The Canadian Grain Commission pushed back its cut-off date for its Harvest Sample Program to December 30 because of late crops. .“We have extended the deadline for harvest sample submissions to make sure as many producers as possible can take advantage of the program,” said Canadian Grain Commission Chief Commissioner Doug Chorney in a Wednesday press release. .“Having quality results in hand before they deliver their grain will help inform their marketing decisions, while helping us share Canadian crop quality with the world.” .Market Place Commodities President Jim Beusekom said any way for farmers to know the quality of their commodities is important. ."Take advantage of that," said Beusekom. ."There's no negatives to it." .Once producers know what they have produced with actual grades, Beusekom said they can market it accordingly. He said people should support grain farmers because it is their primary source of food. .The release said a later harvest across most of the Prairies might have grain farmers wondering how their product quality has been affected. .Through the Harvest Sample Program, producers receive an unofficial grade and quality information for their crop to help them make delivery decisions. The release said this year will be the first time the Canadian Grain Commission offers dockage assessments for mustard and canola samples. .Harvest samples are used to generate crop quality data marketers can rely on to promote Canadian grain. The information confirms Canada’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality grain every year. .Producers who are not registered for the Harvest Sample Program and want to participate for the 2022 harvest have until December 12 to register online at www.grainscanada.gc.ca/hsp. There is no charge to participate, and registered participants have until December 30 to send in samples taken from their crops. .Alberta farms saw crop yields 10% higher than the five-year average for the 2022 growing season, according to an October 27 provincial government crop report. .READ MORE: Alberta harvest results see above-average yields.“Alberta’s producers have faced a number of challenges over the years, but through their hard work and dedication, continue to show the immense value of the agriculture sector and the contributions this industry makes to our economy and communities,” said Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Nate Horner. .Quality for hard red spring wheat, canola, and dry peas were above their five-year averages, while durum wheat and oats were lower. Malt and feed barley was on par with the five-year average.
