The Canadian Grain Commission is updating its guidelines for the assessment of frost, heat stress and mildew damage in wheat. Beginning in the 2018-19 crop year, individual standard samples for frost/heat stress and mildew will replace the current combined standard samples as the assessment tools for these grading factors in all classes of Western Canadian wheat.

"The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to science-based evaluation as the cornerstone of the grading system," said Patti Miller, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission. "As part of our broader grain grading modernization, this change will help to better meet the evolving needs of the grain industry while safeguarding the quality and reputation of Canadian wheat."

New research conducted by the Canadian Grain Commission has demonstrated that these grading factors do not have a compounding negative effect on the end-use functionality of the wheat.

These updated grading practices were recommended by the Western Standards Committee, which represents stakeholders from across the grain value chain. The changes are being implemented as part of the Canadian Grain Commission's ongoing initiative to modernize Canada's grain grading system.

The new standards for frost, heat stress and mildew will come into effect on August 1, 2018, for Western wheat classes. These changes are not applicable in Eastern wheat classes.