[Federal Register: April 27, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 80)] [Notices] [Page 22596] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr27ap99-32] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Official Moisture Meter for Barley, Oats, Long and Medium Grain Rough Rice, Sorghum, and All Classes of Wheat AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is announcing that as of May 1, 1999, and thereafter, all official moisture content measurements of barley, oats, long and medium grain rough rice, sorghum, and all classes of wheat inspected under the United States Grain Standards Act will be made with the Grain Analysis Computer Model 2100 (GAC 2100). Official moisture content measurements of other grains and agricultural commodities that have not yet been given an official transition date will continue to be made with the Motomco Model 919 Moisture Meter until the changeover date for those grains is announced. EFFECTIVE DATE: May 1,1999. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven N. Tanner, Director, Technical Services Division, GIPSA, USDA, 10383 N. Executive Hills Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64153; telephone (816) 891-0401; fax (816) 891- 0478. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) announced the selection of the Grain Analysis Computer Model 2100 (GAC 2100), manufactured by Dickey-john Corporation, Auburn, Illinois, to replace the Motomco Model 919 Moisture Meter for official moisture content measurements in the Federal Register (63 FR 17356) on April 9, 1998. Implementation of the new instruments for official measurements of grains, oilseeds, and processed commodities will continue to be phased in, product by product. For any given product, all official moisture measurements will be performed using the Motomco Model 919 until the transition date for that product; the GAC 2100 will be used exclusively thereafter. Transition dates for each product are being selected to minimize the impact of the changes on the value of carry-over stocks and will be announced by GIPSA through a Notice in the Federal Register prior to the transition. The transition date for barley, oats, long and medium grain rough rice, sorghum, and all classes of wheat is May 1, 1999. The GAC 2100 will be used for all official moisture determinations on these grains after April 30, 1999. Official calibrations for the GAC 2100 to be used with these grains are provided in GIPSA Directive 9180.61, dated May 1, 1999. The transition date for corn, soybeans, and oil-type sunflower seeds was August 1, 1998. Transition dates for other grains and commodities will be announced in the future. GIPSA's decision to use the GAC 2100 for official moisture measurements does not mean that the Agency endorses or recommends this instrument for unofficial purposes over other similar instruments that are not approved for the official system. The Agency's selection of this instrument was based on GIPSA's unique operational needs. Other instrument models may be as suitable or more suitable for a commercial entity's needs. Authority: Pub. L. 94-582, 90 Stat. 2867, as amended (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.); and Secs. 202-208, 60 Stat. 1087, as amended (7 U.S.C. 1621 et seq.). Dated: April 20, 1999. David R. Shipman, Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration. [FR Doc. 99-10393 Filed 4-26-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-EN-P