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By Alice McFarlane

Barley variety recommendations

Barley varieties recommended for growers

Nov 26, 2025 | 4:51 PM

A list of recommended varieties for barley producers has been released.

The Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) has created the 2026–27 list so farmers can plan for the next season.

The Recommended Barley Varieties List shows AAC Synergy is still the leading variety, accounting for 35 per cent of seeded acres in 2025 and has been accepted by maltsters and brewers.

Newer varieties like AAC Connect and CDC Fraser are gaining traction with growers and processors seeing strong performance and long-term supply potential.

With growing interest in newer varieties, CDC Copeland—the oldest variety on the list—continues to decline.

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The CMBTC develops the list with input from maltsters, brewers, exporters, seed companies, and growers.

CMBTC managing director Peter Watts said each of these varieties perform well and support Canada’s value proposition as a reliable supplier of high-quality malting barley and malt.

“As newer varieties come forward, we work with the industry to understand how they perform from field to brewhouse,” Watts said.

As the industry sees promising results from newer varieties, a balanced approach remains important.

Supply and demand need to move together, and that depends on clear signals across the value chain.

Growers planning for the 2026 season should check with their grain buyers or malt barley buyers to ensure their variety choice aligns with market opportunities. Seed companies and seed growers can also provide insights into how new and established varieties perform in each region. This coordination helps the sector move forward together as newer varieties gain traction.

The CMBTC provides support by testing new varieties through micro-malting and brewing evaluations and by working with partners to assess performance at commercial scale. It helps the value chain understand how varieties perform and supports broader new-variety adoption from growers to end users.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com