DAGR 1050 - Crop Quality and Storage

3 sem hrs cr

This course covers the biological principles involved in harvesting, grading, packaging, transportation, and marketing crops, and their effects on quality maintenance. Commercial practices are described and explained in relation to general procedure and technology as well as the recommended best practices and optimum conditions for different types of crops. Crop quality throughout each stage of the life cycle, specific storage equipment, and an exploration of the four major crops from crop production (corn, soybean, rice, cotton) is covered.

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

• Appreciate the factors related to quality deterioration and waste after harvest
• Understand commercial procedures for harvesting, preparing, packaging, transporting, and storing crops
• Possess the knowledge required to evaluate existing handling systems and be able to recommend improved practices that will better maintain product quality during the storage period
• Apply the use of technology to crop quality and storage

Student Learning Outcomes

• Grain storage fundamentals (e.g., air-moisture relationships, grain quality, drying, and energy use)
• The interaction of grain storage and handling components and management of energy use and grain quality
• Basic calculations associated with handling, storing, and processing grain
• Grain handling/storage system planning
• Grain-drying systems
• Grain and seed processing
• Safety principles as part of managing a grain storage and handling system