Hulless barley research and development is now receiving more emphasis with potential for feed, food, and industrial uses. Market opportunities, either on the producer's own farm or for sale into the feed or food industry, should be established prior to planting.

Variety selection is and will become more important as the various industries demand specific characteristics. In terms of cultural practices, hulless barley should be treated like regular barley except for special care at seeding and combining.

Several varieties available with varying levels of beta glucan fiber.

Several health benefits are noted when consuming the recommended amounts including:

• Lower Blood Cholesterol levels

• Support for diabetes and slowing sugar absorption

• Dietary benefits

• Healthier gut

Seen as a health-promoting ingredient, premium quality flax is rapidly being absorbed into the expanding functional food markets.

Functional foods are those food products which have been fortified with a healthful ingredient, or which are promoted because of a healthy ingredient.

Flax, with its high alpha-linolenic fatty acid content, ample fibre, and cancer-fighting lignans is a unique functional food.

Getting back to the grass roots of wheat production; old varieties of wheat.