Quality of Canadian oilseed-type soybeans 2022

Harvest samples

In 2022, the Canadian Grain Commission’s Harvest Sample Program received 256 soybean samples, 77 less than in 2021 (Table 3). The distribution of samples was:

• 4 from the Maritimes (7 in 2021)
• 155 from eastern Canada (195 in 2021)
• 97 from western Canada (131 in 2021)

Canadian Grain Commission inspectors graded the samples according to the Official Grain Grading Guide. In 2022, almost all of the submitted soybean samples were graded No. 1 or No. 2. The grade distribution was relatively similar between eastern and western Canada, with 99.4% of the samples from the east (Maritimes, Ontario, and Quebec) being graded Soybeans, No. 1 Canada and Soybeans, No. 2 Canada compared to 100 % from the west (Manitoba and Saskatchewan).

Key quality factors for oilseed-type soybeans are the content of oil, protein , free fatty acid (FFA) and chlorophyll and the composition of fatty acids. Oil and protein content give quantitative estimates of soybean oil and of the defatted meal used for protein in animal feed. Fatty acid composition provides information about the nutritional, physical and chemical characteristics of the oil extracted from the beans.

Individual samples were analyzed for oil and protein content using a FOSS DS2500 near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer, calibrated and verified against the appropriate samples analysed by reference methods. Grade composite samples were analysed by reference methods for oil, protein, FFA, chlorophyll and fatty acid composition. Oilseed method and test procedures are available on our website.