Grain commission makes grading changes

Jun 14, 2024

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is making several grain grading changes for the new crop year.

This follows consultation with sector partners and members of the Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committee.

CGC Chief Commissioner David Hunt said the changes will allow Canada’s quality assurance system to better meet the needs of the grain sector in Canada and grain buyers around the world.

“The Canadian Grain Commission values stakeholder input and is implementing these changes based on feedback from the sector. They will support continued growth and Canada’s reputation as a dependable source of high-quality grain.”

One change is the new variety designation lists for food barley. Food barley varieties are unique and different from malting or feed barley varieties due to the distinct quality features desired for food, such as high beta-glucans.

To ensure Canadian producers and the agriculture sector can realize the benefits of developing and growing these varieties, the commission is creating variety designation lists for Barley – Canada Eastern Food, which will take effect on July 1 and Barley – Canada Western Food, which will take effect on Aug. 1.

As part of the grain grading modernization project, the Official Grain Grading Guide will be updated to clarify the assessment of seed coat discolouration in soybeans, starting Aug. 1.

The changes include updates to definitions and grade determination tables for factors related to soybean staining. New photographs will be added to the web version of the guide to help with the evaluation of seed coat discolouration.

Grade determination tables are being changed to be clearer, user friendly and accessible. Effective Aug. 1, grain grades will be moved to a vertical format and grain grading factors will be listed horizontally. The only change will be to the formatting and won’t change any grading factors or tolerances.

The new and previous versions of the tables will be available in the online version of the Official Grain Grading Guide for at least six months to help with the transition.

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Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.