Quality of western Canadian wheat 2007

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Summary

Wet spring weather patterns have had a great influence on the growing seasons during the past two years and 2007 continued this trend. Central Alberta and north-eastern Saskatchewan received heavy rains during the spring planting season which resulted in significant reduction in sown area. The southern Prairies, conversely, were dry during the spring, which resulted in early planting of spring wheat and durum in the region. Crop conditions at the end of June were mostly good to excellent. Above normal temperatures moved into the western areas of the Prairies during early July and migrated to eastern regions by the middle of the month. Temperature records were set in a number of locations in Alberta and Saskatchewan during July. Cooler weather returned to the Prairies by the middle of August, with some scattered frosts reported in Alberta and Saskatchewan before the end of the month.

The spring wheat harvest was underway by the middle of August. Harvesting was complete in the southern Prairies by the first week of September, due to mostly dry weather during the month of August. Central and northern areas of the Prairies received cooler temperatures and more rainfall during August and September, which caused harvesting delays. The northern growing areas finished the harvest by mid-October. The hot dry weather during July resulted in below average yields for wheat and durum.

Spring wheat production levels are estimated at 13.9 million tonnes by Statistics Canada [1], a dramatic decrease from 18.8 million tonnes last year. Durum wheat production is estimated at 3.6 million tonnes, an increase of 268,000 tonnes over 2006.

Overall protein content of Canada Western Red Spring wheat, at 14.2 %, is 0.8% higher than last year. High grade Canada Western Red Spring wheat shows lower test weight, smaller seed size, similar wheat falling number, lower absorption and slightly weaker farinograph dough properties relative to last year. Extensograph and alveograph show strength slightly lower than last year, but generally comparable to the 10-year average values. Overall protein content of Canada Western Amber Durum wheat is considerably higher this year at 14.1%. High grade Canada Western Amber Durum wheat shows good falling number values indicative of sound kernel characteristics, semolina yield comparable to last year and improved gluten strength relative to the long term average.

Methodology used to obtain quality data is described in a separate report available on the Canadian Grain Commission web site.

[1] Statistics Canada, Field Crop Reporting Series, Vol. 86, No. 7, Oct. 7, 2007.

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