Quality of Canadian Soybean, oilseed-type 2019

3. Harvest survey samples

For the 2019 soybean survey of the 386 samples received (402 in 2018), 234 were from eastern Canada (196 in 2018 including central Canada and the Maritimes) and 152 (206 in 2018) from western Canada (Table 3). Canadian Grain Commission inspectors graded these samples according to the Official Grain Grading Guide. In the 2019 survey, 96.4% (82.0% in 2018) of the submitted samples were in the top two grades while 3.6% of the samples graded Soybean, No. 3 Canada and lower. The grade distribution was not quite the same between eastern and western Canada, 98.7% of the samples from the east (Ontario, Québec & Maritimes) were graded Soybean, No. 1 and No. 2 Canada versus 92.8% from the west (Manitoba, Saskatchewan & Alberta).

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 there is a low number of samples 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 (2019 as reported by Statistics Canada) and sample numbers from the area.

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 is 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.