Mustard Quality Good Despite Challenges

WINNIPEG - Feb 26/15 - SNS -- Despite a challenging growing season, last year's mustard seed harvest in western Canada showed general characteristics of a crop maturing well, according to the Canadian Grain Commission's (CGC) review of the quality of last year's harvest.

The Grain Research Laboratory's long-term Harvest Sample Program results show that cool, moist growing conditions tend to produce an oilseed crop with higher oil but lower protein content and the converse is true for warm, dry conditions. Research also shows that glucosinolate levels may decrease when Brassica crops are grown under cooler than normal conditions.

Mustard seed production increased roughly 28% to 198,000 metric tons (MT) last year. About 43% of mustard production in Saskatchewan was estimated to be yellow, 33% brown and 24% oriental (including non-specified mustard). Saskatchewan accounted for 73% of western Canada's total seeded area and nearly 70% of mustard production, while Alberta accounted for most of the remaining seeded area and production.

Of samples submitted to the CGC, 73% graded No. 1, compared to 70% in 2013 and the recent ten-year average of 72%. Growing and harvest conditions throughout the Prairies produced a mustard crop with some visible damage. However, conspicuous admixtures from weed seeds and foreign material were major factors in lowering grades.