Free, unofficial grain grade with Harvest Sample Program

WINNIPEG, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - With this year's harvest starting in Western Canada, producers have until November 1, 2013 to send in a grain sample to get a free unofficial grade and quality information through the Harvest Sample Program. If you haven't participated before, sign up by October 15 to make sure you receive your Harvest Sample Program kit in time to send a sample this fall.

"Our Harvest Sample Program is a voluntary program that gives producers important information about their grain at no cost to them. It also helps promote the sale of Canadian grain by providing customers with scientific information about the quality of this year's harvest," said Elwin Hermanson, Chief Commissioner for the Canadian Grain Commission.

Easy to participate
Participating in the Harvest Sample Program is easy and starts with signing up to receive your free kit, which includes postage-paid envelopes and instructions for sending in your sample.

Producers who send in a grain sample are also eligible to win prizes, and the earlier you send in your samples, the greater your chances of winning.

Quality information for producers
Even if you have a good idea about the quality of your grain, by sending in your sample, you'll also be able to access detailed information, such as:

• 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

New this year, the Canadian Grain Commission is providing dockage assessment for canola samples.

Details about how to access your information online, by phone or email are available on our web site at www.grainscanada.gc.ca.

Market support and research
We use harvest samples to test the quality of the annual crop. Crop data helps with the marketing of Canadian grain to customers. Your harvest samples also contribute to important scientific research into grading issues and finding new uses and markets for Canadian grain.

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
Get a kit
Submit a sample
Your participation is important - Harvest Sample Program

SOURCE: Canadian Grain Commission

Twylla McKendry
Program Manager, Analytical Services
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]