A web-based calculator for estimating the profit potential of grain segregation by protein concentration

Abstract

By ignoring spatial variability in grain quality, conventional harvesting systems may increase the likelihood that growers will not capture price premiums for high-quality grain found within fields. The Grain Segregation Profit Calculator was developed to calculate the cutoff value to use for segregating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) into two lots on the combine such that the prices received for average protein levels in the two lots maximize profit. The calculator is written in Java with Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 components to allow for web-based functionality. A graphical user interface helps users input the price schedule and the mean and standard deviation of grain protein concentration of their fled; the potential increase in profit from segregating the grain into two distinct lots is then calculated. The results of segregation of dark northern spring wheat were used to illustrate the calculator. Based on a 17-yr average high premium price schedule, the effect of mean protein and standard deviation on marginal returns was examined. Revenue from grain segregation was found to be sensitive to three factors within grain production: (i) the average level of a field's protein, (ii) the protein variability within a fled, and (iii) premium schedules being paid in the marketplace. © 2013 by the American Society of Agronomy, 5585 Guilford Road, Madison, WI 53711. All rights reserved.