Aaron Beattie, a prominent plant breeder at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC), has been honored with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists Distinguished Agrologist Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to agriculture, food security, and sustainable farming practices.
Since joining the CDC in 2006 as the barley and oat breeder, Beattie has had a profound impact on the agriculture industry, particularly in the development of barley and oat varieties that are not only more productive but also more resilient to the challenges posed by climate change. His breeding work has led to the release of 18 barley varieties and 11 oat varieties, many of which have had a significant economic impact on both the local agricultural economy and the broader value-added industry in western Canada.
Beattie’s breeding efforts are particularly timely, as they focus on developing higher-yielding, drought-tolerant, and disease-resistant barley and oat varieties. These innovations are crucial in a rapidly changing climate, where farmers face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and environmental stresses. By addressing these challenges, Beattie is helping to ensure that Canadian farmers are better equipped to navigate the future of agriculture.
In addition to his plant breeding work, Dr. Beattie has worked closely with brewers to emphasize the economic importance of sustainable agriculture. This collaboration has contributed to a “farm to table” movement, which highlights the value of supporting local food systems. By developing barley varieties that are more resilient to drought, Beattie has helped create a stable supply of high-quality barley for the brewing industry, reinforcing the connection between local agriculture and food production.
His work has paved the way for more sustainable farming practices, ensuring that future generations of farmers will be better equipped to face the challenges of food security and climate change.
Most recently, he made waves at the 2025 meeting of the Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) in Winnipeg for a new oat line, OT3125, which has outyielded top-performing checks like AC Morgan and CS Camden by an average of 7% across multiple soil zones over two years. What sets OT3125 apart isn’t just its yield. It’s a shorter line, similar in height to AC Summit, with strong lodging resistance, making it a solid choice for farmers looking for both stability and performance.
