Carmen Fernholz of Madison , MN explains the finer points of barley production to Matt Helgeson and Matt Leavitt of Albert Lea Seed

There is increasing interest in barley production across the upper Midwest for many reasons : microbreweries are looking for locally-sourced barley , farmers are looking for input-reducing rotational crops , and consumers are asking for food that is local and environmentally-friendly .

Luckily for us Dr . Kevin Smith ( barley breeder at the University of Minnesota ) has been getting ready for the growing demand . Dr . Smith currently has multiple barley-breeding projects underway : spring 6-row barley , spring 2-row barley , winter 6-row barley , and winter 2-row barley . Dr . Smith is breeding for multiple characteristics including yield , disease resistance , and output characteristics such as malting quality .

Some private companies are also responding to the growing demand for barley , and we are launching 2 new barley varieties from KWS , a German cereal-breeding company .

1

1 = Strong , 9 = Weak 2 1 = Most Resistant , 9 = Most Susceptible

Variety $/ bu

Features Type

Days to Heading

Plant Height ( in .)

Lodging 1

Use

Awns / Rachilla Hairs

Protein %

Scab 2

Avg Yield 3-Year ( bu )