IN THIS ISSUE: JENOPTIK LASERS RoninGMS launches new products into the market

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1 SOLUTIONS REVIEW #6 IN THIS ISSUE: JENOPTIK LASERS RoninGMS launches new products into the market EXTRUSION COOKING How the RVA contributes to understanding your extruded products GENERAL NEWS A look at the upcoming agricultural biotechnology conference RONIN REPORT RoninPFS hosts a well received dearlership conference RONIN SUPPLIES MALAWI RoninGMS supplies MiniGAC units and grading equipment to Malawi COMBINED PROJECT IN ARGENTINA RoninGMS and Ronin Argentina combine forces to install inventory management systems at the AG-Energy installation in Argentina NUMBER CHANGE NOTICE! RoninGMS is changing contact numbers. The new numbers are as follows: TEL: +27 (0) FAX: +27 (0)

2 JENOPTIK LASERS: RONIN LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTS INTO THE MARKET This year RoninGMS is introducing a series of range finding lasers manufactured by Jenna based optics manufacturer Jenoptik into the Southern African market. These laser range finders are rugged, dependable and able to source accurate measurements without the aid of a reflector. The LDM42 is currently incorporated into our ART, ART+ and Artemis in-bin/bunker architectures and also forms part of our AIMS mobile surveying unit. All our solutions are managed via proprietary software packages that source data from the LDM42 range finding laser in order to generate accurate bin profiles and also produce full 3D commodity bulk profiles. These profiles provide our customers with moment in time stock audits thus minimising the risk involved in the storage of bulk commodities in bins, bunkers and on stockpiles. Ronin Independent Surveyors utilises the AIMS mobile surveying rig to perform audits on bulk commodities in warehouses, bins and on stockpiles. In SA ART has an install base of 76 sites and 1470 silo bins. In Argentina the LDM42 lasers forms part of the Artemis system that is installed into flat warehouses and terminal bulk warehouses. We have integrated the LDM42 into all our core solutions with great success and we are confident that any of the units within in the LDM series of laser range finders will enhance your systems accordingly. MEASURE DISTANCE AND SPEED* WITHOUT THE NEED OF A REFLECTOR Jenoptik lasers are especially suitable for industrial applications where distance and speed* measurements are required in a non-contact fashion without the need for reflectors. Jenoptik Distance Metres are ideal for measuring the distance to or from moving and stationary objects. The units depicted above offer serial data interfaces, programmable digital switching output, programmable analog output and an external trigger input making the Jenoptik laser distance metres suitable for a wide range of applications and superbly adaptable to user specific parameters. *Speed measurements are applicable to LDM301 only. Ronin Grain Management Solutions, Ronin Independent Surveyors and Ronin Argentina has successfully integrated the LDM42 Jenoptik laser distance metre into all of their in-bin and bunker architectures and with equal success deployed the laser on the mobile AIMS units. At the core of each of these in-bin or bunker architecture (Fixed: ART, single axis: ART+ & multi-axis: ARTEMIS) and the mobile AIMS unit lies Ronin s proprietary software; specifically developed to interpret the data gathered with the LDM42 and apply it towards the effective risk management of bulk commodities such as grains, sugar and coal and in the case of AIMS and ARTEMIS generate full 3D stockpile profiles. For more information contact our offices on +27 (0) or visit our web site at:

3 THE FINE ART OF INVENTORY MANAGEMENT ART is a revolutionary independent stock management system developed to incorporate all grading criteria and daily transactional information from clients into a complete solution. It s cheaper to be right. ART software functions as the front end to an in-bin laser architecture which provide continued measurements on stock levels inside the grain storage bins or bunkers. All movements within storage bins are recorded on a single bin history page and compared daily with the matching transactions for the relative bin. Contact Ronin Grain Management Solutions for a consultation today. Save time and money. Trust us, it s cheaper to be right. Tel: +27 (0) Fax: +27 (0) High Street, P.O. Box 556, Modderfontein, RSA. office@roningms.com

4 Extrusion cooking is done with an extruder which is a tool that introduces thermal and mechanical energy to food and feed ingredients, forcing the basic components of the ingredients, such as starch and protein, to undergo chemical and physical changes and be formed into predetermined forms and shapes. Simple examples of extruded foods are snacks such as depicted to the right. FUNCTIONS THAT AN EXTRUDER CAN PROVIDE TO THE MANUFACTURER Texture Alteration Grinding Thermal Treatment Hydration Partial Dehydration Expansion Homogenization Shearing Protein Denaturing Mixing Gelatinization Shaping Destruction of microorganisms and toxic compounds ADVANTAGES OF EXTRUSION COOKING Adaptable Defined Product Characteristics Energy Efficient Low Cost New Food/Feed Possibilities High Productivity & Automated Control High Product Quality No Effluent How the RVA Can Contribute to Understanding Extruded Foods and Feeds (B. Elliot, J.M.C. Dang & M.L. Bason) Ready to eat breakfast cereals, snack foods, pet foods, animal feeds, aqua feeds (full and half products), are all products that can be manufactured with a single-or twin screw extruder. Variations in the quality of the final product can be caused by changes in the ingredient quality, water addition rate, barrel temperature, screw speed, motor power, die pressure and wear on the barrel. All these changes must be carefully monitored to avoid down time, losses and waste. Degree of transformation of starch by thermal and mechanical inputs plays a dominant role in determining final product flavour, texture, expansion, binding, digestibility, calorific value, resilience and shelf life. TRANSFORMATIONS IN EXTRUDATES Measuring starch transformation, degree of cook, is a reasonable approach to assess final product quality. Off-line pasting viscometry with the RVA involves re-cooking extrudate and monitoring viscosity changes to provide a rapid measure of starch degradation ( degree of cook ) achieved in the extruder. Starch transformation largely controls expansion, density, cohesiveness, durability and digestibility. Benefits of Using the RVA and the TCW3 Software: Benefits of the RVA Software compatible on all RVA models (except RVA Ezi) Rotational viscometer continuous recording; Paddle (vane) keeps sample in suspension during test, prevents settling Heating and Cooling function for pasting tests Variable shear; Test time ca min for at line testing. Test times can be adjusted to match processing conditions (mini-plant); Independent standards for ISO compliance.

5 Benefits of TCW3 Software SI units (cp) Tabbed interface Real time graph & overlay Customizable, multistep methods and analysis Automation short cuts ER/ES compliant for food and drug safety audits (Electronic Record/ Electronic Signature) Single page report. The following parameters can be analyzed by the RVA to determine how it will influence the extrusion process: Raw material characterisation and effect of formulations on the extrusion process Effect of Cooking Starch Effect of Pre-Conditioner on Starch Effect of different Screw Speeds Effect of Various Temperatures Effect of Water Addition (Increase/Decrease). Troubleshooting; & Product fingerprinting. CONCLUSION Pasting, mechanical and thermal pathways of starch degradation can be observed in the RVA curve, thus it is possible to use RVA paste rheology to asses the degree of cook of an extrudate. The RVA can be used to evaluate all phases of extruded product: raw material, dough, intermediates, dried half-product, final products, off-the-shelf and competitive products. Defining the target RVA parameters of a desirable product could be used to improve products by providing good quality target pasting curves. Manipulate conditions to efficiently achieve or maintain a product quality target: pre-existing product, scale-up, equipment change & new product development. SELECT WEIGH The RVA has advantages in both routine production and routine work. Quality of extruded food products depends largely on starch transformation which can be measured in the RVA for better control of process and product. ABOVE: EXAMPLES OF RVA CURVES. BELOW: THE MINIMAL PREPARATION REQUIRED TO OBTAIN ACCURATE SAMPLE CURVES. MIX Extruded Product Quality Analysis with the RVA for: PLACE INSERT RESULTS Raw Material Testing Product development Scale up & transfer Process control; THE RANGE OF RVA AVAILABLE FROM RVA 4500 RVA TECMASTER RVA STARCHMASTER 2 RVA-EZI

6 The RVA-Ezi is configured to measure pre-harvest rain damage in wheat and barley. It provides a simple 3-minute objective test for grain soundness at receival or at the mill. Reports results in cp, SN (Stirring Number) or FNe (Falling Number equivalent). Tel: +27 (0) Fax: +27 (0) High Street, P.O. Box 556, Modderfontein, RSA. office@roningms.com

7 AGRI BIOTECH CONFERENCE At heart Ronin is a solutions company. Our solutions provide security to our customers by controlling the various risks inherent in the storage of bulk commodities such as grain, sugar and coal. In essence Biotechnology is doing the same by seeking to mitigate the risks inherent in the cultivation of foods. Leading international experts on agricultural biotechnology will present the latest advances in this field and the role that agbiotech plays in economic development at community, national and international levels, during the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC2011) at the Sandton Convention Centre from 6 9 September. Although biotechnology is being used to address problems in all areas of agricultural production and processing, its application has expanded beyond the scope of the agricultural sector. Therefore, ABIC2011 is a very important conference for entrepreneurs, new business developers, and investors to obtain first-hand knowledge of the progress made in this field and the opportunities that exist for further innovation, said Prof Jennifer Thomson, Conference Chairperson. Anyone working in the agricultural, manufacturing, food processing, retail and consumer services sector, should not miss this opportunity to catch a glimpse of what the future of food production looks like and how this technology can benefit food security. Biotechnology covers a vast field and ABIC2011 will focus on the themes of Bioeconomy; Genomics for Improved Agriculture; Bio-based Industrial Products; Biopharming; and Environmental and Food Safety Evaluations. Biotechnology indeed represents a new frontier in agriculture and food production and should be on all our customers radars. To register and for more information on speakers ect. please visit: HIGH ENERGY BILLS? ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY MOVEMENT OF GRAIN CIMBRIA UNITEST 3000W MONITORS: GRAIN TEMPERATURE STORAGE CONDITION STATISTICS GIVING YOU: IN BIN AWARENESS REDUCED INSURANCE LESS BREAKAGES LESS MAINTENANCE

8 GMS SUPPLIES MALAWI Ronin GMS supplies Mini GAC moisture analysers and grain grading equipment to Malawi as part of a foreign funded Initiative In January 2011, Ronin Grain Management Solutions was awarded the tender to deliver 52 DICKEY-john Mini GAC and 15 Mini GAC Plus portable moisture analysers as well as various grain grading equipment to a Foreign Funded Initiative aimed at uplifting the grain handling sector in Malawi. The Initiative is a two-year regional program to promote growth in food staples and food security, working alongside various partners to integrate smallholder farmers into more efficient national and regional markets. This Initiative works in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, the Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi. More than 5,000 farmers in central and southern Malawi will sell to new regional markets via expansion of warehouses that serve as grain bulking centres, thanks to this cost-sharing grant. The upgrade to Chitsosa Trading Company will double the capacity of the current warehouses and train farmers in post-harvest losses and boost crop quality. Chitsosa sells maize, ground nuts and soya to major traders in Malawi and neighbouring Tanzania, making it a secure buyer for smallholder farmers. The expansion will allow it to buy directly from 50 village aggregation centres, while farmer training and new equipment like moisture meters and fumigation sheets will confirm Chitsosa s reputation for quality and allow farmers to get better prices for their crops. This grant program helps move farmers from self-subsistence to wealth creation by connecting them to reliable buyers The equipment was delivered to the project offices in May 2011, and in June 2011 a representative of Ronin Grain Management Solutions travelled to Malawi to ensure that all the instruments arrived safely and to assist with any questions or concerns about the general usage of the equipment. Ronin Grain Management Solutions wishes them great success with this project. We trust that this equipment will aid them in their project to uplift the farmers and the grain handling sector COMBINED RONIN PROJECT RONIN GMS AND RONIN ARGENTINA IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON A COMBINED PROJECT AT THE AG-ENERGY PLANT IN ARGENTINA. Ronin Grain Management Solutions and Ronin Argentina are currently working together on a project at the AG-Energy plant in Argentina. The team is installing laser architectures into the bunkers and bins on the site. The new system will enable the plant to manage both bins and bunkers effectively via our proprietary software interfaces.* *Art & Artemis

9 RONIN ART ALARM INFRARED CCTV CAMERAS MOTION DETECTORS SECURITY BEAMS 24 HOUR BATTERY OPERATION SILENT SMS ALARM HEAD OFFICE AWARENESS STOP AFTER-HOURS GRAIN THEFT! STOP after-hours grain theft with the Ronin ART-Alarm Security Solution. ART-Alarm is a Robust, reliable and cost effective system designed to operate unobtrusively in all weather conditions. The system was developed to operate independently from external power supply for over 24 hours and utilises infrared cameras and motion sensors placed at key points around the silo to ensure that your grain remains secure. ART-Alarm is designed to interface with Ronin s Art software and thus offers head office awareness of after-hour movements of grain and will also send out a silent alarm whenever movement is detected at key points around the silo. Video recorded is instantly viewable online. Contact Ronin GMS for a quotation and STOP after-hour losses today. Tel: +27 (0) Fax: +27 (0) High Street, P.O. Box 556, Modderfontein, RSA. office@roningms.com

10 RONINPFS RE-SELLERS CONFERENCE On the 6th of May this year Ronin Precision Farming hosted a re-sellers conference that was spread over two days. Dealers from all over the country attended. The re-sellers conference held on the 6th to the 7th of May 2011 at Champetre Conference Centre and Day Spa in Modderfontein was well attended and proved to be a resounding success. The purpose of the conference was to familiarise the re-sellers not only with our range of products but with RoninPFS as well. Re-sellers were given a thorough introduction to RoninPFS, it s staff and the range of products on offer. Speakers were Andrew Gutherless, Edward Herridge, Rudi Du Toit, Jaco Viviers and Piet Nel. Afterwards dinner was served followed by drinks. The next day the delegates visited Manjoh Ranch to view the Great Plains Planter utilising the Dicky-john VT Tru-Clutch and Swath Control. The tractor was also equiped with Trimble Autopilot with Tru-guide, all of which was installed by RoninPFS. FmX Skerm. Geintegreerde skerm vir meerdoelige applikasies EZ-GUIDE 250/500 LIGHTBAR Ceres 8000i. Bekostigbare opbrengs moniteering Trimble CFX-750. Die nuutste skerm van Trimble met Lightbar PM300/PM300E. Die volgende generasie van planter moniteering WE PROVIDE RTK NETWORKS IN SOUTH AFRICA RoninPFS is a progressive company that provides cutting edge precision farming systems to the South African agricultural sector. RoninPFS is the approved dealer for Trimble, Dickey-John, Farmworks, Weedseeker, Greenseeker and RDS in South Africa. or contact us on: Tel: +27 (0) Fax: +27 (0) office@roninpfs.com NOTICE: THE JOHN DEERE ISO JD G2 DISPLAY CAN BE ADJUSTED BY US TO DO VARIABLE RATE AT NO EXTRA COST.

11 COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION FOR GRAIN AND SEED ANALYSIS Precision NIR analyser for Agriculture, Food, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries. (Bulk Density Optional) The BRUINS AGRICHECK is perfect for whole grain and seed analysis including: Corn, Soy, Rice, Wheat, Barley, etc. Universal calibrations are available for protein, moisture, fat, starch, fibre, gluten and sedimentation. RESEARCH GRADE PRECISION WITH INDUSTRIAL GRADE RELIABILITY Tel: +27 (0) Fax: +27 (0) High Street, P.O. Box 556, Modderfontein, RSA.