Ontario Grain Farmer October 2021

However, the falling number, an important test that helps to identify structural integrity of starch, is more variable due to extensive rains during July as farmers tried to harvest the crop. Providing this timely information to both farmers and industry helps to find ways to best utilize the crop available in different regions. BUILDING A COMPOSITE SAMPLE Once all individual grain samples are graded, composites are formed to be sent to the Grains Analytical Testing Laboratory in Guelph for further testing. Since the majority of wheat grown in Ontario is SRW, enough samples are collected to create representative composites for four regions. This allows for a more precise understanding of the wheat quality from each region for SRW. Composites for SWW, HRW, and HRS are formed for all of Ontario and represent the entire province. The seven composites formed represent the quality that a flour mill would expect to see each year. Since flour mills have certain quality specifications they require, the composites are built to match this. Over the previous five crops years, the majority of wheat produced in Ontario reached milling specifications so nearly all samples collected were able to be used for milling composites. We rely on experts like Paolo Santangelo at the Grains Analytical Testing Laboratory to provide themost accurate input to provide information to buyers of Ontario wheat. WHEAT TECHNICAL BULLETINS The grains lab completes milling and baking tests on the seven formed composites allowing for the creation and distribution of technical bulletins to the wheat industry. Flour millers typically are switching to milling new crop wheat by the start of October each year and prior to that is when the data is normally posted. The technical bulletins include information specific to the different classes of wheat which require unique tests as bakers ultimately use them differently. For example, soft wheat is tested by baking cookies and measuring the spread and height; hard wheats ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 41 OCTOBER 2021 This article features an initiative of Grain Farmers of Ontario's Market Development department. AirMix Liquid Fluidizer Flat Floor Stainless Tanks Stainless Hopper Bins Powder Coated Multi-Purpose SmoothWall Bins Meridian is the leader in fertilizer storage systems. Take advantage of low prices, bulk savings and avoid lineups when you’re time matters most by storing fertilizer on your farm. Meridian has a full range of customizable Stainless Tanks and SmoothWall Bins sure to fit your needs. ® © 2021 Meridian Manufacturing Inc. Registered Trademarks Used Under License. (08/2021) are tested for their bread baking ability including volume and height of the loaf. The Ontario Wheat Harvest Survey plays an important part in ensuring both farmers and end users understand the functionality of Ontario wheat in both good and challenging years. Justin Shepherd is the market development coordinator for Grain Farmers of Ontario. l