ARCHIVED - Western Standards Committee recommendations from November 10, 2009

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Standard samples

The Western Standards Committee recommended the following new standard samples for the 2010 crop year:

  • Peas, No. 1 Canada (Yellow)
  • Peas, No. 2 Canada (Yellow)

Standard samples previously adopted for other grades and grains will continue to be used.

Did you know?

Standard samples for a grade of grain provide a visual definition of “degree of soundness” in the Standard of Quality for each grain.

Grading studies and projects

Chlorophyll assessment using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

This project evaluates the use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) technology to measure chlorophyll in canola seed. NIR technology would be used as an alternative to the current method of crushing canola and counting the number of distinctly green seeds.

The Canadian Grain Commission tested the accuracy of the NIR instrument, DICKEY-john Instalab ® 600 and this testing is now complete. In the next phase of the project, the Canadian Grain Commission will purchase 5 NIR instruments and install them in 3 primary and 2 terminal elevators. Participating primary elevators will analyze carlots for chlorophyll content. The same carlots will again be analyzed by a participating terminal elevator. The results from both points will be compared and evaluated to see if they are consistent. The goal is to test a minimum of 500-600 samples.

Merging primary and export wheat tolerances

This project examines the impact of merging primary and export wheat specifications. The Western Standards Committee has created working groups to examine the issue and put forward recommendations at its meeting next spring.

Fusarium-damaged kernels and deoxynivalenol

The Canadian Grain Commission’s Grain Research Laboratory is completing a comprehensive study of the relationship between fusarium-damaged kernels and an increase in the levels of the toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), in all classes of Western Canadian wheat. The Grain Research Laboratory is also evaluating the use of instruments to determine the levels of DON present in fusarium-damaged kernels. The Western Standards Committee has created a working group to examine this issue and provide recommendations at the Committee’s meeting next spring.

Replacing K values with percentage values

The Western Standards Committee will review a report with recommendations to replace K values, or kernel count, with percentage values for all grain types. The report is expected in early spring 2010, with implementation later next year.

Assessing sprout damage using rapid visco analysis technology

This project involves the Canadian Grain Commission working with industry partners to evaluate the use of rapid visco analysis (RVA) technology in assessing sprout damage. These evaluations are completed by on-site staff at locations that include port and primary elevator terminals, industry laboratories and Canadian Grain Commission’s laboratories. To ensure a thorough evaluation is completed, the Canadian Grain Commission has purchased an additional $60,000 in equipment for this project. The Canadian Grain Commission will provide the Western Standards Committee with a report of this evaluation in April 2010.

Main grading factors in the 2009 harvest

Canadian Grain Commission inspection specialists reported that the quality of the 2009 harvest was better than expected. Despite lower than average temperatures between June and August, above average temperatures in September helped extend the growing season, ensuring good crop quality. Based on the Harvest Survey samples received by the Canadian Grain Commission, the majority of samples for all grain types graded in the top 2 grades.

Inspection specialists identified main grading factors in 2009 by grading samples from the Canadian Grain Commission’s Harvest Survey. Factors considered prevalent are those that appear most often in samples graded No. 2, 3 or lower. Other grading factors may also be involved when samples are degraded.

These highlights are based on grading results on Harvest Survey samples as of November 10, 2009.

Wheat

Canada Western Red Spring

Canada Western Amber Durum

Barley and oats

Canada Western Barley

  • Mildew
  • Light weight
  • Wild oats

Canada Western Oats

  • Mildew
  • Light weight
  • Green

Oilseeds

Canola, No. 1 Canada

  • Chlorophyll content is higher than 2008 values.
  • Oil content is higher than 2008 values.
  • Protein content is lower than 2008 values.

Mustard Classes

  • Mainly grading No. 1 and No. 2
  • Higher oil content

Pulse crops

Peas, Canada Green and Yellow

  • Mainly grading No. 1 and No. 2
  • Protein content is lower than 2008 values.

Lentils, Canada Green and Red

  • Mainly grading No. 1 and No. 2
  • Protein content is lower than 2008 values.

Beans, Canada

  • Few samples received to date
  • Mainly grading No. 1 and No. 2