Grain is in the absolute best condition it can be when it’s put into storage. Keeping it that way is critical for maintaining its value and marketability. Insect infestations aren’t as big a problem for farmers in Canada as in other (read: warmer) parts of the world, but they can still cause significant damage. Typically, 1 to… Read More
Category: Barley
Knowing the context in which a plant variety was selected is critical in understanding how it should be managed in the field. As an example, in the video above, Martin Entz of the University of Manitoba explains what happens when cereal crop varieties developed in a conventional breeding system are grown in an organic system, or vice… Read More
Wind and rain have taken a toll on some of the best-looking cereal crop acres in Western Canada and the northern U.S. over the last few weeks. Large sections of wheat, barley and oat fields have been knocked flat (some several times) in parts of southern Manitoba and North Dakota. Yield losses from lodging can range… Read More
Last week marked that official start to barley and oat farmers being represented by the Grain Farmers of Ontario, as the crops joined corn, soybean and wheat within the organization as of July 1, 2015. “We are proud to see our organization grow with the inclusion of these two important grain crops,” says Mark Brock,… Read More
Farmers who know they can grow barley and “make malt” are sometimes frustrated by the narrow margin of error on the specs required for malting acceptance, and for good reason. Malsters have to be incredibly choosey in their choice of malting barley for one reason — meeting the brewmasters’ demands. From how the barley is… Read More
Ergot (often refered to as “Ergot of Rye”) is a disease caused by the plant fungus Claviceps pururea. It’s history with humans is rich and painful, believed to be a contributing factor in the Salem Witch Trials, and the diagnoses of “Holy Fire,” later termed “St. Anthony’s Fire.” Today, it is regarded as a highly… Read More
Barley water, anyone? While most Canadians associate eating barley as beef and barley soup, this ancient grain is actually much more flexible than that. In some countries, barley is already considered a premium ingredient, thanks to verified health claims, and is consumed as a drink or in noodles and baking, says Linda Whitworth, market development… Read More
Barley and oat farmers in Ontario have voted in favour of being represented by Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We are pleased to announce that barley and oat production in Ontario is anticipated to be represented by Grain Farmers of Ontario by July 1, 2015,” says Barry Senft, CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario. The Ontario… Read More
Today, in Winnipeg, Manitoba,Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages announced an investment of $1,950,000 to the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. The funding, made possible through Agriculture and AGri-Food Canada’s AgriMarketing Program under Growing Forward 2, is expected to aid the company in its market… Read More
If you’re considering growing barley for the malt market in 2015, the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre has just released its list of recommended varieties for the 2015-16 crop year. The list (find it here) is compiled by the CMBTC’s members with input from grain companies, maltsters and brewers. CDC Copeland and AC Metcalfe are… Read More