Milling Research

Flour power
It starts with milling

Turning wheat into desirable food products begins with preparation of flour or semolina, processed and refined to the specifications of bakers and pasta makers. Millers using Canadian wheat are assured that the class and grade they use perform consistently under milling conditions unique to their operations.

The Grain Research Laboratory's Wheat Research unit focuses on both flour and semolina milling technology in laboratory and pilot scale plants to understand all aspects of milling quality and to provide this knowledge to millers, customers and marketers. A rigorous commitment to quality control, precision in milling procedures, and techniques that are current and comparable to commercial practices are key to this work.

Specialized equipment

The GRL's milling laboratories are equipped with sophisticated climate-controlled systems to assure repeatable results. Much of the equipment has been extensively modified or custom-built by GRL researchers to enhance performance and flexibility of purpose. Examples of equipment designed at the GRL include laboratory-scale bran finishers, purifiers and sifters. Roller mill stands have been extensively modified and fitted with equipment to monitor power consumption. The pilot mill was designed by the GRL in collaboration with Bühler.

Services and research

The Wheat Research laboratory:

• Develops laboratory-scale and pilot-scale milling procedures to evaluate wheat milling potential
• Supports the development of improved wheat varieties by evaluating the milling quality of advanced wheat breeding lines
• Provides milling quality information to marketers and customers of Canadian wheat by documenting mill test results of annual harvest and cargo shipments and exchanging technical information
• Conducts research to identify intrinsic wheat attributes that are associated with superior milling performance
• Researches the effects of environment on wheat milling performance and advises on changes to CGC grade standards
• Conducts research to identify the impact of milling conditions on flour and semolina properties

Experience and expertise

The Wheat Research unit has a long history of innovation in equipment design and is internationally recognized as a leader in milling research. The unit plays a key role in evaluating advanced breeding lines and assuring the quality of wheat shipments. Staff support market development by actively participating in technical missions to customer countries and by acting as resource people in programs of the Canadian International Grains Institute.

To find out more about our staff, their research and area of expertise, read the biographies for:

Jim Dexter, Program Manager, Milling Research