Guanajuato Launches Barley Production, Field Trials

Guanajuato has begun barley production across 230ha at the Xonotli Agrotechnological Park under an agreement with Los Olivos de Callejones the official distributor of the seed used by brewer Heineken. The fields are located along the borders of Salamanca, Santa Cruz de Juventino Rosas and Villagrán, and part of the planted area has been allocated to a new barley line that requires less water and is expected to increase productivity.

The project will assess key factors including water-use efficiency, crop performance and yield to strengthen specialized agricultural production in the state. Authorities said the barley crop is considered strategic for Guanajuato, with international commercialization projected once the grain is processed into beer by Heineken.

The scheme also includes protection of the planted hectares against weather-related risks through the Pro Agro program, which will allow adjustments to the price per kilogram of grain. Pest control and fertilization activities will be handled by producers, while the grain price will remain within the federally agreed amount.

Xonotli, Bayer Test Service Crop Model

Beyond expanding barley production linked to Heineken’s supply chain, Xonotli Park is also strengthening the crop’s technical foundation through field-level innovation. In collaboration with Bayer, Xonotli is testing agronomic practices aimed at improving soil health, increasing nitrogen availability and stabilizing yields, aligning commercial expansion with long-term sustainability.

Paulo Bañuelos, Director of the park, said the trial covers two hectares at Xonotli’s facilities. One hectare was planted with barley alongside ebo as a service crop, while the second hectare follows traditional management and serves as a control plot. The barley was sown Dec. 12, 2025. At the end of the cycle, crop yield and soil nitrogen availability will be evaluated in both systems to determine which offers better results for producers. 

Ebo, considered a cover or service crop within conservation agriculture systems, plays a key role in sustainable farming by fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, improving soil structure and providing ground cover that helps retain moisture and reduce erosion. According to the Corn and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), ebo’s intermediate growth cycle, tolerance to disease and high protein forage value make it a viable option for crop diversification, organic fertilization and integrated crop-livestock systems, particularly in temperate and cool climates.

“We seek to generate practical information that helps producers make better decisions, producing more while caring for their soil, working hand in hand with an international company such as Bayer, which has greatly supported us at the park in innovating and experimenting so that the agricultural sector remains profitable and productive,” said Bañuelos

The initiative aims to offer practical and applicable alternatives that strengthen barley producers’ profitability and the sustainability of the agricultural system. Bayer is providing technical support during the trial, monitoring the evaluation of the technology and crop performance in the field.