This year’s canola crop has higher-than-average oil content, according to preliminary data compiled by the Canadian Grain Commission.
The commission has tested 1,140 samples (247 from Manitoba, 538 from Saskatchewan, and 355 from Alberta ) as of Oct. 21, with roughly 95.4 per cent grading No. 1, although samples arriving later may be graded lower due to green seed or other damage. Canola grading No. 1 had a mean oil content of 45.1 per cent (on an 8.5 per cent moisture basis), above the 10-year average of 43.9 per cent and last year’s level of 43.5 per cent.
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Crude protein levels for No. 1 canola averaged 19.4 per cent, which is lower than the 2012 mean of 21.3 per cent and below the 10-year average of 21.0 per cent. Protein content on an oil-free basis is 38.3 per cent, which is lower than last year’s mean of 40.6 per cent and the 10-year mean of 40.3 per cent (on 8.5 per cent moisture basis).
Currently, No. 1 canola has a mean chlorophyll content of 11.7 parts per million (ppm) which is lower than the 2012 mean of 17.4 ppm and the 10-year average of 14.6 ppm. However, there are some differences from region to region where some areas may show higher chlorophyll content than others.
Early samples are showing a lower iodine value on the year, with a mean of 111.9 units, which compares to last year’s mean of 113.3 units. The 10-year average for iodine value is 113.6 units.
Glucosinolate content for 2013 has a mean of 9.9 millimoles per gram which is similar to the 10-year average of 10.9 mmoles/g.
