CMBTC Issues 2022-23 Recommended Malting Barley Varieties List

Peter Watts, CMBTC Managing Director

The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) officially released its list of recommended malting barley varieties for the 2022-23 marketing year, identifying varieties that have the greatest potential for selection and marketability. All varieties on the list have been pilot tested at the CMBTC and each exhibit very good malting and brewing characteristics, based on their agronomic, quality and processing performance. 

“Each year the list evolves, as new varieties gain traction in the market, replacing the old guard,” says Peter Watts, Managing Director of the CMBTC. “Up-and-coming varieties such as AAC Connect, CDC Fraser and CDC Bow are among the next generation of high-performers that have entered the commercial stream and which barley producers should consider for 2022.”

The domestic malting and brewing industry in Canada, as well as international customers, have been testing these new varieties to gain acceptance for use in their operations, Watts adds.

“End users have to ensure these varieties will perform well in their particular processing facilities and meet their target specifications, each one is a little different” he says. “The evaluation process typically takes at least a couple of seasons as maltsters and brewers learn the idiosyncrasies of a variety.”

Producers also have to trial new cultivars to understand how they perform on their own farms and ensure there are marketing opportunities, Watts says, as certain varieties perform better in different regions and environmental conditions. Therefore he recommends that producers: check provincial seed guides for historical yield and disease data; talk with their local seed suppliers about which varieties perform well in their area; and discuss contracting and marketing opportunities with their local malting company or grain buyer. Furthermore, the CMBTC recommends farmers have a production contract, particularly when growing new malting barley varieties.

Making the right variety choice is key to helping Canadian agriculture stay competitive, Watts says. 

“Improved field performance of new varieties including higher yields, better lodging resistance and improved disease packages will help Canadian malting barley stay competitive in the global market, while offering excellent malting and brewing attributes for both mainstream and all malt brewers,” Watts says. “I encourage producers to consider growing one of the newer varieties.”
 
View the CMBTC 2022-23 Recommended Malting Barley Varieties list
 
For more information:
Peter Watts, Managing Director, CMBTC
Phone: 204-983-1981 Email: pwatts@cmbtc.com

About the CMBTC – Founded in 2000, the CMBTC is a national, independent, non-profit organization with funding provided by members of the malting barley, malt and brewing industries, producers as well as provincial and federal governments. The CMBTC conducts applied malting and brewing research, providing technical support to members and customers. The CMBTC facilities include a 100 kilogram pilot malt plant and 3 hectolitre pilot brewery. The CMBTC also operates the Malt Academy education program providing instruction in malting and brewing.