The 2024 Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat crop in western Canada has been hailed for its excellent milling performance, solidifying its status as the largest class of wheat grown in the region according to Statistics Canada.
Known for its high flour yield, low ash content, and minimal protein loss during milling, CWRS wheat continues to be ideal for producing high-quality pan bread and a diverse range of other baked goods, including hearth breads, flatbreads, and noodles.
In 2024, the CWRS crop demonstrated outstanding quality, with 94% of the crop grading into the top two categories. The majority of No. 2 grade wheat was downgraded due to hard vitreous kernels (HVK) falling below the 65% threshold, but overall, the quality of the crop remained exceptional. Protein content averaged 14.1%, slightly above the 10-year average of 13.8%, reinforcing CWRS wheat’s reputation for high-protein content and strong gluten strength.
Quality Indicators
- Grade Distribution: 94% of the crop was graded as No. 1 or No. 2.
- Protein Content: The mean protein content was 14.1%.
- Deoxynivalenol (DON): 99.0% of CWRS samples had DON levels below 1.0 ppm, indicating safe and sound wheat.
- Falling Number (FN): 89% of samples had FN values greater than 350 seconds, signaling excellent dough strength and milling potential.
Varieties and Acreage
AAC Brandon remained the top CWRS variety grown in 2024, but its acreage declined as newer varieties gained popularity. Varieties such as AAC Wheatland, AAC Starbuck, AAC Hodge, and AAC Hockley saw significant increases in acreage. These newer varieties are contributing to improved milling and functional quality, making them highly sought after by growers and millers alike.
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