By Dori Modney (@Dori_Modney on Twitter)

Grain farmers urged to prepare for August 1 wheat reclassification

Jun 4, 2018 | 3:33 PM

LETHBRIDGE —  Prairie grain farmers need to be prepared for the upcoming reclassification of 29 wheat varieties and have a plan to market any of their remaining wheat that will transition to a new class on August 1, 2018.
 
The reminder comes from the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat), the Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) and the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA).

The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) announced in February of 2015 that Canadian wheat class would be undergoing a modernization. The reason for the process was to maintain quality, enhance the consistency and support the marketability of Canadian wheat. In December 2015, the CGC the Canada Western Special Purpose wheat classes were announced.
 
On August 1, 25 varieties of wheat currently classified as Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) and four varieties currently classified as Canada Prairie Spring Red (CPSR) will be reclassified into the Canada Northern Hard Red (CNHR) class.
 
The Canadian Grain Commission will not allow a grace period after July 31st.
 
A news release from the Alberta Wheat Commission states, “Producers who have a contracted delivery date after August 1 for a transitioning variety should contact their elevator or grain buyer as soon as possible to ensure their grain will be accepted as CWRS or CPSR. Wheat varieties classified as CNHR are expected to sell at a discount to the CWRS and CPSR classes.”

For more information on the reclassification, go to the Canadian Grain Commission website.