The Canadian Grain Commission is shuffling the deck when it comes to winter wheat varieties.
The goal is to ensure higher quality winter wheat can compete successfully in global markets.
Beginning Aug. 1, 2013, five lower quality winter wheat varieties – CDC Kestrel, CDC Clair, CDC Harrier, CDC Falco and CDC Raptor – will be moved to the CW general purpose class from the Canada Western red winter class.
CGC chief commissioner Elwin Hermanson said the agency recognizes that producers grow those particular varieties for a reason.
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“By reclassifying these varieties, we are making sure that the classification system meets the needs of Canadian grain producers,” he said.
The decision to reclassify some CWRW varieties is a response to feedback from farmers and industry. They felt the class should reflect milling quality.
The presence of lower quality varieties in the class was causing problems marketing it abroad.
The CGC’s first response was to divide the class some years ago into two categories: Select, for varieties with a minimum of 11 percent protein and high quality, and Generic, which did not have to meet the protein level and tended to be higher yielding.
Under the change, all Generic varieties will be moved into the CWGP class, while Select varieties will remain in CWRS.
In the meantime, the commission has made a number of interim grade changes to deal with quality issues.
Effective Aug. 1, 2011:
• A minimum grade specification of 11 percent protein for No. 1 and 2 CWRW.
• Creating a new grade No. 3 CWRW for deliveries with less than 11 percent protein.
• Reduce tolerance levels for fusarium- damaged kernels.
