U.S. Grade Requirements

The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) of the USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) sets quality standards for grain. Wheat grades are important because they reflect the physical quality and condition of a sample and thus may indicate the general suitability of a sample for milling. Grades are applied when local elevators go to sell their grain for both domestic and international consumption. Grade factors are determined after dockage is removed.