How to choose grain and seed test instruments
By Grant, Inspection Tool Specialists. Reviewed November 2026.
Three things decide which grain or seed instrument you need: whether you need moisture at intake, storage and sale, or a count of seeds or particles, the grains and seeds you handle, and whether readings must be recorded. Answer those first. For how moisture meters work and how to check a grain meter, see our moisture meter guide.
Which instrument?
| Need | Instrument | Typical in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Quick grain moisture checks on the farm | Portable grain moisture meter | M640 grain moisture meter |
| Intake and storage, several grain types | Cup-type grain meter | AM-128GC cup-type grain meter; AM-128G grain meter |
| Grain and granulates with records | Multi-grain moisture meter | STS-1GP grain moisture meter; FS1 series |
| Laboratory-style moisture result | Absolute moisture meter | PCE-GMM 10 |
| Counting seeds or particles | Automatic seed counter | ASC-C Plus seed counter |
Calibration and sampling
A grain meter is only as good as the calibration for the grain you test. Check that your grain is on the meter's list, sample consistently, and check the meter against a reference sample as your procedure requires. Keep the record of each check.
Price guide
As a guide to our current range, including VAT: portable grain meters from about R2,200; cup-type and grain meters from about R6,900 to R8,800; granulate and multi-grain meters from about R15,200 to R15,700; seed counter about R15,400. Prices change, so check the product pages and confirm the calibrations each quote includes.
Questions we will ask you
Tell us the grains or seeds, the moisture range you test, whether you test at intake, storage or sale, whether you need a count, whether readings must be recorded, and the buyer or procedure you work to. With that we can recommend an instrument and provide pricing.