Dockage and Seed Grading of Forage Crops

2-3 day hands-on Customized Training Program

Accurate dockage and grading are more than technical requirements; they directly influence crop value, buyer confidence, and long-term business relationships.

This course is designed for agricultural professionals who want to strengthen both their understanding and hands-on ability in forage crop dockage and grading. Participants will gain a solid foundation Canadian grade tables and the Weed Seed Order while learning environmental conditions, crop production practices, and sampling methods influence final grading outcomes. Every course is customized to reflect the region and forage crops most relevant to the group attending.

What Participants Can Expect:

This program blends classroom instruction with hands-on practical work.

On day one we will:

• Walk through Grade tables in context.

• Examine how real-world samples behave.

• How similar species can complicate separation.

• How subtle differences in seed characteristics affect dockage and grade.

• Working directly with samples, separating sound seed from impurities and inert material.

• Identifying noxious and common weeds.

• Learning how to approach dockage in a way that is both accurate and defensible.

Throughout training we will uncover why procedures matter, not just how to perform them.

Day Two: Foundations of Dockage and Weed Classification

The first day builds the technical foundation necessary for accurate dockage and grading.

Throughout day two we will:

• Study forage crop grade tables and review the crops included within each table

• Learn how to interpret grading standards and apply tolerances correctly in practical situations

• Develop a clear understanding of how grading criteria are used in real-world assessments

• Examine the Canadian Weed Seed Order in detail

• Differentiate between prohibited, primary, secondary, and other weed classifications

• Practice distinguishing weed seeds from the crop under analysis

• Identify seeds that closely resemble the crop and understand why these present separation challenges

• Explore how environmental conditions impact seed quality

• Assess the effects of drought, frost, disease pressure, and heat stress on seed size and soundness

• Understand how production factors influence overall sample characteristics before analysis begins

By the end of day two, participants will be confident in performing dockage assessments and documenting their findings.

Optional Day 3: Grading & Purity Analysis

For those seeking deeper technical training, an additional day focuses on grading and percent pure seed analysis.

We will work together with smaller laboratory samples to separate:

• Pure seed

• Broken seed

• Other crop seed

• Weed seed

• Inert matter

In addition to this you will:

• Review the rules governing proper seed classification

• Walk through the weighing process for each separated fraction

• Calculate final percent purity using standardized methods

• Practice effective retrieval techniques for weed and other crop seeds

• Learn accurate fraction calculation procedures

• Apply consistent reporting methods to ensure results are precise, defensible, and repeatable

Equipment and Analytical Techniques

Throughout the course, participants gain practical experience using laboratory tools and equipment.

We discuss how to select appropriate round-hole or slotted sieves and how screen size adjustments can affect the outcome of dockage. If small seed is observed in the dockage fraction, participants learn how to assess whether adjustments are required to ensure an accurate representation of the entire sample.

Microscopes are used for closer examination of challenging weed seeds and similar species. Emphasis is placed on careful observation, methodical separation, and documentation of findings.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Multiple practice samples are analyzed during the course. Participants separate noxious and common weeds, identify other crop seeds, and assess inert matter under guided instruction.

Each delegate builds a personal weed seed reference binder and is provided access to example laboratory reports to reinforce learning beyond the classroom.

The goal is that participants leave not only with theoretical knowledge, but with practical skills they can immediately apply in their own operations.

Dockage and grading are foundational to seed trade and forage crop marketing.

Accurate assessment ensures transparency between buyer and seller, protects crop value, and supports long-term industry confidence. Poor sampling or inconsistent grading can lead to financial loss and strained relationships.

The cost to attend this course is $950, upon registering a member from the 20/20 Seed Labs team will contact you to finalize the registration process, answer all questions and discuss payment options.

This course equips professionals with the knowledge and confidence to perform dockage and grading procedures correctly, consistently, and with integrity.

We look forward to working alongside you to strengthen seed grading standards across the forage sector.