An Olds-area farmer has been named one of the top malting barley producers in Canada.
Frank Hamel, who operates at Olds and Outlook, Sask., is among 15 barley growers named under the Elite Barley grower recognition program.
Led by the members of the malting barley value chain, the Elite Barley program identifies excellence in malt barley production.
In addition to Hamel, Alberta growers from Morrin, Blackie and Sexsmith made the grade. Ten others farm in Saskatchewan and one is from Manitoba.
“Only the very best growers consistently achieve malt barley status with their crop each year,” said Michael Edney of the Canadian Grain Commission and an Elite Barley co-chair. “The growers nominated under this program typically represent that level of success.”
Canada’s malt barley industry represented nearly $300 million in farm gate receipts in 2010.