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New mildew visual guides and standards for western milling wheat
Mildew guidelines will be adjusted in Western Canadian milling wheat classes to allow for an increased presence of mildew in the visual guides and standards.
October 12, 2016 By Canadian Grain Commission
Following a two-year study of the impact of mildew on the intrinsic quality of wheat, the Canadian Grain Commission met with the Western Standard Committee’s wheat sub-committee on Oct. 3. The wheat sub-committee recommended mildew guides be adjusted immediately with new visual standards currently being established to reflect increased mildew content in the wheat grades.
An announcement from the Canadian Grain Commission said the changes aim to minimize the financial impact on producers and the grain industry. According to the commission, the changes will have no impact on the quality of products made from Canadian wheat.
The following classes will be affected by the new visual guides and standards: Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Hard White Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, Canada Western Red Winter, Canada Western Soft White Spring, Canada Western Extra Strong, Canada Prairie Spring White, Canada Prairie Spring Red, and Canada Northern Hard Red.
“The Canadian Grain Commission recognizes the impact mildew has on the bottom line for wheat producers. This science-based change will put money directly back into the pockets of Canadian producers, while maintaining the quality of wheat classes,” said Jim Smolik, acting chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission.
Mildew occurs in kernels that are affected by field fungi that develop under conditions of excessive moisture. Samples containing kernels affected by mildew are graded according to the degree of soundness definition in the Official Grain Grading Guide.
