Due to inclement weather this past fall, this was the first time that mass amounts of canola had been harvested in the snow, or have been left over winter, and then will be harvested in the spring. 

Véronique J. Barthet, Ph.D. Program Manager: Oilseeds, Grain Research Laboratory with the Canadian Grain Commission, says this will be the first time they've studied the effects of snow on canola quality. Dr. Barthet speculates that there is some quality loss, but the government wants to confirm if this is actually the case, and if so, how much quality is affected. 

The Canadian Grain Commission needs samples of canola that has been harvested late due to weather conditions or has been over-wintered. Samples must be from the 2016 crop. As of October 31, 2016, a large number of canola fields in Alberta and Saskatchewan had not been harvested due to snow.

The impact of snow on canola quality has not been studied. The Canadian Grain Commission wants to assess the impact of snowed-in and over-wintered canola on the quality of the 2016 crop. This research will help develop an understanding of the impact of this type of weather on the end-use functionality ‎of canola. The results of this research will help ensure the Canadian canola industry continues to supply a consistent and dependable commodity to end-use customers. 

For producers in West Central Saskatchewan who would like to participate in this study and receive information about the quality of your canola crop, send an email to Dr. Veronique Barthet or Twylla McKendry. Participants will receive an envelope for their canola sample and a consent card by mail. Dr. Barthet wanted to kindly remind producers who send in samples, that if they do not send in their consent card as well, they will not be able to participate in the study. 

Dr. Veronique Barthet
Email: veronique.barthet@grainscanada.gc.ca

Twylla McKendry
Email: twylla.mcKendry@grainscanada.gc.ca