AC Metcalfe continues to be the leading malting barley variety planted in 2009. Montana growers seeded 198,600 acres, or 22.1 percent of the total acres of barley planted in Montana. AC Metcalfe is a two-rowed malting barley developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, located in Brandon, Manitoba. It is recommended by the AMBA, has a 7 percent higher yield, but matures one day later than Harrington. It is resistant to loose smut, and is moderately resistant to the spot-form of net blotch, surface-borne smuts, and common root rot. It has plump kernels and high test weight, but it is susceptible to scald and spetoria.

Harrington is the second most common malting barley variety in 2009. A total of 147,000 acres were seeded, accounting for 16.3 percent of the total acres. Harrington has been recommended by the AMBA since 1989. It is a two-rowed malting barley variety developed by the University of Saskatchewan. It matures one day earlier than AC Metcalfe. It is susceptible to leaf diseases (net blotch, scald), stem rust, and loose smut. It has a long, rough awn and a white aleurone.

Conrad is the third leading malting barley variety planted in 2009. Conrad has increased from previous years to 55,200 acres or 6.1 percent of the barley acres planted in Montana. This variety is a two-rowed malting barley variety that was developed by Busch Agricultural Resources and is recommended by AMBA. It has similar height and lodging resistance as B1202, and is two to three inches shorter than Harrington. Its maturity and plump is similar to both B1202 and Harrington. The variety can be identified by having a white pearl, a long-haired rachilla, and a rough beard.

Tradition is the fourth leading malting variety seeded in 2009. Montana producers planted 46,200 acres, accounting for 5.1 percent of the total barley acres planted. Tradition is a six-rowed malt barley developed by Busch Agricultural Resources Inc. and was recommended by the AMBA for use in Montana. It matures one day later than Morex and two days earlier than Robust. It has a white pearl, long-haired rachilla, and a rough beard.

Haybet has been the top forage barley variety seeded for the past ten years in a row. Montana farmers planted 95,200 acres, accounting for 10.6 percent of the total acres in 2009. It was developed cooperatively by the Agricultural Research Service, USDA, and the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station in 1989. It is a two-rowed, hooded, white-kerneled spring hay barley. Compared to Horsford hay barley, Haybet is 3 days later in heading and similar in plant height and percent lodging. Haybet is higher in hay yield than Horsford, but they are similar in grain yield.

Hays is the second most common forage barley variety planted in 2009 with 22,100 acres or 2.5 percent of the total barley planted. It is a two-rowed hooded hay barley developed by Montana State University, and is a cross between Haybet and Baronesse varieties. Forage yields are similar to Haybet and higher than Westford. Hays is about three inches shorter and heads two days later than Haybet, however, the two varieties have similar test weights.

Haxby remained the top feed barley variety planted for feed in 2009 for the third year in a row. Producers planted 56,700 acres in 2009, or 6.3 percent of the total barley acres planted in Montana. Haxby is a two-rowed barley developed by MSU. Yields are equal to Baronesse and Eslick and are higher than Gallatin and Valier varieties. It is medium height and maturity, and has superior performance in low moisture conditions. Haxby has high test weights in both dryland and irrigated areas.

Baronesse has been the second most common feed barley variety for the past three years. Montana growers planted 13,300 acres, accounting for 1.5 percent of the 2009 planted acres. Baronesse was developed in Germany and distributed by Western Plant Breeders in the U.S. It is a two-rowed, rough-awned spring barley. It is medium-short in height and medium in maturity. Baronesse has excellent irrigated yield potential and adapts easily to dryland conditions. It is highly resistant to lodging and moderately resistant to net blotch.