WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA — While Canada’s wheat harvest dropped 13% in 2023, a majority of the crop was graded No. 2 or better with average to higher-than-average protein content, according to Cereals Canada.

Wheat production of 29.8 million tonnes was in line with the five-year average. Large parts of Western Canada experienced above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation, leading to lower yields compared to last year.

“This year, Canadian farmers grew almost 30 million tonnes of high-quality wheat with the functionality and protein strength that customers expect,” said Dean Dias, chief executive officer at Cereals Canada.

In terms of quality, Cereals Canada said:

• Over 95% of the Canada Western Red Spring crop has graded No. 1 and No. 2, with average protein content
• Over 80% of Canada Western Amber Durum has graded No. 1 and No. 2, with protein content higher than average
• Over 90% of Canada Prairie Spring Red has graded No. 1 and No. 2, with average protein content
• Over 90% of Canada Eastern Soft Red Winter has graded No. 1 and No. 2, with average protein content.