Canada: Total barley production in Western Canada up about 7.5% in 2016

Total barley production in Western Canada in 2016 is estimated at 8,371,500 tonnes, which represents an increase of about 7.5% compared to 2015, the Canadian Grain Commission and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) said in their annual report.

The higher barley production in 2016 compared to 2015 was due to very high yields this year, assessed at 73.9 bushels per acre. Barley seeded area in 2016, estimated at 2,465,000 hectares, decreased by 1.9% compared to 2015.

Dry and warm conditions during April and early May of 2016 resulted in rapid planting progress; nearly 60 % of the barley was planted by the second week of May, well ahead of the normal pace. Average temperatures and above average precipitation characterized the 2016 growing season across Western Canada. The above normal rainfall through July and August increased disease potential in the barley crop. Fusarium head blight was a common downgrading factor in barley grown in many regions in 2016. The barley harvest started in August and was nearly 30% complete by the beginning of September. Record or near record rainfall amounts were received in Saskatchewan and northern Alberta during the months of September and October. These rains caused serious quality deterioration in the un-harvested barley crop.

The 2016 barley harvest survey conducted by the Grain Research Laboratory and the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) was based on composites of individual varieties representing one million tonnes of barley selected in Western Canada for malting by grain handling and malting companies.

Overall, the quality of barley that was selected for malting in 2016 was good with lower than average protein levels in barley grain, and heavier and plumper kernels compared with the 10-year average values. Barley germination was adequate; however, some water sensitivity was present. RVA (rapid visco analysis) indicated high incidence of pre-harvest sprouting which prompts timely processing of barley into malt.

Malt made from 2016 barley resulted in very high extract levels exceeding the long-term average values. Wort was characterized by lower than average levels of soluble proteins, free amino nitrogen (FAN), and colour, slightly higher than average levels of β-glucans, but acceptable viscosity. The brewing trials conducted by the CMBTC indicated that malts made from CDC Copeland and AC Metcalfe performed satisfactorily without posing any processing difficulties.

According to Mr FJ Venn, Alberta together with British Columbia continue to produce the highest volume of barley, but the highest production of malting barley continues to reside in the province of Saskatchewan due to a higher rate of seeding of malt barley varieties. Saskatchewan saw an increase of 17.9% in barley production while Alberta/BC saw a 2.3% increase and Manitoba saw a decline of 9.9%. Seeded acres were down in total in total by 17.5% but production was only down by 1.8% due to higher yields (also experienced in the USA). 6-row barley production continues to decline.

There have been some efforts to find other uses for barley in the food chain but the percentage of total utilization remains nominal. There is an ongoing search for new possibilities and new organizations have been established and funded to help with the effort but unfortunately the real results have been nominal to date. Malt remains the best opportunity for growth but with alarming gains from Australia this year (may be a one off year but…..), Canada will have to be resourceful and vigilant to be a part of global growth and keep its malt barley acres to a reasonable level, the analyst said. The nation’s domestic brewing industry benefits by a viable export program. The - USA first - policy of the incoming administration may also have an impact on barley/malt exports from Canada to the USA, but this very much remains to be seen.

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