Changes to mildew visual guides and standards for western Canadian milling wheat

October 7, 2016 – Winnipeg, Manitoba – Canadian Grain Commission

Mildew guidelines will be adjusted in western Canadian milling wheat classes to allow for an increased presence of mildew in the visual guides and standards. These changes are effective immediately, to minimize the financial impact on producers and the grain industry. These changes will have no impact on the quality of products made from Canadian wheat.

Following a two-year study of the impact of mildew on the intrinsic quality of wheat, the Canadian Grain Commission met with the Western Standard Committee’s wheat sub-committee on October 3, 2016. The wheat sub-committee recommended that mildew guides be adjusted immediately. New visual standards are currently being established to reflect increased mildew content in the wheat grades.

Quick facts

• These changes affect these classes: Canada Western Red Spring, Canada Western Hard White Spring, Canada Western Amber Durum, Canada Western Red Winter, Canada Western Soft White Spring, Canada Western Extra Strong, Canada Prairie Spring White, Canada Prairie Spring Red, and Canada Northern Hard Red
• Mildew occurs in kernels that are affected by field fungi that develop under conditions of excessive moisture
• Samples containing kernels affected by mildew are graded according to the degree of soundness definition in the Official Grain Grading Guide
• The study included assessment of falling number, wheat and flour protein, milling yield and water noodle dough colour
• Tests have shown that mildew primarily affects the appearance of wheat
• The effect of mildew on semolina was found to be negligible

Quotes

Related products

• Backgrounder: Study on mildew visual guides and standards for western Canadian milling wheat grades

Associated links

• Primary grade determinants for wheat, Official Grain Grading Guide, chapter 4
• Standard samples: a tool for grain grading
• Western Standards Committee

Contacts

Randy Dennis
Chief Grain Inspector for Canada
Canadian Grain Commission
204-983-2780
randy.dennis@grainscanada.gc.ca

Canadian Grain Commission

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.