News Release
October 7, 2005

Protecting grain quality when drying and storing grain

WINNIPEG, October 7, 2005 - The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) encourages grain producers to find out how to protect the quality of their crop when they dry and store it on farm this fall.

"Methods used to dry and store grain can affect grain quality," says CGC Chief Commissioner Chris Hamblin. "For producers in some areas, the challenge is to dry damp grain without damaging its quality. For others, it is to take the right steps as soon as the crop is ready to go into the bin. We want to help producers protect what they have worked so hard to grow this year."

The CGC Web site provides information on the most effective ways to dry and store tough and damp grain, Hamblin says. The CGC's Grain Research Laboratory also offers a free testing service for grain dryers used on damp milling wheat.

The Web site includes information prepared by the CGC, as well as links to the Internet sites of other government departments and agricultural agencies. The relevant CGC Web pages can be found at:

• http://grainscanada.gc.ca/Information/drying/dryinginfo-e.htm
• http://grainscanada.gc.ca/Entomology/insect_infestations-e.htm

Hamblin reminds producers that drying and cooling grain can help prevent infestation problems. Large bulks of grain that are stored above 14.5 percent moisture content can develop heated regions within the bulk, and these can then encourage fungal growth. Fungi and heat attract insects in stored grain. Lowering moisture content below 14.5 percent and cooling the grain below +15ºC mitigate insect pest problems in stored product.

The CGC is the federal agency responsible for establishing and maintaining Canada's grain quality standards. Its programs result in shipments of grain that consistently meet contract specifications for quality, safety and quantity. The CGC regulates the grain industry to protect producers' rights and ensure the integrity of grain transactions.

 

Contact:
Canadian Grain Commission
Telephone:  204-983-2748

 

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