Canadian Grain Commission
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Mixed grain – Chapter 9
Official Grain Grading Guide



Grading

Important definitions

Net weight of sample

The sample after cleaning and removal of dockage is referred to as the cleaned sample. Its weight is the net weight of the sample. For grading, percentages by weight refer to percentages of the net weight.

Hazardous substances in samples

Wear gloves and a mask to handle any samples that you suspect may contain hazardous substances. Hazardous substances are defined in the Regulationsas “any pesticide, herbicide, dessicant or inoculant.”

Representative portion for grading

All grading is done on representative portions divided down from the cleaned sample, using a Boerner-type divider.

Values in the following table represent a range of recommended portions of samples for grading. Refer to definition of “Representative portion” in the glossary for a complete description of the terms “Minimum”, “Optimum” and “Export”.

Representative portion of mixed grain for grading, grams
Grading factor Minimum Optimum Export
Broken 25 50 50
Ergot 500 1000 1000
Excreta working sample working sample working sample
Fireburnt 500 working sample working sample
Fusarium damage 25 100 100
Heated 25 100 100
Large seeds 100 250 working sample
Sclerotinia sclerotiorum 500 1000 1000
Soft earth pellets working sample working sample working sample
Stones 500 1000 1000