Grainnet

Western (Canada) Standards Committee Recommends Standard Smaples for 2007-08 Crop Year

Winnipeg, MB--The Western Standards Committee (WSC) met on October 30, 2007 to recommend standard samples for the 2007-08 crop year.

It also received updates on grading studies and projects and a presentation on the removal of kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) and the introduction of a new general purpose wheat class.

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) informed WSC members that at the committee’s meeting next spring, it will bring forward specifications for Canada General Purpose wheat for recommendation by the WSC.

The class will be introduced on July 1, 2008 in eastern Canada and on August 1, 2008 in western Canada.

Norm Woodbeck, manager, Quality Assurance Standards and Reinspection, provided the committee a draft grade schedule for the new class.

The CGC is consulting with the industry on the development of specifications for this class.

He also explained how the removal of kernel visual distinguishability, a variety identification tool and registration requirement for western Canadian wheat, will affect the wheat grading system.

The WSC recommended the following new standard samples for the 2007-08 crop year:

Wheat, No. 1 Canada Western Red Spring

Wheat, No. 2 Canada Western Red Spring

Wheat, No. 3 Canada Western Red Spring

Wheat, No. 1 Canada Western Amber Durum

Soybeans, No. 1 Canada Yellow

Peas, No. 1 Canada (Yellow)

Pea Beans (Good natural colour)

Pea Beans (Reasonably good colour)

Pea Beans (Fairly good colour)

The WSC also recommended the following guide for the 2007-08 crop year:

Wheat, No. 1 Canada Western Red Winter (Mildew)

The WSC also received updates on grading studies and projects Received a report on main grading factors evident in the CGC’s 2007 harvest survey.

The WSC recommended that the Barley and Other Cereals Sub-committee proceed with a concept to replace the current malting barley grade schedule with a single grade schedule that would be called Select Malt Barley.

The CGC will present a new grade schedule to the WSC in April 2008. The grade schedule would be introduced on August 1, 2008.

On the recommendation of the Barley and Other Cereals Sub-committee, the WSC recommended a new test weight conversion chart for hulless barley for introduction on August 1, 2008.

Differences in grain density between hulled and hulless barley will produce differences when grams per half-litre (g/0.5 l) are converted to kilograms per hectoliter (kg/hl).

For example, in the current chart, 360g/0.5 l converts to 75.0 kg/hl.

In the new chart, the conversion value will be 73.5 kg/hl.

The CGC is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada’s grain quality standards.

Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity.

The CGC regulates the grain industry to protect producers’ rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

For more information, call Rémi Gosselin at 204-983-2749.