Quality of western Canadian barley in 2024: Annual harvest survey

Sampling and survey methodology

The 2024 malting barley survey is based on varietal composites that represent approximately 1,600,000 tonnes of malting barley selected for domestic processing or export. The grain handling and malting companies involved in the selection process were Cargill Ltd., Canada Malting Co. Ltd., Boortmalt, Rahr Malting Canada Ltd., Richardson International Ltd., Viterra Inc., and Malteurop Canada Ltd. The tonnage included in this survey represents only a portion of the total volume of malting barley selected in western Canada. Some additional samples and varieties (e.g., Sirish) included in this report came from the Canadian Grain Commission’s Harvest Sample Program. Samples were received from the beginning of harvest until November 15, 2024.

Quality of barley selected for malting in 2024

In 2024, the average protein content in barley selected for malting was 12.2%, which was slightly higher than the last year’s average (12.1%), and slightly higher than the 10-year average (12.0%) (Figure 3.1). Figure 3.2 shows the average protein content in individual varieties. The average test weight was 64.7 kg/hL, which is lower than the last year’s average (65.0 kg/hL) and lower than the 10-year average (66.6 kg/hL) (Figure 3.3). The average 1000 kernel weight was 44.1 g, which is lower than last year’s average (46.8 g) and lower than the 10-year average (45.6 g) (Figure 3.5). Kernel plumpness, determined by measuring kernels remaining on a 6/64” slotted screen, was lower in 2024 compared to 2023 for all varieties (Figure 3.7). Kernel length and kernel thickness of barley grown in 2024 were lower compared to last year (Figures 3.8 and 3.9). Kernel hardness was determined for individual varieties using a single kernel characterization system. The harness index of barley grain in 2024 was higher than in 2023 (Figure 3.10). 2024 barley exhibited excellent average germination energy at 4 mL (99%) (Figure 3.11). In 2024, the average germination energy at 8 mL was 95%, which indicates no water sensitivity (Figure 3.13). The content of starch and β-glucans in selected malting varieties grown in western Canada in 2023 and 2024 is shown in Figures 3.15 and 3.17. The content of starch and β-glucans in 2024 barley was lower than in 2023 barley. The gelatinization temperature of barley in 2024 was higher than in 2023 (Figure 3.16).

Graph data

Protein content (%, db)

Year	Selected for malting	Harvest samples
2014	11.7	11.9
2015	12.4	12.5
2016	11.3	11.7
2017	11.5	11.8
2018	11.9	12.1
2019	11.5	12.0
2020	11.8	11.9
2021	13.2	13.9
2022	12.3	12.6
2023	12.1	12.6
2024	12.2	13.2

Graph data

Barley protein (%, db)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland	11.4	11.7	12.8	12.1	12.1	12.1
AC Metcalfe	12.2	12.3	13.5	12.6	12.5	12.7
AAC Synergy	10.9	11.5	12.7	11.9	12.1	12.1
AAC Connect	11.1	11.8	13.1	12.1	12.1	12.4
CDC Fraser	10.5	11.3	12.7	12.0	11.8	12.0
CDC Churchill	no data	10.6	13.7	11.9	11.5	12.0

Graph data

Test weight (kg/hL)

Year	Test weight
2014	65.0
2015	66.6
2016	66.5
2017	68.1
2018	69.5
2019	66.3
2020	67.2
2021	64.8
2022	66.7
2023	65.0
2024	64.7
10-year average	66.6

Graph data

Test weight (kg/hL)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	64.9	65.6
AAC Synergy	65.8	65.0
CDC Fraser	64.1	64.6
CDC Copeland	64.7	64.4
CDC Churchill	66.3	64.5

Graph data

1000 kernel weight (g)

Year	1000 kernel weight
2014	44.2
2015	45.7
2016	46.5
2017	44.9
2018	46.7
2019	45.1
2020	45.5
2021	45.3
2022	45.0
2023	46.8
2024	44.1
10-year average	45.6

Graph data

1000 kernel weight (g)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	49.6	46.7
CDC Fraser	48.0	44.8
AAC Synergy	48.1	45.0
CDC Copeland	45.0	43.0
CDC Churchill	47.2	41.9

Graph data

Plumpness, over 6/64" sieve (%)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	90.3	87.5
CDC Fraser	93.8	90.8
AAC Synergy	93.3	89.3
CDC Copeland	89.0	84.9
CDC Churchill	91.5	82.9

Graph data

Kernel length (mm)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	9.48	9.23
CDC Fraser	9.27	9.00
AAC Synergy	9.09	9.06
CDC Copeland	9.01	8.85
CDC Churchill	9.12	8.98

Graph data

Kernel thickness (mm)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	2.84	2.79
CDC Fraser	2.83	2.76
AAC Synergy	2.85	2.77
CDC Copeland	2.78	2.72
CDC Churchill	2.82	2.71

Graph data

Hardness index (HI)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
CDC Copeland	45.30	48.20
AAC Connect	43.70	50.00
CDC Churchill	46.70	52.42
AAC Synergy	47.50	52.90
CDC Fraser	52.50	53.80

Graph data

Germination energy (%, 4 ml)

Year	Germination energy
2014	96
2015	97
2016	97
2017	99
2018	99
2019	98
2020	99
2021	98
2022	99
2023	98
2024	99
10-year average	98

Graph data

Germination energy (%, 4 ml)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	98.6	98.9
AAC Synergy	98.6	98.9
CDC Churchill	99.3	99.2
CDC Copeland	98.8	98.9
CDC Fraser	96.6	98.8

Graph data

Germination energy (%, 8 ml)

Year	Germination energy
2014	84
2015	86
2016	90
2017	96
2018	97
2019	89
2020	95
2021	93
2022	92
2023	94
2024	95

Graph data

Germination index (4 ml)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	7.37	7.24
AAC Synergy	6.52	6.77
CDC Churchill	6.50	6.91
CDC Copeland	6.81	6.71
CDC Fraser	6.80	7.20

Graph data

Starch (mg/kernel, db)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	26.0	24.8
CDC Fraser	24.6	23.9
AAC Synergy	24.7	23.8
CDC Copeland	23.2	22.7
CDC Churchill	24.9	22.4

Graph data

Tg (Barley) (°C)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
CDC Fraser	61.9	62.9
AAC Connect	62.0	63.5
CDC Copeland	62.5	63.6
AAC Synergy	62.0	63.5
CDC Churchill	62.4	64.1

Graph data

β-glucan (mg/kernel, db)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Synergy	1.76	1.71
AAC Connect	1.75	1.66
CDC Fraser	1.62	1.62
CDC Churchill	1.59	1.46
CDC Copeland	1.51	1.41

Pre-harvest sprouting

Pre-harvest sprouting can occur when mature grain remains unharvested in the field during prolonged periods of wet weather. One of the enzymes produced very early during germination is α-amylase. Since the level of α-amylase in sound grain is very low compared to that in germinating grain, the content of α-amylase in grain can be used as a marker of germination. Rapid visco analysis (RVA) indirectly estimates the amount of α-amylase in barley by measuring the viscosity of ground barley in water. The viscosity results are expressed in Rapid Visco Units (RVU) which then can be converted to centipoise (cP) (1 RVU = 12 cP).

Barley selectors use RVA to identify sound, moderately and strongly pre-germinated barley, and to manage their supply accordingly. Samples with final viscosity values greater than 120 RVU are considered sound, and the probability that they will retain germination energy after storage is very high. Samples with RVA values of 50 to 120 RVU are moderately pre-germinated while samples with RVA values less than 50 RVU are substantially pre-germinated and have a high probability of losing germination energy during storage. They should be malted as soon as possible. To more accurately predict safe storage time, storage conditions (temperature and relative humidity) and the initial moisture content of the grain must be considered in addition to the RVA values.

This year’s crop was challenged by occasional rainy conditions during harvest in August. The RVA results show that several samples were moderately affected by pre-harvest sprouting (Figure 3.18). The RVA results were higher for barley grown in 2024 compared to 2023. Figure 3.19 compares the RVA results for individual varieties grown in 2023 and 2024. The RVA results stress the need to identify barley with low RVU that should be malted promptly, especially if the moisture content of grain is relatively high. As indicated in the next section of this report, pre-germinated barley malted soon after harvest can produce good quality malt.

Risk of germination loss in storage

Risk of germination loss in storage	Rapid visco analysis Viscosity (Rapid Visco Units)
Low	≥ 120
Intermediate	50 to 120
High	< 50

Graph data

RVA (RVU)

Location	2022	2023	2024
Alberta	132	78	84
Saskatchewan	107	53	101
Manitoba	124	79	103

Risk of germination loss in storage

Risk of germination loss in storage	Rapid visco analysis Viscosity (Rapid Visco Units)
Low	≥ 120
Intermediate	50 to 120
High	< 50

Graph data

RVA (RVU)

Variety	2023 mean	2024 mean
AAC Connect	61	90
AAC Synergy	57	101
CDC Churchill	82	94
CDC Copeland	79	108
CDC Fraser	45	57

Malting conditions and methodologies

Initial malting trials indicated that barley from 2024 absorbed water relatively easily and quickly during steeping. Several factors contributed to somewhat faster water absorption, including lower test weight, kernel density, plumpness, and smaller kernel size. These factors were, however, counterbalanced by a higher grain hardness and slightly higher protein content in 2024 barley. Consequently, only the second wet steeping cycle was reduced to 6 hours from the 7 hours used in 2023. Like last year, the steeping temperature was 14ºC and the entire germination process (96 hours) was conducted at 15ºC. The kilning steps were conducted according to the same schedules as in 2023. All the analytical methods used to assess barley, malt and wort quality in this survey are listed in Appendix I.

Malting quality in 2024: varietal and yearly comparisons

Figures 3.20 to 3.29 compare the average malt proteins, fine extract, malt diastatic power, malt α-amylase, wort free amino nitrogen (FAN), and wort β-glucans values for varieties evaluated annually in our survey since 2019. Values shown in the graphs represent the arithmetic averages and the number of samples from 2024 are in parentheses after variety names.

Graph data

Fine extract (%, db)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland (29)	81.0	80.3	78.5	80.5	80.0	79.6
AC Metcalfe (-)	81.2	80.7	78.6	80.6	80.2	no data
AAC Synergy (42)	81.9	81.0	79.0	81.3	80.5	79.9
AAC Connect (33)	82.8	81.6	79.4	82.0	81.0	80.6
CDC Fraser (19)	82.7	81.6	79.3	81.8	80.7	80.5
CDC Churchill (25)	no data	81.8	no data	81.6	81.2	79.9

Graph data

Fine extract (%, db)

Variety	Mean
AAC Connect (33)	80.6
CDC Fraser (19)	80.5
CDC Churchill (25)	79.9
AAC Synergy (42)	79.9
CDC Copeland (29)	79.6

Graph data

Malt alpha amylase (DU, db)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland (29)	67.0	74.3	76.1	68.7	64.6	66.3
AC Metcalfe (-)	87.5	94.6	90.1	83.2	81.9	no data
AAC Synergy (42)	73.1	82.9	78.8	73.1	69.9	74.0
AAC Connect (33)	72.3	85.8	87.0	80.9	70.1	76.4
CDC Fraser (19)	68.6	83.8	90.5	79.7	75.0	78.1
CDC Churchill (25)	no data	76.4	no data	77.7	71.5	74.8

Graph data

Malt alpha amylase (DU, db)

Variety	Mean
CDC Fraser (19)	78.1
AAC Connect (33)	76.4
CDC Churchill (25)	74.8
AAC Synergy (42)	74.0
CDC Copeland (29)	66.3

Graph data

Malt diastatic power (°, db)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland (29)	163	157	173	169	168	158
AC Metcalfe (-)	198	191	191	196	187	no data
AAC Synergy (42)	161	163	168	166	169	162
AAC Connect (33)	166	172	188	185	182	177
CDC Fraser (19)	165	174	187	191	184	181
CDC Churchill (25)	no data	146	no data	160	151	151

Graph data

Malt diastatic power (°, db)

Variety	Mean
CDC Fraser (19)	181
AAC Connect (33)	177
AAC Synergy (42)	163
CDC Copeland (29)	158
CDC Churchill (25)	151

Graph data

Wort FAN (mg/L)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland (29)	186	183	221	209	187	193
AC Metcalfe (-)	200	199	232	215	203	no data
AAC Synergy (42)	170	170	191	191	180	181
AAC Connect (33)	157	163	177	185	173	176
CDC Fraser (19)	186	188	229	211	202	206
CDC Churchill (25)	no data	160	no data	190	172	174

Graph data

Wort FAN (mg/L)

Variety	Mean
CDC Fraser (19)	206
AAC Connect (33)	176
AAC Synergy (42)	181
CDC Copeland (29)	193
CDC Churchill (25)	174

Graph data

Malt protein (% db)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland (29)	11.7	11.7	12.9	11.9	12.0	11.8
AC Metcalfe (-)	12.2	12.1	13.6	12.2	12.0	no data
AAC Synergy (42)	11.0	11.3	12.5	11.4	11.8	11.6
AAC Connect (33)	11.1	11.7	13.1	11.7	11.9	11.8
CDC Fraser (19)	10.7	11.3	12.6	11.8	11.7	11.6
CDC Churchill (25)	no data	11.0	no data	11.4	11.2	11.6

Graph data

Wort β-glucan (mg/L)

Variety	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
CDC Copeland (29)	109	84	76	89	57	78
AC Metcalfe (-)	122	85	79	98	55	no data
AAC Synergy (42)	107	67	70	87	53	63
AAC Connect (33)	108	79	76	95	57	69
CDC Fraser (19)	99	67	67	93	49	68
CDC Churchill (25)	no data	85	no data	99	58	77

Highlights of malting barley quality in 2024

• In 2024, the cool, wet conditions at the beginning of the growing season substantially improved soil moisture and gave the barley crop a good start. Excessive heat in July, however, negatively affected yield and substantially affected the physical characteristics and composition of barley grain in 2024.
• The average test weight was 64.7 kg/hL, which is lower than the 2023 average (65.0 kg/hL) and lower than the 10-year average (66.6 kg/hL). The average 1000 kernel weight in 2024 was 44.1 g, which is substantially lower than the 10-year average (45.6 g). Reduced kernel plumpness in 2024 was associated with a lower starch content in the grain. The average level of barley proteins (12.2%) in 2024 was, however, similar to last year’s, and only slightly higher than the 10-year average (12.0%).
• Occasional rain in August in parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan caused some pre-harvest sprouting in this year’s barley. In the fall of 2024, however, barley exhibited an excellent average germination energy (99%), a high germination index and no water sensitivity.
• The combination of lower test weight, lower grain density, and smaller kernel size in 2024 barley contributed to relatively easy and quick water absorption during steeping and good modification during germination. This resulted in the production of well-modified malt with high friability and ample levels of enzymes (diastatic power and α-amylase), soluble proteins and free amino nitrogen (FAN). Wort from 2024 barley had low levels of β-glucans and very good (low) viscosity values.
• The smaller, lighter and thinner kernels of 2024 barley negatively affected the malt extract. Malt made from 2024 barley produced lower than expected levels of extract with substantial differences in extract levels among different Canadian malting varieties.