The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) Harvest Sample Program monitors hundreds of samples each year to make sure quality standards are upheld in delivered grain. Farmers who sign up and submit samples get the following for free:
–dockage assessment on canola
–unofficial grade
–oil, protein and chlorophyll content for canola
The program also provides protein content on barley, beans, chick peas, lentils, oats, peas and wheat; oil and protein content and iodine value for flaxseed; and oil and protein content for mustard seed and soybeans.
For the CGC, the program provides crop quality data it can share with marketers to promote the sale of Canadian grain. Hot, dry weather through 2018 is likely to reduce overall canola oil content, and the Harvest Sample Program will show the extend of this effect. Details on how to participate.
Why participate? Lane Stockbrugger, who farms at Englefeld, Saskatchewan and is a director with SaskCanola, participates in the Harvest Sample Program every year. “It helps provide a timely and realistic gauge of the quality and spec of grains, not only canola, coming off across the Prairies,” he says. “Our focus is on quality for our buyers worldwide. The CGC and their education, programs and knowledge are another tool in the farmer’s toolbox to help meet the needs of our customer’s worldwide.”