 30-week storage period. The moisture content of shea nuts was maintained in hermetic bags as a function of ambient temperature and relative humidity conditions. Nuts varied within 1 percentage point as compared to 3 percentage points for nuts in the jute and PP bags. Insect damage of shea nuts in hermetic bags was contained below 30.0% as compared to 82% and 80% in jute and PP bags, respectively. The percentage of weight loss due to insect damage was maintained at 4.5% in the hermetic bags, 10.1% in the jute sacks and 11.6% in the PP bags. Carbon dioxide concentration in the hermetic bag was below 6%, indicating low microbial activity in the hermetic bag over the storage period. Through this research, hermetic bag technology has been demonstrated to be a viable option for the quality preservation of shea nuts and is recommended for adoption.

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln evaluated steam treatments with or without tempering with organic acids for the efficacy at reducing microbial load of hard and soft wheat kernels. For both hard and soft wheat, the combination of steam treatment to 85°C with a 1.0 cm grain bed depth and tempering with lactic acid provided the highest reduction in microorganisms and resulted in only minor changes in end-use quality.

Researchers examined asparagine concentration, as well as the concentration of 15 other grain metabolites, in historical and modern wheats. The findings from this study showed changes in concentration of grain components over a century of breeding that may have implications for grain quality and human health.

Researchers evaluated the effects of fungicide application on cadmium concentration in historical and modern wheat cultivars representing 80 years of plant breeding efforts. The results from this study are of great concern, as many mineral elements essential for human nutrition have decreased over time while the toxic heavy metal, Cd, has increased,

Researchers at North Dakota State University used Solvent Retention Capacity to rapidly evaluate semolina/flour for its dough and pasta quality. Data indicate that the Solvent Retention Capacity for sucrose and lactic acid could be used to replace the mixogram score as a test to predict dough and spaghetti cooking quality.

NC-213 Researchers at North Dakota State University evaluated how oat varieties and processing conditions influence the structural, functionality, and aromatic profiles of oat proteins. Unique structure properties of oat protein from ND endowed exceptional thermal stability and solubility, a greater foaming capacity, emulsion capacity and stability. This research provides useful information to the oat breeder when selecting genotypes to be used in cultivar development for protein application and to the plant protein ingredient company when selecting oat to be used in oat protein isolation.

Researchers at Purdue University evaluated how temperature, moisture content, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide levels during storage of grain can be used to make actionable management decisions. The parameters measured provided a good understanding of seasonal patterns of biological activity in stored corn, especially during the spring to fall warm conditions when stored grain is more susceptible to spoilage. 

Purdue University evaluated the genetic and phenotypic diversity of hulled wheat for their proposed health benefits. Significant differences were observed in the test weight and grain hardness of hulled wheat, which could be explained by the shape of the kernel and the microstructure of the endosperm. Einkorn was identified as extra soft-textured kernels; in contrast, emmer was a hard-type wheat, similar to hard red spring wheat. Both medium-soft and hard genotypes were observed in spelt. The chemical composition of hulled wheats revealed they have significantly higher crude fat contents.

Researchers at USDA-ARS-CGAHR addressed grain quality attributes and nutritional factors that can be improved to enhance the value and utilization of sorghum by developing methodology to determine sorghum grain composition by FTIR; testing the use of NIR and LIBS for determining the composition of mixtures of corn and sorghum flour; providing grain composition data for sorghum germplasm releases; and developing robust NIR curves to predict starch content and composition in sorghum grain.

Objective 2: To improve management and operational systems to increase efficiency, retain quality, enhance value, and preserve food safety in the farm-to-user supply chain.

Researchers at the University of Arkansas developed a computer simulation platform capable of predicting natural air in-bin drying of rice. The models used in the simulations were validated using field experiments and in-bin sensors built using newly generated EMC-based mathematical relationships. Charts were generated to document “suitable” in-bin rice drying and storage regimes based on the rice harvest moisture content, rice harvest date, drying air flowrate, and fan control strategy. In addition to the forgoing responses the following have been undertaken: develop novel techniques to enhance drying rates while maintaining grain quality, engineer methods for detection, decontamination, and detoxification of harmful-grain molds and mycotoxins, and explore grain and grain processing by-product value addition and utilization.

Researchers at the University of Idaho evaluated means to achieve reduction of Ochratoxin A (OTA) during food processing. In addition, formation of known and unknown degradation products that may affect toxicity of OTA and its derivatives were measured. It was discovered that sugars may affect the fate of OTA. Among all sugars tested, addition of fructose resulted in the greatest reduction of OTA with highest amount of non-toxic degradation product suggesting most effective reduction in its toxicity.

Scientists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Iowa State University, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln designed and evaluated two systems in which oxygen needed for respiration was limited in a static system (SGRMS) or continuously supplied in a dynamic system (DGRMS) during storage. They also compared the effects of grain respiration measurement system (GRMS) on dry matter loss (DML) rates for stored soybeans. The DML from DGRMS and SGRMS were not statistically different. However, the coefficient of variation was greater for DGRMS than for SGRMS.

Researchers also determined a splits multiplier for stored soybeans similar to the damage multiplier used for shelled corn. Soybeans appeared to be more sensitive to splits content than corn was to presence of damaged kernels. This research is useful in defining a splits multiplier for 18% moisture content soybeans stored at 35 °C using an SGRMS.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign used extensive single kernel aflatoxin (AF) and fumonisin (FM) measurements to (i) demonstrate skewness, calculate weighted sums of toxin contamination for a sample, and compare those values to bulk measurements, and (ii) improve single kernel classification algorithm performance. This improved the foundations for single kernel classification of AF and FM in corn, and can be applied to high throughput screening. This study demonstrates the heterogeneous distribution of AF and FM contamination at single kernel level, comparing bulk levels calculated from those data to traditional bulk tests, and utilizing a UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy system to classify single corn kernels by AF and FM level.

Researchers at Iowa State University used a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to assess the risk of AP in the non-GM feed supply chains for poultry and swine. Over 150 sources of AP from planting to finished feed were identified and evaluated, with assigned probabilities and severity levels used to determine a risk score. Risk scores were compounded across the chain through statistical simulation to predict the likely mean, high, and low contribution of each source.

Researchers also created a set of protocols, processes and templates specifically for bulk systems, covering the same operations as analyzed for the non-GM feed study. For each general operation, Critical Traceability Events and supporting Key Data Elements were defined.

Researchers estimated costs for GM/non-GM segregation using Monte Carlo simulation. The analysis has been focused on costs per bushel for corn and soybeans on the farm and at the grain elevator. Costs at the feed mill were measured by animal species feed by ton (swine, broiler, layer, beef, and swine).

Iowa State University Researchers are committed to developing a pseudo-3D finite volume method computational model with boundary conditions based on local weather data to predict grain conditions in real-time. Once the model has been validated, it will be used commercially by Amber Ag and academically by ISU for teaching and research. This model will also be implemented in the bins at the new ISU Kent Corporation Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex.

Researchers at Kansas State University studied improved methods to detect and monitor stored product pests in various habitats, evaluate the efficacy and practicality of fumigant alternatives to phosphine and methyl bromide as well as the efficacy and practicality of food safe materials to protect these commodities. Sulfuryl fluoride (SF) was easily effective for all life stages of Necrobia within the label rate, but as with many other insects, we did not get satisfactory control of mite eggs at a very high dose, one that was equal to about 3-times the allowable label rate. Propylene oxide (PPO) and ethyl formate (EF) were able to give good control against the most serious stored product quarantine pest, khapra beetle (KB), Trogoderma granarium, when applied in combination with SF.

Researchers looked at safe methods for use in integrated pest management of storage pests. The mosquito repellent DEET and the fatty acid mixture of octanoic, nonanoic, and decanoic (C8910) acids were also evaluated as safe repellents and toxicants. These food-safe compounds were repellent to R. dominica and the cigarette beetle, L. serricorne, and showed promise for commercial application as organic insecticides for several pests. The life history and general biology of Necrobia rufipes was documented in more detail than in the past, and gave information useful for pest management of this beetle in the future. Work with food safe methods to keep the insidious mite T. purtresenteae off of high value commodities found chitosan was effective for addition to anti-mite nets.

Researchers evaluated the effect of two silica dusts in managing insects on concrete surfaces and on various stored commodities against damaging stored product insects. The adults of T. confusum, R. dominica and O. surinamensis were found to be more susceptible to silica 2 dust. On the other hand, the adults of T. castaneum were more susceptible to silica 1 dust. Similar results were observed for the experiments involving T. confusum and O. surinamensis where silica dust 2 inhibited the progeny production at a lower concentration.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky evaluated oxygen limited storage systems as alternatives to conventional storage with uncontrolled atmospheric air. Studies conducted indicated changes in compositional profiles of stored grains based on treatments associated with the presence/absence of air. In most cases, the alpha-amylase activity was reduced more in conventional storage compared to hermetic. Germination has been hypothesized to induce desirable changes in grain related to its food and nutritional profile. Germination increased the biologically functional fatty acid methyl esters content, namely omega-3 (C18:3n3) and 11-Eicosenoic acids (C20:1), with an overall decrease in the fat content of the grains.

Researchers at Mississippi State University collaborated with USDA researchers to evaluate corn kernels infected with aflatoxin producing and non-producing Aspergillus flavus using multiple imaging technologies. Artificial intelligence and multivariate image processing algorithms were developed for rapid detection of aflatoxin contamination and toxigenic fungi infection with the SWIR and Raman imagery.

Researchers at Purdue University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USDA-ARS-CGAHR, and Kansas State University used fundamental tools and engineering concepts to study the mechanisms of dust generation during handling and processing of corn. A discrete element model (DEM) was developed, and experiments were conducted using corn kernels on determining the emission rates of total suspended particulates (TSP) at three-grain flow rates and three drop heights during receiving operation at a grain elevator. Corn kernel’s energy changes during the unloading process were obtained from DEM simulation, and the TSP emission rate was calculated based on corn energy loss from every collision and measured dust particle size distribution.

Researchers at USDA-ARS-CGAHR used single kernel near-infrared reflectance (skNIR) spectroscopy as a platform to accurately identify haploid maize kernels. The skNIR platform is a high-throughput device that acquires a NIR spectrum and weight from each kernel to sort DHs from hybrid kernels. This system increased haploids to above 50% which would make a final manual sort be performed more quickly on a substantially smaller lot of kernels.

NC-213 Researchers evaluated 102 flax and 108 sorghum varieties were analyzed for their ionome diversity and elemental level interactions. The results showed substantial genetic variation and elemental correlation in flax and sorghum. A set of flax and sorghum varieties with superior seed mineral composition that could complement breeding programs in improving nutritional quality of flax and sorghum were identified.

USDA-ARS-CGAHR Scientists, in collaboration with Kansas State University, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, Clemson University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed grain kernel sub-models required for accurate discrete element method (DEM) simulations. The resulting DEM simulated bulk densities agreed with experimental values at low overburden pressure and tended to overpredict at higher pressures.

Objective 3: To work with multi-institutional colleagues to improve the cereal grain and oilseed supply chain by creating measurable impacts that preserve quality, increase value, and maintain food safety/food security.

Researchers at the University of Illinois Developed training material for grain elevator workers and conducted in-person and virtual trainings. They also tested the effectiveness of compressed air in removing crusted grain from grain bins.

Researchers from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship sampled Iowa corn on a county by county basis to determine if mycotoxins are a significant hazard in that year. In 2021, the severe drought areas had reduced grain yield and had the same protein and test weight effect as in 2020. However late season rainfall in less intense drought area apparently caused recovery of kernel fill and quality to normal levels. It has been known that grain quality is determined late in the growing season, but these data demonstrated that harvest weather conditions can have more impact on the end result than previously thought. This is important for planning of grain handling and processing operations. These data are now being used for crop quality and development modelling.

A new Iowa State University Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex is a $25 million state-of-the-art facility currently under construction. It will be unique among university facilities because it will have a self-contained feed manufacturing facility and a complete grain handling, drying and storage center. Its mission furthers ISU’s research, teaching, service, Extension, and industry and international outreach in support of the global grain and feed industry. The facility is scheduled to be operational by late 2022.

Researchers at Iowa State University offered a FSMA Preventive Controls Qualified Individual short course to qualified feed industry professionals. They have developed a standardized continuing education program on the FSC36 Safe Feed/Safe Food Certification program. The program will present core concepts to assist feed industry stakeholders implement safe food and safe feed tasks and procedures in their facilities. The program will be presented for the first time in April 2022. A graduate course on Food and Agricultural Traceability as part of Iowa State University’s Executive MBA program in the Ivy College of Business was offered.

Researchers at Montana State University characterized features of pest management that relate to use of wheat and barley by the wheat stem sawfly. They determined how cultivar variation can be manipulated into stabilizing yield and quality of barley on the landscape and we also explored potential interactions between wheat protein content and the degree and stability of pith expression in solid-stem cultivars developed to manage this pest.

There are two key concerns that arise from use of barley by the wheat stem sawfly. Montana remains 3rd in production of barley in the US. Significant decreases in yield could have a negative impact on returns for the bulk availability of barley for malt, feed and seed production. Moreover, the potential risk to barley production for the malt industry is likely more grave. The wheat stem sawfly mines stems and impacts vascular flow of nutrients during grain fill. Typically this results in decreased yield in the form of decreased amounts of endosperm – at least in wheat. This causes stable or increased levels of protein relative to carbohydrates. In wheat, this leads to some potential for offsetting loss with a protein premium for wheat marketed in the bread class. Malt barley is more vulnerable because increased protein as a result of loss of “plumpness” is anathema in malt barley. The malt class is met by plump grains with low protein and wheat stem sawfly directly counters this. In addition, growers impacted by wheat stem sawfly in wheat crops frequently grow solid-stem cultivars to provide a modicum of resistance to this pest. Growers and end users alike have concerns about protein content. At issue are premium returns for high protein content that can be provided at the elevator, especially in spring wheat.

In addition, a presentation entitled “IPM of stored-grain insects” was presented face-to-face at the Montana State University Extension Ag and Natural Resources Spring Update, Lewistown, Montana on May 18. This presentation created eligibility for pesticide applicator recertification credits. Relative isolation due to COVID-19 concerns may have created a gap in knowledge about safe storage of newly-harvested commodities. In particular, there are ongoing concerns about aeration protocols for bulk storage of wheat in large volume bags near bins. Although these can be aerated, early snowfall can create issues with moisture content.

Please see the attached .pdf file with all Publications. Thank you.