Mean protein levels in Western Canada’s 2013 spring wheat crop could be as much as a percentage point below last year’s crop.
Spring wheat samples submitted to the Canadian Grain Commission’s Harvest Sample Program show preliminary protein levels in No. 1 CWRS wheat ranging from 12.4 percent in northern Alberta to 13.2 percent in southwestern Manitoba.
Last year, mean protein for No. 1 CWRS ranged from a low of 13.1 in northern Manitoba to a high of 14.2 percent in southwestern Manitoba.
Values released last week for the 2013 crop are based on a small number of samples and are expected to change.
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Each year, the CGC releases wheat quality data in three phases.
The first assesses protein content by grade for 10 regions across the West.
As of Sept. 24, sufficient data was available for four of 10 regions.
Preliminary values were listed as follows:
- Region 1 (southwestern Man.) — 13.2 percent based on 60 samples
- Region 6 (northeastern Sask.) — 12.5 percent based on 81 samples
- Region 8 (southern Alta.) — 12.7 percent based on 69 samples
- Region 10 (northern Alta.) — 12.4 percent based on 55 samples.
A complete list of protein values, including the 10-year average for all regions, can be viewed at the CGC’s website.
