By Dori Modney with files from the Alberta Wheat and Barley growers

Pandemic not holding back barley producers – or brewers

Jan 21, 2021 | 10:06 AM

CALGARY, AB. — It’s one of the consumer products that has proven to be recession proof – although it can be impacted by inflation. That would be alcohol…..more specifically, beer.

The amber liquid is heavily dependant on a prairie product for one of its main ingredients — namely, barley.

When you consider there are over 40 breweries in Saskatchewan and 120 in Alberta, farmers aren’t about to eliminate Barley from their seeding selection. The brewing industry has even spawned a brewing program at Olds College, which is in great demand and regularly receives funding fro Alberta Barley, which was one of the founding members of the program.

The brewing program is full every year, with students from Newfoundland to B.C., as well as the U.S., South America, Europe and Asia.

With that kind of interest, the brewing program isn’t likely to fizzle out and a development goal for Alberta Barley is increased adoption of new barley varieties.

Election 2024

Another candidate to run in Prince Albert's Ward 5

2h ago

Trevor LaPlante death

Preliminary inquiry set for man accused in LaPlante murder

5h ago

NLC

SIGA Casinos introduce new player loyalty reward program, SIGA Rewards

6h ago

In November, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) released the barley varieties that hold the greatest marketability. They include CDC Copeland, AC Metcalfe and AAC Synergy.

As well, the Alberta Barley Commission says there are three up-and-coming varieties – AAC Connect, CDC Bow and CDC Fraser, which are showing excellent malting and brewing properties, and improved disease resistance.

There are other varieties, which the Alberta Wheat and Barley which the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission indicate have been contracted by specific companies. More information can be found in the Alberta Wheat Commission Grain Exchange Newsletter.