2025 CWRS Wheat Quality Report: What Farmers and Buyers Need to Know

What the 2025 CWRS Harvest Quality Report Means for Farmers and Buyers 

Every year, the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) publishes its Harvest Quality Report, providing a snapshot of: Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat. The 2025 report is still in its early stages, but the first set of data is already giving us insight into this year’s harvest and the grading factors that are shaping quality across the Prairies. 

Strong Protein Levels Across the Prairies 

As of September 15, average protein levels for No. 1 CWRS are holding at 13.9 percent across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. This is consistent with long-term trends and positions CWRS as a high-quality milling wheat valued globally for its strength, water absorption, and performance in bread, noodles, and other products. 

Protein remains one of the most critical factors buyers watch for, and this year’s averages suggest strong performance across Western Canada. 

Grading Factors Behind Downgrades 

While most samples are grading No. 1, the CGC data shows that downgrading factors are already showing up: 

• Fusarium damage is the leading cause of downgrading to No. 2 or lower. 

• Hard vitreous kernels (HVK) and mildew are also appearing in samples, influencing grade outcomes. 

• Heated and frost damage, though less common, are impacting quality in certain regions. 

This reinforces how quickly grading factors can influence value, even when protein levels look strong. 

DON and Falling Number in Focus 

Beyond official grading factors, buyers are also paying attention to DON (a mycotoxin associated with Fusarium) and Falling Number results, which indicate sprout damage. While these are not official grading factors under the Canada Grain Regulations, they are often included in contract specifications. Early 2025 results show: 

• Over 89 percent of samples tested below the DON limit, a positive sign for marketability. 

• Falling Number tests show most samples above 350 seconds, but some sprouting pressure is evident. 

Why This Matters 

Harvest quality reports like this one are more than just numbers, they help each part of the grain sector prepare for the season ahead: 

• For farmers, knowing the early protein and grading factor trends helps set marketing expectations and guide storage strategies. 

• For grain buyers, the data signals where risks like Fusarium or sprouting could affect intake and contracting decisions. 

• For processors, early DON and protein information provides insight into product consistency and milling performance. 

As more samples are submitted, this report will continue to shape how the 2025 CWRS crop is marketed and used across the value chain.