PHOTO: Members of the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye and Triticale hold up their voting cards at last week’s PGDC meeting in Winnipeg. Photo: Harpinder Singh Randhawa
If you’re looking for an oat that delivers a solid yield bump without sacrificing standability, you’ll want to keep an eye on OT3125. This experimental line has outperformed industry staples like AC Morgan and CS Camden by an average of 7% over two years.
It was success stories like these that were the highlight of last week’s Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) meeting, held in Winnipeg Feb. 24-27.
“It’s got strong lodging resistance, stays upright, and maintains excellent grain quality—even in last year’s dry conditions,” says Aaron Beattie, barley and oat breeder at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre (CDC).
Beta-glucan levels are right where they need to be, making it a great fit for food markets. Beattie compares it to previous game-changers like CDC Arborg. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen this level of improvement in oats,” he says.
If this trend holds, OT3125 could be a high-performing option for growers looking to maximize returns.
Black Barley: A Specialty Market Opportunity
Over in the barley world, a new black barley variety, HB23150, is turning heads. Bred at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Research and Development Centre in Brandon, Man., this hulless variety is packed with antioxidants and could tap into premium health-conscious markets.
“People are calling it ‘barley caviar,’” says Ana Badea, head of AAFC’s barley breeding program in Brandon.
Unlike feed and malt barleys, black barley’s dark outer bran is rich in anthocyanins—compounds linked to health benefits. With growing demand for specialty grains, this could be an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify.
Adam Carter has taken over Pierre Hucl’s breeding program at the Crop Development Centre. Photo: Chris Hendrikson
New Triticale and Wheat Lines Offer Better Quality
Spring triticale is getting a long-awaited upgrade, thanks to the CDC’s breeding program. This is the first new spring triticale line in over 50 years, offering better quality and high forage yield.
“It’s been a challenge to improve baking quality in triticale while keeping its stress tolerance,” says Adam Carter, who now leads the CWRS wheat, specialty wheat, and canaryseed breeding program at the CDC.
For winter triticale, however, options are dwindling. Western Crop Innovations (WCI) put forward its last winter triticale line, WT0050, which is nearly awnless and well-suited for dryland areas.
“There’s strong demand for winter triticale, especially as a forage and cover crop,” says Mazen Aljarrah of WCI. “If funding becomes available, we could restart the breeding program.”
WCI had a big year at the Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) meetings, with five new varieties—including barley and spring triticale—receiving support for registration.
Mustard and Pulses See Yield Gains
Mustard growers take note: Two new lines from AAFC Saskatoon, bred by Bifang Cheng, are showing double-digit yield gains over traditional varieties.
“That’s a big deal for Saskatchewan’s mustard farmers, who dominate the global mustard market,” says Ken Jackle, chair of the Prairie Recommending Committee for Oilseeds.
Pulses also had a strong year, with 23 new lines—including field peas, fava beans, and red lentils—evaluated. Imported U.S. dry bean lines added some extra excitement, bringing fresh opportunities for Canadian farmers.
Collaboration is Key
International partnerships are becoming more important as markets shift. Hybrid rye, for example, is expanding beyond Western Canada into Eastern Canada and the U.S., thanks to companies like FP Genetics.
“We all have the same goal—helping farmers succeed,” says Nathan Penner, FP Genetics’ commercialization director. “Focusing on shared challenges and solutions will keep agriculture moving forward.”
With high-yielding oats, premium barley markets, and better triticale and mustard options, farmers have plenty of new tools to improve profitability.
