Choosing the right barley variety isn’t just about selecting a name from a list—it’s about finding the best fit for your farm’s unique needs. That’s where we, as Territory Managers, come in. Our goal isn’t just about a seed sale—it’s to understand your land, your goals, and your challenges. Whether you’re looking for a high-paying malt variety, tough and reliable feed barley, or a disease-resistant option, we’re here to help you maximize performance and profitability.
Colette Prefontaine – Territory Manager, Alberta, FP Genetics
If you’re thinking about switching varieties, may I offer a simple piece of advice? …..it’s always smart to start on a smaller scale. Testing a new barley variety on a quarter section lets you see how it performs under your specific conditions and management style. Once you see the results, you can confidently expand to larger acreages. We can match varieties to your conditions, but the best way to know for sure is to try it out yourself.
How Do You Choose the Right Barley?
The first big decision: Malt or Feed?
If you’re looking for a proven malt variety, AAC Synergy should be at the top of your list. Holding over 30% of Western Canada’s planted malt barley acres, Synergy is a favorite among maltsters for its excellent taste and malting performance.
From an agronomic standpoint, this two-row barley is a standout. It delivers yield levels similar to high-yielding feed barley, offers strong resistance to weathering, and includes a robust disease package. Plus, it’s the number one variety for plumpness across the Prairies—even in dry conditions. Simply put, Synergy helps put more money in your pocket.
If you’re looking for a versatile barley with multiple end-use opportunities, SY Stanza is a great addition to your rotation. Originally grown as a feed barley, Stanza has emerged as an exciting brewing and distilling option. This variety is non-GN, making it highly desirable for distillers. Stanza is built for standability and high-performance, thriving under irrigation and high-input management systems.
For growers looking for a semi-dwarf feed barley, Sirish is a fantastic choice. With excellent standability and plump kernels, Sirish performs best on high-quality, heavy land. Plus, it delivers top yields, even in dry conditions—a trait proven in registration trials. If drought stress is a concern, Sirish is a reliable performer.
For those needing a high-yielding feed barley that also works well for green feed or silage, AB Hague is a strong contender. Developed in Alberta to withstand tough Prairie conditions, Hague maintains high yields even in drought-stressed environments. It also offers an added benefit: an MR rating for fusarium, one of the few barley varieties with this level of disease resistance.
Ready to Talk Barley!
We love connecting with growers—learning about what’s working, what’s missing, and what you hope to see in the future. Your insights help shape the varieties we bring forward, ensuring you have the tools you need to increase yield, improve quality, and tackle disease challenges. Let’s face it, when your farm succeeds, the entire industry takes a step forward. FARMING WINS.
Let’s find the right barley variety for your farm.
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