An automated machine is used to handle and manipulate individual pieces (14) of particulate matter (16). The particulate matter is contained in a bin (12). The machine operates to pick single individual pieces of the particulate matter from the bin. The picked individual pieces are then conveyed for further handling. Pneumatic transport is primarily used for the conveying operation. One aspect of the handling involves individually weighing (28) each piece of the picked particulate matters. Another aspect of the handling involves sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter into a plurality of receptacles (34). Yet another aspect of the handling involves both weighing (28) and then sorting the individual pieces of particulate matter, wherein the sorting operation may be performed based upon the measured weight (26) of each piece.