Hello SeCan Malting Barley Growers: 

I hope you have had a successful spring. 

SeCan is working with CMBTC and distributors on a malting barley varietal ID project – the goal is a rapid low cost test. ZoomAgri has developed a technology that employs high resolution digital scanning and artificial intelligence to identify variety differences. The goal is a test that is quick, costs less than $20, and is 98% accurate (current lab tests cost over $200/sample). 

If successful the test would be available as a tool for seed growers. 

In order to calibrate the system with Canadian malting barley, CMBTC is seeking a minimum of 30 samples of the key malting varieties from across a wide growing area and multiple years. We’re reaching out to you because your area is not yet represented in the calibration for CDC Copeland, CDC Fraser, CDC Churchill, or AC Metcalfe.

Note: Germination does not matter as the ID is based on visual characteristics, so older retained samples are great as it provides a look from another year.

Here is what we need:

• 1 kg of high pedigree seed (the higher the better, but at minimum Certified) of CDC Copeland, CDC Fraser, CDC Churchill, or AC Metcalfe.
• Samples from multiple years if available – because this will represent a different physical appearance (so 2022 crop is fine, but any carryover or retained samples you can spare help as well).  

Attached is the information sheet to include with each sample – and it contains CMBTC’s Purolator (ground) shipping instructions and account number. 

Let me know if you have questions. 

Thanks in advance for your help.

Todd Hyra 
Western Business Manager
204-489-9126
thyra@secan.com