For the fourth consecutive year, BrettYoung continues to invest in extensive field testing. In 2026, more than 40 BCT sites across Western Canada will evaluate canola, soybeans, and silage corn. These trials include newly commercialized varieties, seed treatment products, and experimental entries, allowing you and BrettYoung Regional Account Managers (RAMs) to compare performance across diverse real-world conditions.
What Are BrettYoung Comparison Trials?
BrettYoung Comparison Trials are beneficial to RAMs and growers, giving them the opportunity to evaluate new and established hybrids side by side, alongside key industry checks. With trial locations across Western Canada, the program delivers valuable insight into hybrid performance under a broad range of growing conditions.
“This is the largest trialing network BrettYoung has had for LibertyLink® canola,” says Justine Cornelsen, Agronomic & Regulatory Services Manager. “We’re excited to look at new products not only in LibertyLink canola but also in TruFlex™ canola, soybeans, and silage corn.”
This season, 13 experimental products are included across crop types.
“The trials provide us with the opportunity to check out future varieties for our portfolio and generate additional data with newly launched canola hybrids like BY 7203LL, and BY 6222TF,” adds Cornelsen.
How BCT Plots Are Designed
BCT product lineups vary by maturity and clubroot resistance genetics. A typical site includes:
- Replicated field-length strips
- Randomized second reps to enable fair comparisons
- Side-by-side assessments of maturity, plant architecture, and performance
Data collected contributes to a larger BrettYoung dataset used to help determine which varieties move forward in the portfolio. For many entries, this is their first season grown at commercial scale — making grower feedback on performance and harvestability a key part of the evaluation process.
Crop-Specific Focus Areas for 2026
Canola
With a strong lineup of DefendR®-rated LibertyLink and TruFlex hybrids already established, the 2026 program will focus on evaluating the next generation of hybrids, for consistency in yield performance, reliable pod integrity and industry leading defense against yield robbing disease. Growers will be able to view five new LibertyLink hybrids and two new TruFlex hybrids at BCT sites.
“Our main canola genetics supplier, DL Canada, has created a phenomenal hybrid lineup with exceptional disease resistance traits and strong pod shatter tolerance,” says Cornelsen.
The new hybrids emphasize earlier maturity, pod shatter tolerance through Pod DefendR, and durable DefendR-rated clubroot disease resistance. Yield performance and plant architecture remain key evaluation factors.
Soybeans
Soybean BCTs are concentrated in Manitoba this season, with a focus on gathering additional performance data on a 00.2 RM variety first tested in 2025, while also evaluating a new 000.9 RM experimental variety. The trials aim to further assess performance, adaptability, and fit across Manitoba soybean production environments.
Cornelsen notes that last year’s soybean focus was on mid to long season maturity varieties.
“This year’s focus is on identifying strong-performing varieties suited for Manitoba’s very early to early maturity zones.”
Silage Corn
BrettYoung’s silage corn trial program provides both performance data and feed quality assessments. The 2026 lineup includes:
- Four new experimental hybrids
- Comparisons to BY Brava RR2 and BY Guernsey VT2P
- Evaluation of agronomic performance, adaptability, and feed quality
Supporting Third-Party Trials
In addition to BrettYoung’s own trials, many provincial and regional groups are also testing BrettYoung commercial and experimental products. Growers are encouraged to watch for these independent results throughout the season.
Appreciation for Grower Collaboration
Cornelsen emphasizes the importance of grower participation: “We appreciate all the growers that help put trials in for us. They’re the largest part in making BCTs successful.”
To tour a BCT location this summer, growers can reach out to their local RAM.
FAQ
What are BrettYoung Comparison Trials (BCTs)?
They are field-scale trials used to compare new and existing hybrids against each other and against industry standards across Western Canada.
Which crops are included in the 2026 program?
Canola, soybeans, and silage corn.
How are soybean trials being conducted?
Concentrated in Manitoba, with focus on 000.9 RM and 00.2 RM experimental varieties. The goal is to identify a strong variety for very-early to early maturity zones.
What is new in silage corn trials?
Assessing four new experimental hybrids and comparisons to existing BrettYoung standouts.
Why is grower feedback important?
It helps BrettYoung decide which varieties move into the portfolio based on real-world performance and harvestability.
How can growers visit a trial?
By contacting a BrettYoung Regional Account Manager (RAM).
