Features Agronomy Harvesting
Canadian Grain Commission seeks harvest samples

July 28, 2015 - Each year, producers across Canada send the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) samples from their harvest.

The Harvest Sample Program is voluntary and is an opportunity to receive a free, unofficial CGC grade and quality results that include:

• Protein content on cereal grains and pulses
• Oil, protein and chlorophyll content for canola
• Oil and protein content and iodine value for flaxseed
• Oil and protein for mustard seed and soybeans

It's important to note the grade provided through the Harvest Sample Program is considered unofficial because the sample size does not meet the minimum weight requirement of 1000 grams, dockage is not retained and the sample isn't collected by a CGC grain inspector.

Even if producers have a good idea of their grain's grade, the CGC encourages them to send in samples as soon as harvest is complete. The information gleaned assists the CGC in making crop quality data available to marketers to promote the sale of Canadian grain.

As well, the samples help the CGC evaluate the effectiveness of grain grading factors, and to determine if changes are needed, such as revising grading factors to reflect processing needs or to protect the quality reputation of Canadian grain. Samples also provide needed information to determine the standard samples that will be used to grade grain for that year.

By sending in samples, producers are also contributing to CGC scientific research. These research projects include finding new uses for grain to help create new markets for product, and to research grading factors and other issues that may affect the end-use quality of Canadian Grain.

For more information or to get your sampling kit, visit the CGC's Harvest Sample Program website.

July 28, 2015  By Janet Kanters