Grainswest - Spring 2026

Spring 2026 grainswest.com 11 STORY AND PHOTOS BY IAN DOIG A NEW DIRECTION As the drizzle turned to rain, Kabeta waved a hand toward the collection of barley and triticale plots and posed the obvious question that faced WCI as the organization blossomed. “This is what we have, but what’s next? “We aim to build a centre of excellence for feed and forage barley breeding,” he said. Five decades of experience and a diverse germplasm collection built over many years provide a strong foundation for this initiative, he added. In triticale, it will focus on smooth awn and semi-smooth awn types suited to flexible use as grain or forage. Though WCI does not now have such varieties in production, Aljarrah said there is a need and market interest. YEAR TWO In the months that followed the WCI field day, a couple of foundational devel- opments occurred. The Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association joined WCI member organizations Alberta Beef Producers, Alberta Grains and SaskBarley. As well, late last year, Alberta Grains announced it will contribute $600,000 over three years to WCI to support existing barley breeder and a senior technician roles. WCI funding partners also include Al- berta Agriculture and Irrigation as well as RDAR. Central to the WCI approach to crop breeding, the organization works closely with these groups. Also key, WCI reviewed the FCDC program and made strategic adjustments to its not-for-profit The WCI feed and forage breeding programwill build upon 50 years of FCDC experience and a diverse germplasm collection amassed in recent years, said breeder Yadeta Kabeta. “Having the focus on feed and forage barley allows us to make a greater impact.” —Yadeta Kabeta