Basic HTML Version
HOSE PAILS IN BIN DOORS ACROSS THE PRAIRIES
hold a lot of power. A single harvest sample can help
an individual farmer negotiate price and delivery for his
grain, but gather enough of those samples and the impact goes
far beyond the farm gate or country elevator.
The Harvest Sample Program (HSP) run by the Canadian
Grain Commission (CGC) and the Harvest Assessment Program
operated by the Canadian International Grains Institute (Cigi)
are paid for in part by farmers through fees and check-off
dollars. In turn, these initiatives give farmers an objective
assessment of their product, help market Canadian crops
worldwide and can even nudge grading factors.
If you’ve ever questioned the grade your grain received at
the local elevator, then consider the Harvest Sample Program
(HSP) a second opinion. Producers can submit samples of
grains and oilseeds to this voluntary program and receive an
unofficial CGC grade, a breakdown of degrading factors, and
a quality analysis that includes protein content of cereals and
pulses, and oil and protein content of canola, flax, mustard and
soybeans. This third-party assessment may provide producers
with leverage when selling their grain.
Linda Schmidt grows wheat, barley, peas and canola near
Manning, AB. With much of the grain from her farm being sold
by producer car, it is important for her to know the grade and
Fall
2014
Grains
West
22
Selling the Canadian harvest with cross-country collaboration
BY SARAH WEIGUM • PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE CANADIAN GRAIN COMMISSION
Feature
T
Subject
to Sample