Sustaining Barley Webinar Series | Properties for Performance

Sustaining Barley Webinar Series

Properties for Performance

December 3, 2026 @ 11 am CT

Speakers:

Marta S. Izydorczyk | Grain Research Laboratory, Canadian Grain Commission | Research Scientist & Program Manager

Presentation: "Malting potential of new Canadian hulless barley varieties, CDC Armstrong and CDC Pristine"

Marta S. Izydorczyk is a Research Scientist and Program Manager of Milling and Malting Research on Barley and Other Grains at the Grain Research Laboratory, Canadian Grain Commission, and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. Dr. Izydorczyk's research focuses on identifying and characterizing grain constituents and the molecular mechanisms that influence the performance of barley and other cereals during processing. She is responsible for evaluating analytical and instrumental techniques and for developing methods and protocols to measure physical and biochemical grain characteristics for quality and value assessment. Her research aims to develop effective strategies for enhancing grain quality and adapting grain-based raw materials to the evolving needs of the malting, brewing, milling, and food industries. In addition to her research activities, she represents the Canadian Grain Commission in domestic and international forums, fosters collaborations and technology transfer among producers, industry, and marketers, and provides technical expertise and advice to stakeholders and the public. 

Joint presentation from Montana State University

The ‘Root’ of Sustainable Barley Breeding: Unearthing the genetics behind barley root interactions with soil, microbes, and water.

Jessica Williams | Montana State University | Postdoctoral Researcher

Jessica got her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Denver. After researching genetics in fruit fly laboratories and becoming interested in farming  through volunteer work, she completed a PhD in plant science at Montana State  University. Now she researches the genetics of barley root systems with the goal of  breeding sustainable varieties.

Lula Langdon | Montana State University | PhD student

Lula grew up on a small farm in Upstate New York and completed a bachelor’s degree in  plant genetics, genomics, and breeding at UC Davis. She is hoping to help Montana growers grow high-quality barley on dry land in the era of climate change.