The list identifies varieties that hold the most promise for producers in terms of selection and marketability based on current acceptance in the marketplace. All of the varieties have been pilot tested at the CMBTC and each exhibit very good malting and brewing characteristics.

This year’s list contains not only established varieties such as CDC Copeland, AC Metcalfe and AAC Synergy, but promising newcomers as well, said Peter Watts, managing director of the CMBTC.

“Canada has a suite of new varieties under market development with excellent malting and brewing properties as well as improved agronomics and disease resistance,” he said. “Up-and-coming varieties such as AAC Connect, CDC Bow and CDC Fraser are among the next generation of high-quality performers that malting barley producers should consider for seeding in 2021.”

The domestic malting industry in Canada has been testing these new varieties over the past several years with positive results, while the CMBTC has been working with international customers to undertake production trials on location to gain acceptance.

“AC Metcalfe has been a remarkably successful variety worldwide for over 15 years that helped solidify Canada as a supplier of premium-quality malting barley. However, improved field performance of new varieties including significantly 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 said.

Producers should speak with their local malting barley buyers to discuss which varieties are best suited for production and selection in their region.

The CMBTC recommends farmers have a production contract, particularly when growing new malting barley varieties.

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