Inspection procedure used to determine shrunken and broken in all classes of wheat

Memorandum No. 2024-14

Background

The Canadian Grain Commission has received inquiries from industry stakeholders regarding the inspection procedure used to determine the percentage of shrunken and broken in wheat. Some stakeholders have requested clarification if a hand sieve could be used as an alternative to the Carter dockage tester. At this time, the only approved procedure used to determine the percentage of shrunken and broken is by using the Carter dockage tester.

The inspection procedure published in the Official Grain Grading Guide and used by the Canadian Grain Commission for all samples at export terminals or received through our submitted/official sample service is as follows:

Description and procedure

Shrunken and broken (SHR, BKN)

Percentages of shrunken and broken kernels are determined from the same representative portion.

Shrunken kernels (SHR)

Shrunken kernels are whole kernels of wheat that pass through a No. 4.5 slotted sieve.

Broken kernels (BKN)

Broken kernels are pieces of wheat that are less than three-quarters of a whole kernel. If the piece is more than three-quarters of a kernel, it is considered whole.

Determine the percentage of shrunken kernels

  1. Using a Boerner-type divider, divide a representative portion of approximately 250 grams (g) from the sample.
  2. Pass the portion through the Carter dockage tester set up as follows:
    Specifications for the Carter dockage tester
    Feed control #5
    Air control Off
    Riddle None
    Top sieve No. 4.5 slotted
    Centre sieve Blank tray
    Bottom sieve None
    Sieve cleaner Off
  3. Separate the shrunken and broken kernels which pass through the sieve and calculate a percentage for each.

Determine the percentage of broken kernels

  • Using a Boerner-type divider and the sieved portion from Step 2, divide a representative portion of approximately 50 g.
  • Handpick broken kernels from the 50 g portion and calculate the percentage.
  • Add this percentage to the percentage of handpicked kernels from Step 3 to determine Total Broken.

Conclusion

The Canadian Grain Commission acknowledges industry concerns related to using alternate inspection equipment. Before any changes can be recommended further study is necessary. Details of upcoming research will be shared at the fall 2024 Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committee meetings.

Contact us

For more information about requirements for condition of grain at delivery, contact our Industry Services Team.

Inquiries

Questions related to this memorandum should be directed to Derek Bunkowsky, Chief Grain Inspector for Canada, at 204-297-8541 or at derek.bunkowsky@grainscanada.gc.ca.

Derek Bunkowsky
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Industry Services