Not all feed wheat is made equal.
Canada’s grain grading system will formally reflect that for the first time this year.
Until now, wheat that didn’t meet the standards for No. 3 Canada Western red spring was lumped together and called Canada Feed.
Some of that wheat was clearly poor quality, good only for feeding livestock.
But some of it barely failed to make the grade as No. 3, and was still suitable for human consumption.
This year, that wheat could go into a new grade called No. 4 CWRS and be sold as milling wheat, for a better price than Canada Feed.
Read Also
Research looks to control flea beetles with RNAi
A Vancouver agri-tech company wants to give canola growers another weapon in the never-ending battle against flea beetles.
The new grade was introduced by the Canadian Grain Commission Aug. 1 at the request of the Canadian Wheat Board.
But the agency that sells Canada’s wheat says it hopes that doesn’t happen.
“If all goes well with harvest, we won’t have to use it,” said CWB spokesperson Justin Kohlman.
“We’ve got it there if we need it,” said Kohlman. “If it’s poor quality milling wheat, if it’s not really feed wheat, and there are customers that are willing to buy it, then we’d use that No. 4 to market it to them.”
He said the board would also have to assess whether segregation and using the new grade is worthwhile for farmers.
The specifications for the new grade are similar to No. 3, but allow for higher levels of severe and total sprout damage, slightly lower test weight and more visible frost damage.
In previous years, the board sometimes sold better quality feed wheat as milling wheat based on specifications, but without a formal grade designation. However, there was no way of directing any additional returns from those sales to the farmers who delivered it.
Now, if the board decides to use No. 4 in its sales program, the wheat will be graded at the primary elevator and the farmer will be paid accordingly.
The new grade is in effect only for the current crop year and will be reviewed by the Canadian Grain Commission.
