A LOSS FOR CANADIAN BARLEY
BY IAN DOIG • PHOTO BY LEIF NORMAN
A key resource for the country’s barley value chain, the establishment of the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) in Winnipeg in 2000 was overseen by Yueshu Li. Director of malting and brewing operations, Li’s work and guidance in the organization’s quality testing services and marketing initiatives is often cited as a driver of the not-for-profit research facility’s value to the industry.
“We really do have some of the best barley in the world,” Li told GrainsWest in 2019. “And the more we can do to make sure people know about it, the better.” He stressed the facility is also a resource unique to Canada. “I like to think of the barley industry as a family. We all support each other—the growers, the researchers, the marketers, the brewers—everyone. We’re all working toward the same goal, which makes any work we do a win-win for everyone involved.”
Li passed away on June 4 at the age of 71. Born in Hebei, China, he received an undergraduate degree from Northeast Normal University in Jilin province followed by a PhD in plant physiology and ecology at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to assuming his role at CMBTC, he worked as a researcher and in management positions in the Canadian and U.S. malting sectors.
Professionally, Li served on the Prairie Grain Recommendation Committee and the Technical Committee of the Western Grains Research Foundation. As a volunteer, he served as president of the Manitoba Academy of Chinese Studies from 2015 to 2025. In 2024 he was recognized by Winnipeg mayor Scott Gillingham with the city’s Community Service Award and a Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Community Service presented by Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, Kevin Lamoureux.
Peter Watts is managing director, CMBTC. He and Li met in the late 1990s when they both worked for the Canadian Wheat Board. They then worked together at CMBTC following its launch in 2000.
“As one of the world’s leading experts in malting and brewing, Yueshu used science and his extensive knowledge to build customer confidence in Canadian barley and malt,” said Watts. “Just as importantly, he focused on building relationships and trust with our customers around the world. He was regularly in direct contact with many of China’s malting and brewing companies. His work helped grow China into Canada’s largest barley export market, supported adoption of Canadian varieties, strengthened returns for farmers and improved the competitiveness of Canada’s malting and brewing sector.” Watts described Li’s establishment of international connections as a major accomplishment. He built a “remarkable” network of relationships, particularly in China, which resulted in five Chinese malting and brewing companies signing on as CMBTC members. “Through Yueshu, they recognized the value of the association for their industry.”
Li also led the charge to gain acceptance of new Canadian malting barley varieties in China. This started in the early 2000s with varieties such as Stein and Oxbow, followed later by varieties that included Synergy, Connect, Fraser and Churchill.
“Yueshu also loved to share his knowledge, and that predilection shone through the CMBTC Malt Academy courses where he trained the next generation of maltsters, brewers and industry professionals,” said Watts. In 2022, Li was presented with the Soles of Malt Award by North American industry association the Craft Maltsters Guild in recognition of his extensive work with the Malt Academy program.
Al Morris is president of Integrated Grain and a founding director of CMBTC. A longtime colleague and friend, he spoke at Li’s memorial service. The two hit it off while on a trip to meet with China’s top five maltsters to promote Stein, a malting barley variety then marketed by UGG, Morris’s employer at the time. “He was such an approachable, knowledgeable and honest individual that you couldn’t help but like the guy.” Morris was also impressed by the sheer amount of work Li accomplished and the fact he was unflappable. As they travelled cross-country for a flurry of meetings, Li’s luggage failed to catch up with him until day four. Morris lent Li some office attire and Li laughed off the problem. “Travelling can be very stressful, but nothing seemed to bother him. And that’s how he treated any situation: ‘OK, this is what we’ve got to do to resolve it.’” Morris described Li as the king of international barley promotion, especially within the Chinese market.
This tenacious commitment to problem solving was apparent in all he did, and a strong example for others, said Morris. “He always had a game plan.” In service to customers, Li would analyze their data and produce thoughtful recommendations. Morris believes Li’s strong work ethic was driven by his commitment to family. “He would do anything for his family.” Li and his wife Lili Lei raised three children.
Never one to complain, he also kept quiet about his illness and spent his final days doing the work he loved. Unselfish to a fault, he simply didn’t wish to burden those around him with bad news, believes Morris.
“It’s a huge loss to CMBTC and to the Canadian barley industry. He has laid the groundwork for us to continue.”
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