Sustainable Barley: No Longer Just a Buzzword
Sustainability: From Exhortation to Expectation
When it comes to sustainable barley farming, it isn’t a trend—it’s a necessity. Saskatchewan farmers have been practicing sustainable methods for decades. As Cody Glenn, Chair of the SaskBarley Board of Directors puts it, “If you’re not sustainable, you’re not still a farmer.”
Recently, Glenn was invited by the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) to attend the RMI Analytics Denver Summit in Colorado. This event brings together representatives of industry, government and civil society for updates, in-depth discussions and guidance to help companies make informed choices about responsibly sourced minerals in their supply chains. Unsurprisingly, sustainable agriculture dominated the conversation. From line companies and maltsters to aluminum can manufacturers and malt bag recyclers, everyone wanted to understand how sustainability works at the farm level.
One surprising takeaway? Many attendees had never heard of no-till farming. When Cody explained that no-till means planting crops without disturbing the soil through tillage, the response was amazement. This simple yet powerful practice, widely adopted in Canada in the 1980s, reduces soil erosion, improves water retention and lowers carbon emissions—key pillars of sustainable agriculture.
Why It Matters for the Barley Industry
Sustainability isn’t just about parking the cultivator or removing summer fallow from your rotation—it’s about the entire supply chain. From the field to the brewery, every step impacts the environment. By adopting practices like no-till in sustainable barley farming, farmers at the bottom end of the supply chain are doing their part to contribute to a greener future while ensuring long-term productivity.
Learn More
Want to dive deeper into sustainable barley farming? Listen to Glenn’s full interview with SaskBarley’s Research & Extension Manager Mitchell Japp below.
Explore our production resources and market updates for Saskatchewan barley growers.
