Infrared technology is being used to help improve the quality of Canadian wheat.
The Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi) has purchased a Swedish machine called a BoMill Sorting System that separates wheat based on chemical composition.
The machine is set up at the University of Saskatchewan facility in North Battleford.
Cigi's Vice President of Research and Innovation Rex Newkirk says the technology was especially useful this year, which had plenty of fusarium damaged wheat.
"This would be the year that would pay back the machine very quickly," he said. "We've also used it in past years for sorting other things. So for example in durum last year we had problems with some HBK being lower, and some of the wheat being lower protein and the machine was able to sort that and make a higher HBK so you could get a number one grade out of durum, for example. So even in years when you don't have fusarium issues, and I believe fusarium is with us to stay...,there's other things you can use this technology to sort for as well."
The machine was on display recently at workshop that involved farmers, seed cleaning companies, grain companies, and BoMill company representatives.
Newkirk notes the unit is able to sort about 120 bushels per hour.