The Canadian Grain Commission is changing its assessment of how darkened kernels affect the grade of durum wheat.
Durum is one of the only crops where grades this year are below average.
The Saskatchewan crop report estimates that only 23 per cent of this year’s durum crop falls in the top grade.
Thirty-two per cent is No. 2 Canada Western Amber Durum, while 34 per cent is No. 3 and 11 per cent is No. 4 and 5.
The Canadian Grain Commission and the grain industry are seeing a significant number of durum samples with darkened kernels, which is impacting the grade.
Recent research conducted by the Grain Research Lab at the Canadian Grain Commission has demonstrated that darkened kernels are not as detrimental to durum semolina quality as severe midge damaged kernels.
Therefore, effective immediately, darkened kernels are to be considered as smudge and not severe midge damage.
To make the determination, kernels need to be cut and examined to see if the discoloration penetrates a cross section of the endosperm. A full explanation and photos are on the Canadian Grain Commission website.
The tolerance for smudge is a much higher percentage than severe midge so the grading assessment change should improve the grade on a many durum samples.
