Reference #181                                Dated: 11/29/99


TO:            FGIS POLICY BULLETIN BOARD           11/29/99

FROM:          David Orr, Director
               Field Management Division

SUBJECT:       Grading Sorghum Samples Affected by Ergot

ORIGINATING OFFICE: Standards and Procedures Branch


This policy bulletin provides guidance regarding the grading and
certification of sorghum samples which are extremely sticky and
lumpy due to ergot.

The Wichita Field Office reported an unusual situation with
sorghum in their area.  The sorghum is affected by ergot and was
harvested in the syrup or honeydew stage. When this occurs, the
sorghum is very sticky and lumpy.  When this happens, it is 
difficult to sample and divide/analyze the sample.  Because of
this unusual condition, we have determined it is best to consider
samples like this as Distinctly Low Quality [DLQ].  Consequently,
these unusually sticky samples will grade as U.S. sample grade.

Please forward this information to the agencies in your circuit
which grade sorghum.

Please direct any questions regarding this policy bulletin to the
Standards and Procedures Branch.

Contact the Board of Appeals and Review (BAR) if you need a
specimen of the affected sample.