WINNEPEG — Canadian western red spring wheat samples from the 2013 harvest were averaging lower in protein than crops harvested in most recent years, according to the first assessment of spring wheat quality of the season issued by the Canadian Grains Commission on Sept. 24. Early indications pointing to crop lower in protein than a year ago were not surprising in view of the favorable spring and summer growing conditions, which were expected to have maximized yields while limiting stress on the wheat plants. High yields and low stress typically have the effect of limiting protein content. In contrast, the 2012 drought resulted in a crop with higher-than-average protein.

The C.G.C. data will be updated weekly until Nov. 1 and will consider additional characteristics as examination of samples is extended. The data are presented on a regional basis, and this week’s initial report included data from 4 of 10 regions.

Based on 60 samples, No. 1 Canadian western red spring wheat (C.W.R.S.) from southwest Manitoba was averaging 13.2% in protein compared with 14.2% a year ago. Based on 81 samples, C.W.R.S. in northeast Saskatchewan was averaging 12.5% in protein compared with 13.8% in 2012. Southern Alberta C.W.R.S., based on 69 samples, was averaging 12.7% in protein compared with 13.1% last year. And northern Alberta C.W.R.S., based on 55 samples, was averaging 12.4% in protein compared with 13.1% in 2011.