Quality of Canadian Soybean, oilseed-type 2017

3. Harvest survey samples

For the 2017 soybean survey 437 samples were received, 288 from eastern Canada and 149 from western Canada. Canadian Grain Commission inspectors graded these samples according to the Official Grain Grading Guide. In the 2017 survey, 97.7% of the submitted samples were in the top 2 grades. A few samples (2.3%) were graded Soybean, No. 3 Canada and lower.

Individual samples were analyzed for oil and protein content using either a FOSS NIRSystems 6500 or a DS2500 near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, calibrated and verified against the appropriate laboratory reference method. Grade composite samples were analyzed by reference methods for oil, protein, fatty acid composition and free fatty acids. The reference procedures are listed under Oilseeds Methods.

The data presented in this report for areas where a low number of samples were received might not reflect the true quality of the crop. The average data presented in this report were weighted using a combination of provincial production data as reported by Statistics Canada.

There are two major types of soybeans grown in Canada: those commonly referred to as oilseed-type beans ("crush" or non-food grade) and food grade beans (used for tofu and other soy products). This report deals with the oilseed-type soybean samples used for the feed or crushing industry.

Oilseed-type soybeans are grown to produce oil and high-protein meal. Soybean oil is used in salad oil, shortening and margarine products. Defatted soybean meal are protein supplement in livestock rations. Key quality factors for oilseed soybeans are oil content, protein content, and fatty acid composition. Oil and protein content give quantitative estimates of the beans as a source of oil, and of the defatted meal as a source of protein for animal feed. Fatty acid composition provides information about the nutritional, physical and chemical characteristics of the oil extracted from the beans.