Barley, Wheat & Canola

 10,000 years after it was first domesticated, barley has changed surprisingly little, but it is becoming increasingly known for its health benefits. Studies are showing that consuming whole grains significantly reduces rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Also (importantly), barley is in beer. Every year, Canada exports over $250 million in beer, and about 65 per cent of the malt from our barley is shipped out to 20 different countries.

Canola seeds are about 45 percent oil. That’s double the oil content of soybeans. It is light in texture and taste, low in saturated fat, and extremely versatile in the kitchen. To boot, canola meal makes for a high protein feed for dairy, livestock, and poultry. As if that weren’t enough, Canada is developing sustainable, canola-based biofuels that emit as little as 10 percent of the greenhouse gases of fossil fuel.

Wheat is one of the world’s most important cereal crops and international trade in wheat is greater than all other grain crops combined. As the population grows, production of wheat and other grains is anticipated to grow throughout the 21st century. Mackenzie Region, with its vast hectares of nutrient-rich soil, is eager to meet this market need as we continue to grow in our capacity to deliver superior crops.