The deadline for farmers to submit harvest samples to the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) has been extended to December 31st.

The free program is voluntary and after signing up producers will receive a harvest sample kit annually that contains envelopes for sending in samples of their crop.

In return, producers will receive information including dockage assessments and an unofficial grade.

The samples help the CGC with marketing Canadian grain and evaluating grain grades.

The program also aids research projects that benefit producers.