Nine southern Alberta pedigreed seed growers share their top variety recommendations for 2026, covering barley, durum, corn, flax, and more.
It’s no secret that volatile commodity prices, unpredictable weather, and a host of new varieties on the market are complicating the age old question of “what should I plant this year?”.
In fact, that decision is so challenging for farmers right now, that it’s by far the most common question we heard floating around at this year’s Lethbridge Ag Expo. Well, that and complaints about the 90+ km winds outside the day of the event.
Being the Seed Guide we are, we figured we should try to get some answers to that very question. Armed with two questions built around what they would grow this year, we spoke with nine southern Alberta pedigree seed growers to get their expert recommendations, with the hopes of providing some guidance into what you should actually have on your planting shortlist.
Our Guiding Questions:
- If you were farming your neighbour’s land this year, what would you plant and why?
- What’s one variety that’s been surprising you lately?
We hope their answers give you some insight into what to be requesting from your dealer heading into this growing season.
Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity. Growers are listed in alphabetical order by company name.
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