WINNIPEG, Nov. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - If Western Canadian producers intend to sell general purpose wheat for feed, they must declare it as eligible for the Canada Western General Purpose class when they deliver it to a licensed primary elevator, according to the Canadian Grain Commission.
"Mixing classes of wheat could harm Canada's reputation for providing consistent quality grain," explained Daryl Beswitherick, Program Manager, Quality Assurance Standards and Reinspection at the Canadian Grain Commission. "Customers buy grain by grade and class, so any error in assigning grade or class could result in a customer getting a different quality of grain than they expect."
General purpose wheat varieties may be used for animal feed, but "feed" can also refer to a grade name in wheat milling classes. That could lead to general purpose wheat being incorrectly declared as feed wheat at a primary elevator and becoming mixed with milling wheat.
To prevent mixing Canada Western General Purpose wheat with milling wheat graded as Canada Western Feed, the Canadian Grain Commission asks producers to:
- Know your seed. Only varieties on the variety designation lists are eligible to be graded as Canada Western General Purpose wheat or as a milling wheat class. Check variety designation lists to determine which class your wheat variety is eligible for.
- Maintain careful records of your harvest so you know which variety you are growing.
- Declare your class of wheat at delivery. Annually, at every elevator where you deliver wheat, you must sign a form, Declaration of eligibility for delivery of grains and oilseeds. It confirms that the wheat being delivered is eligible for delivery into a specific class. Be ready to verbally declare the class of wheat you are delivering for each subsequent load.
About the Canadian Grain Commission
The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency 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 Canadian Grain Commission regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.
Related information
Declaration of eligibility for delivery of grains and oilseeds form
Variety designation lists
SOURCE: Canadian Grain Commission
Contact
Daryl Beswitherick
Program Manager, Quality Assurance Services
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: 204-983-4627
Email: [email protected]
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