Non-food grade soybean quality report released

WINNIPEG, March 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Before deciding to buy Canadian soybeans, many customers prefer to review quality data like the Canadian Grain Commission's annual harvest quality report. The 2011 quality report for non-food grade soybeans is now available on the Canadian Grain Commission's web site at www.grainscanada.gc.ca.

"Based on the samples we analyzed, the 2011 soybean crop was of a good quality. Approximately 90% of the samples were graded as Number 1 or Number 2," explains Véronique Barthet, Program Manager of Oilseeds for the Canadian Grain Commission's Grain Research Laboratory.

Researchers looked at the following quality parameters:

• Oil content
• Protein content
• Fatty acid composition
• Free fatty acid content

Harvest quality reports are an important tool to market Canadian soybeans to domestic and export customers.  When crushed, Canadian soybeans produce both oil and a high protein meal.  Soybean oil is used in shortening and margarine products, while the high protein meal is used in feed rations for livestock. It is important for the manufacturer to understand the oil and protein content for production of quality products.

The Canadian Grain Commission is the federal agency responsible 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.

Contact

Véronique Barthet
Program Manager, Oilseeds
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone: [phone]