Higher-Quality and More Valuable Grains Through Moisture Control. (Image credit: Hydronix)

Knowing and controlling the moisture content of materials from the introduction of raw ingredients to the packaging of the final product is essential for maximising efficiency, optimising yield, and producing a high-quality, consistent feed product.

Variations in the moisture content of raw materials have historically presented a challenge for feed processors. The moisture levels of raw ingredients fluctuate depending on environmental conditions during harvest, transportation, and storage. Traditional offline testing methods are time-consuming, prone to error, and often fail to represent the material actually flowing through the production process.

The ideal solution is to continuously measure the moisture content of flowing materials and correct variations in real time. In the past, such systems were often complex to operate and required ongoing, costly maintenance. Today, modern, sophisticated, reliable, and affordable moisture sensors make it possible to control moisture levels across the entire process simply and economically.

Why Should You Measure Moisture?

1. Raw materials vary in moisture content, and these variations can lead to weighing discrepancies.
2. Accurate moisture control during the drying process helps prevent both under-drying and over-drying.

Choosing a moisture sensor with a precision of ±0.5% instead of ±1.0% may seem like only a small improvement. However, consider a drying process where the material is reduced from 20.0% moisture to a maximum of 14.0%. In this case, the increased precision of 0.5% can deliver a 7.15% energy saving, assuming the energy input is proportional to the amount of moisture removed.

Where Should Moisture Be Measured?

Moisture control throughout the production process enables the manufacture of higher-quality, more balanced, and more valuable feed. Key measurement points include:

1. Drying for storage – at the outlet of the dryer
2. Milling / tempering – at the inlet of the tempering stage
3. Pelleting / conditioning – during the conditioning process
4. Drying for packaging – at the outlet of the dryer

Key Benefits

By controlling moisture during the weighing of raw materials, producers can more accurately manage the protein content of the final pellet, ensuring superior and consistent product quality.

Additional benefits of effective moisture control include:

1. Increased yield from raw materials
2. Reduced spoilage and material loss
3. Optimised energy usage throughout the process
4. Consistent product quality and nutritional value
5. Improved shelf life and product reliability

Accurate moisture measurement ensures that feed producers can deliver consistent, homogenous products with reliable nutritional performance.

For more information on how advanced moisture measurement can improve your process efficiency and product quality, speak with a Hydronix expert.

Australian Government Review of Horticulture Code of Conduct.

The Australian Government has announced an independent review of the Horticulture Code of Conduct to ensure it remains effective and relevant to the needs of the horticulture sector.

The review will be led by Mr Chris Leptos AO. He will consult with growers, traders, industry representatives and government agencies across the supply chain. A consultation paper will be released to invite feedback and submissions from stakeholders.

Horticulture is Australia’s third largest agricultural industry. Production value is forecast to reach 18.9 billion dollars this financial year, with exports expected to reach 4.4 billion dollars.

The Horticulture Code of Conduct regulates trade between growers and traders of wholesale unprocessed fruit, vegetables, nuts and herbs. It was last reviewed in 2015.

Central wholesale markets are supplied by about 10,000 growers and serviced by more than 400 fruit and vegetable wholesalers. Around 13 million sales transactions take place each year, covering 4 million tonnes of produce valued at more than 8 billion dollars.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, said: “The Horticulture Code of Conduct was designed to protect our growers and traders who are responsible for so much of Australia’s incredible fresh food,” she said. “The horticulture sector has changed since the Code was last reviewed in 2015, and we want to understand if the Code is still fit-for-purpose. This is an important opportunity for growers, traders, and stakeholders from across the horticulture supply chain to have their say and to ensure we continue to improve transparency and accountability.”

Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities, and Treasury, Andrew Leigh MP, said: “Fair competition is the foundation of a strong horticulture sector,” he said. “The Horticulture Code exists to stop unfair dealing and keep the playing field level. From the first handshake to the final invoice, we expect growers and traders to deal in good faith. Strong competition isn’t just good economics—it drives innovation, efficiency, and better outcomes for growers and consumers.”

A final report will be provided to the government by the end of April.

China Becomes Brazil’s Leading Fertiliser Supplier, Surpassing Russia.

China has emerged as Brazil’s largest supplier of fertilisers, marking a significant shift in the country’s agricultural trade landscape.

According to a report, China overtook Russia for the first time after shipping 9.76 million tonnes of fertilisers to Brazil between January and October 2025.

The main products exported were ammonium sulphate and NP based fertiliser formulations containing nitrogen and phosphorus, both essential nutrients for crop development. During the same period, Russia supplied 9.72 million tonnes, maintaining its position as a key strategic partner in Brazil’s fertiliser market.

The sharp rise in imports from China has, however, placed pressure on Brazil’s port infrastructure. A surge of vessels carrying fertiliser cargo led to extended queues at the Port of Paranagua throughout the year. On average, ships waited nearly 60 days before unloading.

"This backlog created a significant logistical bottleneck, putting pressure on the port's operating capacity and increasing costs and demurrage, which is the fee charged when a container, vessel or cargo remains longer than permitted in a port, terminal or depot," the report quoted. 

The congestion has raised concerns among traders and farmers alike, as delays and additional charges can ultimately increase the cost of agricultural production. Efficient fertiliser supply is critical for Brazil, one of the world’s leading agricultural producers, particularly as farmers prepare for major planting seasons.

The report also highlights ongoing challenges in the market. It notes that the exchange ratio between agricultural crops and phosphated fertiliser sources remains unfavourable, meaning farmers are receiving less purchasing power from crop sales when buying fertilisers.

Despite these pressures, fertiliser deliveries across Brazil increased by 9 per cent through August compared with the previous year. Industry analysts suggest that total deliveries could reach a new record in 2025. The state of Rio Grande do Sul is expected to play an important role in shaping the final outcome, largely due to delayed purchasing decisions earlier in the season.

The shift in supplier dynamics reflects broader changes in global trade flows, as Brazil continues to diversify its sources while balancing cost, reliability and long term supply security.

Syngenta Canada's Equento Cereals protect western crops from wireworm.

Syngenta Canada has introduced Equento Cereals, a new seed treatment designed to give cereal growers in Western Canada stronger protection against wireworms and early season diseases.

The product is the first of its kind to combine both contact and systemic activity against wireworms, offering farmers a more effective way to protect crops from one of the region’s most persistent soil pests.
Equento Cereals brings together two insecticides and four fungicides to provide broad and reliable protection for cereal seeds and young plants. At the core of the treatment is PLINAZOLIN technology, a breakthrough active ingredient developed by Syngenta with a novel Group 30 mode of action. This is paired with Group 4 thiamethoxam to enhance insect control and help manage wireworm populations more effectively.

Justin Bouvier, product lead for Seedcare with Syngenta Canada said,“Equento Cereals seed treatment gives growers in Western Canada facing significant wireworm pressure a reliable tool to control populations this season and reduce wireworm populations in the following season.Equento Cereals protects seeds and young plants from wireworm feeding, known to lower plant health and crop yield.”

The contact activity in Equento Cereals works quickly to stop wireworm feeding, while its systemic action helps disrupt the pest’s lifecycle, reducing pressure over time. Alongside insect control, the treatment includes four fungicides that guard against a wide range of seed and soil borne diseases, supporting healthy crop establishment.

Shad Milligan, western technical lead for Seedcare with Syngenta Canada, said,“Equento Cereals delivers the same comprehensive level of disease protection cereal growers have come to expect from Cruiser Vibrance Quattro seed treatment paired with a novel mode of action to control wireworms.”

“With Equento Cereals, farmers can expect even crop emergence and uniform stand establishment, helping mitigate future weed management challenges caused by wireworm damage,” adds Milligan.

Equento Cereals contains six proven active ingredients that also deliver the benefits of Vigor Trigger and Rooting Power, helping crops establish strong roots and achieve a vigorous start. The product will be available in Western Canada for the 2026 growing season, sold either in cases or bulk packaging to suit different farm needs.

The launch marks the first approval of PLINAZOLIN technology for use in Canada. “This is a proud moment for Syngenta Canada,” says Scott Ewert, Head of Seedcare for Syngenta Canada. “Bringing PLINAZOLIN technology to Canada reflects our commitment to investing in breakthrough innovations that keep farmers competitive, productive, and profitable. Our customers entrust us to advance tools and technology that will keep them competitive in a global market.”