Wheat in Australia - Coursework Example

Wheat in Australia Wheat in Australia Introduction Australia remains to be one of the major wheat exports in the world due to the large number of people that are in involved in the farming (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2012). Since the consumption of the commodity in the world has increased over the years, there is a need to concentrate on the economic activity, as it will enhance the balance of trade. Evidently, a number of aspects have led to an augmentation in the demand for wheat. First, the change in the climatic conditions has led to a redefinition of the food products that are consumed in the world as populations look for substitutes. Consequently, production of some grains in the globe has reduced adversely, and this calls for an immediate action to correct the situation. Secondly, the need for animal feed has increased with time due to the effectiveness in animal rearing (Paterson, 2014). Thus, the world needs to increase the production of substitutes so that there is food security for animals. Lastly, the wheat is used in production of ethanol, which is an economic activity that sustains the livelihoods of many people across the nation. Concisely, many people are involved in the production of ethanol for industrial purposes while other uses it in production of alcohol and beverages (Hoekstra and Chapagain, 2011). Therefore, there is a constant demand that has increased over time, and this calls for ultimate reaction from the producers of the products. Therefore, this paper will primarily focus on the production of wheat in Australia, the manufacturing process, quality assurance management and the involvement of regulators in the trade. Processing of the Product The most important process to make wheat flour is milling, as it turns the raw inputs into finished products. Thus, the grain chains explain the various steps that are used by millers to provide the products to the market. Apparently, it is noted that different part of the wheat grain are used for distinct types of products that are consumed by the market. However, it is critical that farmers that produce the grains ought to consider the quality of their deliveries since it has an effect on the value of the product. For example, high-quality raw inputs will result to higher quality products that are rich in minerals such as vitamins. Concisely, all the other processes ought to be executed with precision because they will affect the worth of the output. For example, the moisture of the grains should be maintained at specified limits, as this will affect the quality of the floor. Additionally, the wheat grains ought to be died periodically before they are dispatched to the millers. In fact, the dried inputs should have a specified weight so that the manufactures can ascertain their quality before they are stored in the silos. Nevertheless, some additional inspections are to be done so that the millers can confirm the appropriateness to use the inputs in the production. Thus, they have to follow the specified steps that will be mentioned below so that the production of output is not jeopardised at any point. Delivery and Storage Farmers have specific harvesting seasons of the commodity, and this will affect the delivery to the millers. Thus, the millers have to construct ample storage facilities so that they can store all the wheat that is brought to their stations. Evidently, many of the farmers may not have the appropriate storage facilities, and this can affect the quality of the products. Apparently, a number of aspects have to be considered before the grains are delivered to the firm. First, the moisture content of the wheat will define the amount of time that it can be stored before it is taken to the milling machines (Australia, 2010). Secondly, the grains with higher weight are considered better as they contain the ingredients that are needed. For example, the quality of the proteins in the grain will define the appropriate purpose of the flour, especially if it is meant for baking purposes. Cleaning and Conditioning After the wheat has been delivered to the millers, it is important to ensure the grains do not contain any other objects that may destroy the milling machines. To ensure the produce does not have such materials, magnets and metal detectors are used to retrieve metallic objects. Additionally, the wheat grain is passed through machines that remove stones and rocks, and the wheat is cleaning by use of air currents so that dust and chuff is removed. Similarly, the millers use water to condition the grains so that the outer pericarp is soft, which makes it easy to remove the floury endosperm in the subsequent process. Gristing Gristing is a critical process that ensures the conditioned wheat grains are blended with other produces from different deliveries. In fact, this is important since the firm has to grind colossal amounts of the grains collected from different people since a single farmer may not have the capacity to serve the entire company (Henzell, 2007). Accordingly, this process is also crucial since it allows the millers to produce flours of different kinds after the distinction of the various types of grains. Additionally, the millers have to add Wheat Gluten so that the protein content is improved. Milling The integral part of the process is milling, as it defines the quality of the produce since it involved braking, sifting and rolling the grains to define the colour and consistency of the produce. In this stage, the grist is passed through series of rotating rollers that shear the grain to open. In fact, the rollers move at different speeds and are maintained in specified positions so that they do not crash the wheat grains (Saunders, Davis, Pearce and Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, 2012). After the grain is opened by the machinery, the inner potion, which is predominantly white, is separated from the outer skins. Consequently, the wheat grains are received in two parts, although they are mixed. Thus, to separate the two, the fragments are passed through multiple sieves that place the contents in two distinct parts. After the process, the endosperms subdivisions are transferred to a series of rolls that grind the particles into soft flour. To enhance the process, smooth rolls are used to make the flour even much softer. Apparently, some of the pieces of the bran that are attached to the endosperm are course, and they are channelled into a separate container. To achieve a second grade of flour, the process of opening, shearing, and sieving is repeated to retrieve the produce. However, a number of aspects ought to be understood in the milling process. First, the subsequent milling of the wheat after the initial process leads to myriads of flour streams that contain white flour, bran and wheat germ. Secondly, the flour that is considered ultimate white comes from the initial process since all the proportions that are not white have been eradicated. Thirdly, the whiteness of the flour continues to reduce since the bran particles are engaged with every additional passage through the machinery (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2012). Lastly, brown flour is also produced in the process, but the mixture of the white flour and portions are retrieved from the other segments that have been channelled from the subsequent streams. Contrastingly, it is noted that all the streams should be mixed to provide whole meal flour, which is considered healthier since it has all the portions of ingredients. Packing The ultimate activity after harvesting, delivery, storage, cleaning, conditioning, Gristing and milling is packaging. Evidently, this is an integral part that defines the products that ought to be transported to the market for human consumption. In fact, the company has to define the various strategies that will be used to package the products so that they are attractive and can be appreciated in the market. Incidentally, the process channels different grades of the wheat flour, and they are defined by the quality (Fuhrer and Gregory, 2014). Thus, the white flour has more value than the other products that have been channelled in the subsequent production avenues. On fact, the modern industries have engaged a digitalised machine that projects the expiry date of the flour and it indicates on the packages before they are released to the market. The grading of the product defines the value that will be demanded in the market, and this is the reason for differentiation of the segments. First, the white flour is used in the manufacture of other products such as bread, biscuits, cake and confectionery. Secondly, the subsequent flour is used to manufacture other types of bread, although they are termed as healthy foods since they have the additional ingredients that are not available in the white flour. Lastly, the remaining components are used as animal feed because they provide the important nutrients that keep animals healthy (Zaicou-Kunesch and Western Australia, 2010). Apparently, the manufacturing process is configured to minimise the waste materials though most of the components of the grain are put to use. Quality parameters in the production The quality of wheat that is produced in Australia is a key factor that ought to be given priority (Holt, Reed and C.A.B. International, 2006). Evidently, the production criteria will have an effect on the value of the products, and this will define the demand for the same. Primarily, the market needs superior products that have been manufactured through the standard procedures and are treated according to the stated procedures. To enhance the quality production in the country, a number of institutions have been incepted so that they can provide guidance to the farmers and provide the necessary help at all times. In fact, this has been instrumental to augment the worth of the commodity as it has improved over the past periods (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2012). Apparently, the involved parties provide the various parameters that have been tested, researched and implemented in the other areas that are dominant producers of the grains. For example, the induction of the Australian Food Security Centre has been an instrumental strategy as it gives the farmers and prospective producers the help they need to enhance the production of the commodity. Thus, the collective efforts from various divisions have helped to enhance the quality and quantity production in the nation to enhance availability of the merchandise. In the past, the state government was instrumental in wheat farming through provision of financial assistance and grant so that the farmers had leverage in the business. In fact, the administration ensured that there was price ceiling such that the farmers would receive a minimum amount of cash that is certain after the harvest (Grain Growers Association, 2000). Additionally, the state leadership was instrumental to help in the investment, handling, and storage of the products so that the quality does not deteriorate in the subsequent stages. Contrastingly, the leadership of the country is not longer concentrated in these activities, and the farmers have to ensure they sustain their wheat farming through their devices. Apparently, the government is the ultimate regulatory body that ensures the products that are produced are in accordance with the standards that are outlined (Chapman and Hodges, 2010). For example, the government is involved in periodic researches and development of products that can be grown in harsh environments. Primarily, the institutionalisations of various bodies that concentrate on the issues related to wheat farming are instrumental to provide solutions, and this has helped augment the trade. For example, the introduction of the grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation as well as other state-based organisations are involved in the economic activity so that they can enhance the quality production (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2012). Additionally, the government involves universities and other research organisations to define the best approaches that ought to be engaged to enhance the production of the commodity. Accordingly, the climatic changes have affected the produces in the world, and the need for drought resistant crops is fundamental. Thus, the leaders play a greater role as they initiate the various avenues to provide high-quality seeds that can be planted to produce high-quality wheat. Evidently, the high-quality seedlings will take limited time to mature, and they will have all the possible ingredients that should be contained in the grains. Additionally, the government sets the standards that are acceptable in the market, so that the farmers are commit to offering valued grains in the market (BRI Australia Limited, 2005). Apparently, with the indulgence of high-value wheat, the production of white flour will be higher, which leads to higher profitability. However, low-quality input leads to the production of minimal amounts of white flour, and this results to low profitability since the demand for the output is limited. Additionally, the government has initiated various avenues s that it is involved in the storage, handling, and transportation by vetting the qualified personnel that will execute the numerous responsibilities. Consumer Requirements in the Grain Consumers use the product after it has gone through the entire manufacturing process, and they have to pay for what they need. Apparently, the market has different segments of clients who have distinctive needs that ought to be satisfied. In fact, the ostensible reason for production of wheat is to serve people and provide food for animals. Thus, it is important to consider the requirements of the consumers in the products. First, it is important to consider the individuals that use wheat flour in production of bread, biscuits, cake and confectionery in bakeries. Such clients need high-quality wheat flour, which is mostly white so that they can serve their immediate customers with high-quality food (Botterill, 2012). Additionally, homesteads need the same grade of flour to use in their family settings, and this should be served according to their preferences. Secondly, some customers feel that they need food items that have myriads of minerals since they are regarded as healthy consumables. In this case, the production processes need to produce merchandises that will meet the demands of the customers including the whole meal wheat flour. Thirdly, some individuals use the additional products from the milling process to feed their farm animals. This is important since they need the products that may not harm their farms, and this should be the basis of quality production. Thus, the firms have myriads of customers with distinct needs, and they ought to be served in accordance with their choice. Importance of the Quality Parameters Quality parameters are important in Australia as they have myriads of benefits. First, there is increased productivity since the methods that are used in farming have been tested. Evidently, research and development has helped farmers to define the best approaches to farming, and this has enhanced the production in large amounts (Department of Environment and Primary Industries, 2012). Secondly, the parameters ensure the country can compete against the other producers in the world. Precisely, globalisation has ensured many nations compete in a defined market and they ought to sell their produce to the consumers. Evidently, the individuals that have high-quality produce will have an upper hand, as they will attract more customers. Thus, they will have more revenue, which will result to high profitability. Eventually, they will have ample resources that can be used to improve the trade. Thirdly, the approach will define better customer service as they will be contented with the produce (Lal, Hobbs and Uphoff, 2004). Consequently, clients in the market look for distributors that provide reliable outputs so that they can use in their subsequent businesses. Thus, they will have loyalty to the people that are experienced in the industry since they provide the services that are highly rated. Therefore, the Australian wheat production industry needs to define the quality parameters that ought to be implemented in the trade so that the country has leverage over the other producers of the commodity, and this will enhance its economic performance in the world. Producers’ Role in the Quality Parameters Producers in wheat production have an ultimate role to define the quality outputs in Australia. Thus, they need to be involved in the various processes so that the products are satisfactory. For example, they need to work in collaboration with farmers and form alliances so that the produce is consistent. For example, they need to work with various modalities so that the climate change will not affect the quality and quantity of production. For example, the decrease in the rainfall should not affect the farmers, as they need to initiate irrigation methods when the situation exacerbates (Taylor, Koo and North Dakota State University, 2011). Additionally, the producers have to define the quality of seedlings that are used by the farmers because it has an effect on the quality of production. For illustration, provision of tested plantlets to be used by the farmers is an appropriate approach, as it will define consistency in the production. Notwithstanding, the government’s involvement in the trade is crucial as it regulates the quality of production. For example, the government can institutionalise mechanism that will be used to grade the products when they are provided in the market. Nevertheless, the supply chains should be regulated so that the products that are supplied in the market are satisfactory. In fact, the supply chains can introduce substandard products in the market with profitability motive, and this will downgrade the trade. Contrarily, the government can define alternative quality assurance of the product through involvement of independent bodies. Since the firms will not be affiliated to the government, they will have an advantage, as they will set the required standards. Conclusion In conclusion, wheat farming in Australia is a progressive economic activity that is practiced by a large number of farmers. Apparently, the government is instrumental in the regulation of the products as if defines the quality assurance measures. However, it has limited indulgence in the activities as some of the affiliations are mandated to perform such duties. Apparently, processing of wheat is critical as it solves the problem of food security and sustainability. Additionally, the other products are used to feed animals, and it shows that the grain farming is important. Contrastingly, there is a need to institute various methods that can be used to improve the quality of production. Although a number of institutions have been engaged to conduct research, it is important to focus on strategies that will improve the entire activity. 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W., & North Dakota State University. (2011). 2011 outlook of the U.S. and world wheat industries, 2010-2020. Fargo, N.D: Centre for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies, Dept. of Agribusiness and Applied Economics, North Dakota State University. Zaicou-Kunesch, C. M., & Western Australia. (2010). Wheat variety guide 2010 Western Australia. South Perth, W.A.: Dept. of Agriculture and Food. Read More