Better barley, better malt: Alberta and western Canadian malting barley variety field trails

Project Details

Status: Completed
Investment: $46,496
Commodity: Barley
Organization: Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission
Investigator: Megan Evans

This project will provide key quality and performance indicators regarding new varieties to help malting barley buyers and end-users make informed decisions about which varieties meet their needs and the requirements of their customers domestically and internationally.

Why is this research important for Alberta ag?

This project aims to grow the adoption of new malting barley varieties by generating data on barley and malt quality and performance, as well as to gather information on agronomic performance and disease resistance.

A challenge faced by the Canadian barley industry is the acceptance and uptake of varieties after registration. This project intends to grow the adoption of new malting barley varieties by generating data on barley and malt quality and performance, as well as to gather information on agronomic performance and disease resistance.

What benefits can producers expect from this research?

This project will provide key quality and performance indicators regarding new varieties to help malting barley buyers and end-users make informed decisions about which varieties meet their needs and the requirements of their customers domestically and internationally. Collected data will also help producers better understand environmental impacts, as well as the benefits of best management practices, on the quality and performance potential of new malting barley varieties.

Successful adoption and acceptance of a new variety can also offer substantial financial benefit to Alberta and Canada's grain sector.

How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?

Alberta Barley, in collaboration with the Canadian Malt Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC), will visit various trial sites to film various trials. These videos will feature close-ups and overview shots so farmers can see first-hand what to expect in their area. An interactive map will also be created so farmers can access photos, videos, and quality information to gather information about variety selection. Results will also be shared through various communication channels including website, social media, and newsletters.

Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.