September 4, 2020
The 2020 growing season in Western Canada saw adequate moisture in many regions of the Prairies (some areas received excessive precipitation), although parts of Saskatchewan and Manitoba were also too dry this summer. While both the areas with too much moisture, and those with too little, will suffer losses in terms of yields and quality, a large portion of the Prairies is poised to harvest a good quality malting barley crop in 2020 with generally strong yields.
HIGHLIGHTS
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As of Sep. 3rd, 35-40% of the barley harvest is complete across the Prairies. Some areas like southern Alberta are almost finished, while others, like northern Alberta, have yet to begin.
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Many areas reporting above average yields to date, although parts of Saskatchewan that were dry this year, and areas in Alberta that were too wet, will be average or below.
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Test weights ranging from 48-59 lbs/bu (60-74 kg per hl); Plump kernels averaging 80-95%.
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Protein levels vary widely by area with the majority of the samples falling in a range of 11-13.5%. On average proteins look to be about 0.5% higher than 2019, and similar to 2018.
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Limited reports of DON in malting barley to date.
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Current StatCan production forecast for all Canada is 10.5 million tonnes.
Harvest progress by Province:
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As of Aug 31, Manitoba barley harvest is estimated at 62% complete (source Manitoba crop report).
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As of Sep 1, Saskatchewan barley harvest is estimated at 37% complete (source Saskatchewan crop report)
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As of Sep 3, Alberta barley harvest is estimated at 35% complete (source Alberta crop report).
