Barley Bred in Alberta is a Win for Prairie Growers

WINNIPEG, April 18, 2013 /CNW/ - CANTERRA SEEDS and Canada Malting announced that Alberta-bred Bentley barley will be contracted for malt purposes. This is the first malt barley bred by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD) to be commercially contracted for malt.

Bentley is a two-row barley that is agronomically well suited to the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan. The AARD based in Lacombe, AB, worked for many years on the variety, and it was registered in 2008. "The combination of Bentley's high yield, agronomic package and excellent quality profile has made the variety a winner for growers", said Dr. Erin Armstrong, Director, Research & Product Development for CANTERRA SEEDS. "Its agronomics are far superior to other malt varieties on the market." CANTERRA SEEDS acquired the marketing rights to Bentley in 2008.

Now that malt approval is expected for Bentley, the variety shows even more value to growers in the western Prairies. "Canada Malting is conducting brewing trials with Bentley malt from the 2012 crop with domestic brewers and we expect approval this year," said Bruce French, Director of Malting and Technical Services for Canada Malting. The Alberta-based malt company is looking to contract 20-30,000 tonnes of Bentley from the 2013 crop in Alberta and Saskatchewan, as they begin testing the malt with brewers. Bruce adds, "With approval we expect demand continuing to grow in the following years."

The Alberta Barley Commission (ABC) is also excited about the potential for Bentley. "The Alberta Barley Commission has been a longtime supporter of varietal research in Lacombe and it's tremendous to see this announcement," said ABC Chairman Matt Sawyer. "Bentley is an excellent example of farmer research dollars at work."

"The impact of Bentley barley on the market is going to be substantial," said Brent Derkatch, Director, Operations & Business Development for CANTERRA SEEDS, "This is the first malt variety bred by AARD in Alberta that is going to have a great economic impact for growers." On average, malt barley contracts deliver a premium when compared to feed barley. "If he signs a Bentley malt contract, a grower can expect more money going back into his pocket."

Owned by over 200 western Canadian shareholders, CANTERRA SEEDS is committed to sourcing genetically superior seed products that meet end-user needs, while delivering agronomic and economic benefits for producers. With a versatile portfolio of cereals, pulses and oilseeds, CANTERRA SEEDS seeks opportunities that allow for mutual success in the agriculture industry.

SOURCE: Canterra Seeds

Sheena Pitura
Marketing Manager
CANTERRA SEEDS
[email protected]
204-988-9765