Graduate Students Receive Funding to Enhance Barley Production

Five graduate students in Canada have received financial support for their research aimed at improving barley production, sustainability, and innovation in the industry. The funding comes from the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission (SaskBarley), in collaboration with Labatt Breweries of Canada (Labatt), as part of the SaskBarley Scholarship Program.

This initiative is financed through checkoff dollars contributed by Saskatchewan barley producers, along with partnerships within the industry. The program is designed to assist students enrolled in Canadian universities whose research aligns with the priorities of barley producers and their end-users.

Cody Glenn, Chair of SaskBarley, emphasized the importance of nurturing new researchers. He stated, “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.”

Supporting Future Innovations in Barley Production

The SaskBarley Scholarship Program recognizes outstanding Master’s and PhD students whose research delivers practical benefits for barley growers and strengthens Canada’s barley value chain, which spans from farm to feedlot, malt house, and brewery. In 2025, scholarships were awarded at the PhD, Master’s, and Master’s runner-up levels, with additional support from Labatt to expand funding for graduate research.

The recipients of the 2025 scholarships are recognized for their contributions to various research topics. These include livestock feed utilization, nitrogen management, precision agriculture and machine learning, malting and brewing performance, and the environmental sustainability of malting barley production.

Labatt’s Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs, Jeff Ryan, remarked on the significance of Canadian barley in their operations. “Labatt applauds the recipients of this scholarship, whose future work will be instrumental in advancing our commitment to quality and innovation,” he stated.

The SaskBarley Scholarship Program not only aids in the academic pursuits of these students but also strengthens the agricultural sector, ensuring that barley production in Saskatchewan continues to thrive in a competitive market. Through targeted research and investment in education, both SaskBarley and Labatt are fostering a vibrant future for the barley industry in Canada.