Western wheat grading updated

Summary#

These are final changes (SOR/2023-159) made by the Canadian Grain Commission to the Canada Grain Regulations. They adjust grading tables for several western wheat classes so the primary grade standards match current export standards for minimum test weight and maximum total foreign material. The rules came into force on August 1, 2023 (or on the day they were registered, if later).

What it does#

• Replaces parts of Schedule 3 — specifically Tables 1 to 6 and Tables 17, 18, 56 and 60 — which set grade specifications for many western wheat classes.
• Raises the minimum test weight (TWT, in kg/hL) for many grades. Examples:
  • No. 1 Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS): 75 → 79
  • No. 2 CWRS: 72 → 77
  • No. 3 CWRS: 69 → 76
  • CW Feed grades (several classes): 65 → 73
• Lowers the allowed maximum for total foreign material (TFM, percent) in several grades. Examples:
  • No. 1 CWRS: 0.6% → 0.4%
  • No. 3 CWRS: 2.4% → 1.3%
  • CW Feed grades (several classes): 10.0% → 5.0%
• The Commission aligned primary and export standards for TWT and TFM where they differed, except it did not change the minimum TWT standard for Canada Western Amber Durum; some TFM limits for that class were changed.

Who's affected#

• Farmers who grow western wheat classes such as Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS), Canada Western Red Winter (CWRW), Canada Western Extra Strong (CWES), Canada Western Soft White Spring (CWSWS), Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD), Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR), Canada Prairie Spring White (CPSW), Canada Western Hard White Spring (CWHWS), and Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR).
• Grain handlers, graders and inspectors who apply the Canada Grain Regulations.
• Exporters, processors and domestic buyers who rely on official grades to set contracts, prices and shipping decisions.
• The broader western Canadian grain sector, including elevator operators and traders.

Why it matters#

• Grades determine whether a shipment meets a buyer’s requirements and can affect the price a farmer receives. Higher minimum test weights and lower foreign-material limits make primary grades stricter and closer to export expectations.
• Aligning primary and export standards reduces differences between domestic and export grading rules. That can simplify grading and reduce surprises at export inspection.
• In practice, some loads that previously met a primary grade may now fail that grade unless they meet the stricter TWT and TFM limits. That could affect marketing decisions, cleaning needs, and potential discounts or rejections. The changes were based on the Commission’s research and consultation with the Western Standards Committee.