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Flaxseed: Moisture posing a threat

November 17, 2016 at 4:00 PM , Der AUDITOR
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OTTOWA. The weather in October upset flaxseed farmers’ plans, especially since they were in the midst of the harvest period.

Rainfall was above average in large parts of Alberta and Sasketchewan, with additional snowfall. Cloudy skies and cool temperatures hampered the drying of the plants which can create a problem with storing them properly. More than 10% moisture are rated as risky, anything over 13.5% is clearly too moist. These values, however, might be identified in a major part of the harvest.

Mould or pests?
There is also the option of leaving part of the harvest on the fields until spring, and to then add it to the remaining produce. It would certainly have a negative impact on the quality of the flaxseed if it were exposed to the weather for a longer period of time. Damage caused by pests and other animals are also more likely.

According to current reports, the harvest has been brought in to almost 55%, on the average. The Canadian government estimates the flaxseed production at 577,000 mt in its October report, and the average price for season 2016/17 at 425 CAD/mt.

harvest development

region

%

Saskatchewan

49

Alberta

64

Manitoba

50

source: Flax Council

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