The BarleyBin e-Newsletter: March 2026

Follow @SaskBarley for more updates.

Barley Market Report: Canadian Barley Stocks Hit Highest December Level Since 2019

Statistics Canada reported December 31 barley stocks at 5.69 million tonnes, the largest in six years following record 2025 production. Strong feed demand and exports, led by China, helped absorb part of the larger crop. Looking ahead, the key question is whether demand will stay strong as U.S. corn becomes more competitive and global supplies increase.

Grains Week: Bringing Farmers Priorities to Parliament Hill

During Grains Week 2026 in Ottawa, SaskBarley met with federal policymakers to highlight the priorities of Canadian barley producers — including agricultural research funding, stable trade access, and reliable supply chain infrastructure.

With AAFC research closures raising concerns about future innovation, industry leaders emphasized the need to protect long‑term barley productivity and support the full value chain from farm to brewing.

Choosing the Right Feed Barley: Yield, Straw, and Disease Tradeoffs

CDC Austenson has been the benchmark feed barley variety in Saskatchewan for over a decade. But newer varieties are starting to challenge its dominance.

In a recent webinar, Mitchell Japp, SaskBarley's Research & Extension manager breaks down how new feed barley varieties stack up against Austenson. Including:

CDC Durango
AAC Lariat
AB Hague
Carleton
and more!

Watch Now

Claim 53.5% of You Barley Levy as SR&ED Tax Credit

For the crop year ending July 31, 2025, producers may claim 53.5% of their levy contributions as a qualifying SR&ED expenditure on their federal tax return.

In addition, farm corporations may also claim 29% of their levy contributions as a qualifying expenditure towards the Saskatchewan Research and Development Tax Credit program.

Find tax filing forms and more information on the SR&ED Tax Credit at SaskBarley.com.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Webinar: 2026 On-Farm Research Results

March 13th

Sask Crops On-Farm Research Results

Join us for breakdown the 2025 Saskatchewan On-Farm Field Research results and the 2026 protocols you can participate in.

Hear directly from researchers working in barley, canola, wheat, and pulses — and see what products and management practices actually performed in Prairie conditions.

Topics include:

Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) in barley
Canola fungicide strategies (sclerotinia & blackleg)
Nitrogen management in wheat (split/top-up N & EENF)
Chickpea inoculation and pulse fungicide trials

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...

SaskBarley Welcomes New Director and Recognizes Board Service at 2026 AGM

SaskBarley would like to thank Zenneth Faye (Foam Lake) for a decade of service to the Canadian barley industry. Faye officially retired from the board at the January 2026 AGM in Saskatoon.

The commission also welcomed new and returning directors to it's board during the 2026 Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon.

When to Seed Barley

The earlier you seed, the better your barley yield and quality. Learn why April seeding beats late May and how it impacts malt selection.

Trends in Barley Varieties to Influence Your 2026 Seeding Plans

Discover the top malt and feed barley varieties for 2026, high-yield options, and expert insights on provincial trends.

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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Processing barley for better feed efficiency webinar recording

Barley Isn't Corn: How to Process It for Maximum Feed Efficiency

Join Dr. Greg Penner (University of Saskatchewan) as he breaks down the practical science behind processing barley in feedlot rations.

Learn how processing affects starch digestion, feed efficiency, rumen health, and cattle performance. Dr. Penner covers roller mill settings, kernel variability, fecal starch losses, steam flaking, and the risks of over-processing.

If you’re feeding barley, this research-based discussion can help you get more value from every bushel.

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