2024 New Crop Tour: Building Global Relationships and Showcasing Canadian Barley Excellence
In August, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) and SaskBarley hosted the 2024 New Crop Tour, welcoming international guests from key markets such as China, Japan, Brazil and the United States. The tour provided a firsthand look at the quality, innovation, and expertise behind Canadian barley production.
The two-day tour featured visits to farms across central Saskatchewan, where guests explored various barley varieties and production methods. Highlights also included a stop at Prairie Malt in Biggar, where participants learned about the malting process, and a tour of the Crop Development Centre (CDC) to see test plots and hear about advancements in barley breeding.
Canada’s barley breeding programs, and the work of breeders like Dr. Beattie, are critical to ensuring consistent quality and performance in malting and brewing. With a large delegation from Japan, one of the highlights of the tour was a visit to a field of CDC Gold Star, a barley variety developed in collaboration with Sapporo. This variety, bred without the lipoxygenase gene (LOX-less) to enhance beer shelf life and flavour stability, reflects the close partnerships Canadian experts build with global brewers. CDC Gold Star exemplifies how Canadian breeding programs respond to international demands and maintain Canada’s reputation for excellence.
At Lawrence Farms, Gabriel Elm Grove Farms, and Wylie Seeds, international buyers met the producers behind the crop. These in-person visits allowed guests to connect directly with the farmers in their fields, gaining a deeper appreciation for the process and dedication that go into producing high-quality barley. The personal connections formed during these interactions help deepen trust in the reliability and excellence of Canadian barley.
Looking ahead, CMBTC is keeping this momentum up at the New Crop Seminar in Winnipeg, scheduled for October 15-17. The event will bring together growers, maltsters, brewers, and international buyers to discuss this year’s harvest, market trends, and the performance of new barley varieties. It will further strengthen relationships and ensure Canadian barley remains a top choice in global markets.
