ID 21542019 © Rhellard Dreamstime.com

By Alice McFarlane

Post secondary students studying barley

Graduate scholarship recipients research ways to improve barley production

Jan 6, 2026 | 1:52 PM

Five graduate students are getting some financial support for the research they’re doing for the barley industry.

The Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), in partnership with Labatt Breweries of Canada (Labatt), said the students work will support advancements in barley production, sustainability, and end-use innovation in Canada.

The SaskBarley Scholarship Program is funded through Saskatchewan barley producer checkoff dollars and industry partnerships. The program supports students enrolled at Canadian universities whose research aligns with the priorities of barley producers and end-users.

SaskBarley Chair Cody Glenn said investing in new researchers is investing in the future of barley farming.

“These students are tackling real-world challenges facing producers and the value chain, and their work helps ensure barley remains a profitable, competitive crop for Saskatchewan farmers,” Glenn said.

Responsive measures

Some Sask. farmers to get winter elk hunting permits next year to protect land

Mar 12, 2026

Buy Now, Pay Later!

Spring 2026 Early Buy Program

Mar 09, 2026

SARM Convention

Sask RMs gather to address come concerns

Mar 06, 2026

The program recognizes outstanding MSc and PhD students whose work delivers practical value for barley producers and strengthens Canada’s barley value chain—from farm to feedlot, malt house, and brewery. In 2025, SaskBarley awarded scholarships at the PhD, MSc, and MSc runner-up levels, with additional scholarships sponsored by Labatt to expand support for graduate research.

SaskBarley Graduate Scholarships are presented to:

• Lingjun Zhu — PhD Student, University of Alberta — $6,000
• Nolan Johnson — MSc Student, University of Alberta — $4,000
• Walker Maess — MSc Student (Runner-Up), University of Saskatchewan — $2,000
• Graduate Scholarships Supported by Labatt Breweries of Canada
• Susane Trevisan — PhD Student, University of Manitoba — $6,000
• Lauren McNeil — MSc Student, University of British Columbia — $4,000

Labatt Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs Jeff Ryan said Canadian barley, grown by Canadian farmers, is at the heart of Labatt’s beer.

“Labatt applauds the recipients of this scholarship, whose future work will be instrumental in advancing our commitment to quality and innovation,” he said.

Research topics supported through the 2025 scholarships include livestock feed utilization, nitrogen management, precision agriculture and machine learning, malting and brewing performance, and the environmental sustainability of malting barley production.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com