The BarleyBin e-Newsletter: February 2026

This e-Newsletter is brought to you by SaskBarley

USDA Increases US Corn Production Estimates - What Does That Mean for Canadian Barley?

Find out how the USDA corn production report impacts the Canadian barley market with record production and revised demand forecasts.

AAFC Staffing Cuts Threaten Barley Research and Long-Term Returns for Sask Farmers

“These cuts represent a significant loss for Canadian agriculture and for barley growers who rely on strong, stable public research capacity,” said Cody Glenn, Chair of SaskBarley.
SaskBarley will continue engaging with government and research partners to better understand the implications of these cuts and to advocate for solutions that protect Canada’s barley research capacity.

When to Seed Barley: Why Earlier is Better

Research across the Prairies shows that seeding barley early can significantly boost both yield and malt quality. This article breaks down the science behind early planting, the quality advantages it delivers, and practical tips to help Saskatchewan growers get barley in the ground at the right time—before heat and stress take their toll.

BarleyBin Field Lab Application Deadline March 6th

The BarleyBin Field Lab brings cutting-edge research directly to your farm. This program works with farmers to adapt small-plot trials to field scale, answering real-world questions about barley production. For 2026, producers can participate in protocols on:

Reducing lodging with plant growth regulators
Testing new seeding implements
and more!

View frequently asked questions and apply here.

Apply Now

Upcoming Events

Refining Barley Processing Webinar

February 24th @ 10:00 AM CST

Feed Barley Processing and Variety Update with Dr. Greg Penner

How barley is processed can have a major impact on cattle performance and feed consistency. Join Dr. Greg Penner (University of Saskatchewan) as he shares new research comparing dry rolled, tempered, and steam-flaked barley, along with practical moisture-based processing recommendations tailored to Western Canadian feed systems.

The session will also feature insights from Saskatchewan-based seed companies Alliance Seed, Canterra, SeCan, Nutrien, and FP Genetics, connecting new barley genetics to feed performance.

Top Crop Summit, Saskatoon

February 26th

Get Barley Research Insights at Top Crop Summit

The 11th annual summit in Saskatchewan will host growers, agronomists and industry professionals for a one-day event of back-to-back presentations from researchers and other agriculture experts. It’s a day filled with practical agronomic insight on the latest research in Canada – applicable to the 2026 growing season.

Lodging and pre-harvest sprouting both presented challenges to malt barley growers in 2025. Hear Mitchell Japp speak about realistic solutions at the 2026 Saskatoon Top Crop Summit.

Crop Opportunity

March 12th

Western Development Museum (WDM) – North Battleford, SK

Register for WARC’s CropOpp 2026, a one-day event connecting local research to real on-farm decisions that matter. Hear year-end results from regional trials translated into clear, practical takeaways, learn how to confidently use research to guide agronomic choices, and explore timely topics like grain storage costs and losses, spray drone advancements, and key regional ministry updates.

Grounded in west-central Saskatchewan conditions and delivered by trusted researchers, CropOpp 2026 is your opportunity to gain actionable insights that support farm profitability and long-term resilience—don’t miss it.

View Upcoming Events

All SaskBarley hosted events are complimentary to registered barley producers.

In Case You Missed It...

SaskCrops Looking for Solutions to Recent AAFC Research Staff Reductions & Station Closures

SaskCrops raises concerns over AAFC research staff reductions and station closures, warning of impacts on farmer competitiveness and crop research capacity.

SaskBarley, SaskOats, SaskOilseeds, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers, and Sask Wheat are concerned about the impact of recent Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) staffing reductions and research station closures.

SaskBarley commits $145,724 to collaborative barley research

January 13, 2026 (Saskatoon, SK) The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley) announced today that it has committed $145,724 to fund barley research over the next five years.

This announcement comes as a welcome addition to 57 other current SaskBarley-funded research projects at the end of last year. This funding builds on the over $13 million SaskBarley has invested in research to date.

2026-27 Recommended Malt Barley Varieties

The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) released its 2026-27 Recommended Malt Barley Varieties List to support growers as they plan for the 2026 season.

The Recommended Barley Varieties List shows where growers and end-users are aligning as the market evolves.

View List

Find the latest news and announcements at SaskBarley.com.

Have a barley challenge on your farm?

Help shape future barley research!

Tell us what production challenges or research ideas would improve your farm. Your input guides the research we fund to deliver real-world results for Saskatchewan barley growers.

Contact Mitchell Japp, Research & Extension Manager at (306) 535-4536 or mjapp@saskbarley.com.

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Trends in Barley Varieties to Influence Your 2026 Seeding Plans

What are your neighbours planting—and should you follow suit? This article breaks down the top barley varieties across Saskatchewan and the Prairies, highlights shifting malt and feed trends, and shows how newer varieties (post‑2015) now make up nearly half of seeded acres. If you’re planning your 2026 seeding decisions, this is a must‑read look at yield, standability, disease resistance, and market demand.

Find more seeding resources at BarleyBin.ca

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Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission225-415 Wellman Cres. Saskatoon, SK S7T 0J1 CA

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