Grading plays a critical role in determining the price you receive for your pulse crops. Whether you’re dealing with lentils impacted by grasshopper parts or just want to verify quality, it helps to know how to request a USDA lentil grade.
What Is a USDA Lentil Grade?
USDA grading is performed by the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), part of the Agricultural Marketing Service. Official personnel use detailed standards—like those found in the Pea and Lentil Inspection Handbook—to evaluate lentils based on color, moisture, damage, foreign material, and other factors.
Types of Inspections
Growers can request:
- Thresher-Run Lentil Inspection: For lentils with dockage still included. Useful if you’re worried about insect parts showing up in the clean sample.
- Dockage-Free Lentil Inspection: For lentils after cleaning—this is where DLQ (Distinctly Low Quality) may be assigned. Dockage = removable foreign matter (mechanically cleaned out).
- Appeal and Board Appeal Inspections: If you disagree with the initial results, you can request a second review based on the same or new sample.
How to Submit a Sample
- Contact Your Local FGIS Office: You can locate an office or authorized cooperator by visiting the USDA AMS website. Montana’ FGIS offices include:
Montana State Grain Laboratory – Great Falls
821 17th Street North
Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 452-9561
Montana State Grain Laboratory – Plentywood
119 North Jackson Street
Plentywood, MT 59254
Phone: (406) 765-1005 - Fill Out the Application (Form FGIS-907): This form includes key details like the lot identification, inspection type, and your contact info. A verbal request must later be confirmed in writing.
- Submit Your Sample: This should be a representative sample of 2,500–3,000 grams. The inspector will also draw a work sample of about 1,000 grams for analysis.
Where to Get the Forms and Info
You can access the application form and find more details at:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/resources/fgis-907-application-inspection-and-weighing-services
Also helpful:
Inspection Certificates
Once evaluated, you’ll receive an official USDA inspection certificate. Use this to compare with the published grade standards—especially if you suspect discrepancies due to grasshopper contamination.
The Bottom Line
Submitting a sample for USDA grading isn’t just paperwork—it’s a tool for protecting your profits. A little time invested now can prevent costly surprises later.
▶ Need help getting started with a USDA lentil inspection? Reach out to your local FGIS office or visit the USDA website today to access the right forms and information.
