Harvest 09: Barley failures in Hants

Half of all spring barley is failing malting tests at Hampshire Grain, with split skins and fusarium to blame.

Farmers were about three-quarters of the way through spring barley harvest in the area, with yields averaging 6.2-7.4t/ha (2.5-3t/acre), said store manager Mike Clay.

Winter barley had also performed badly, with 25-30% failing to meet the malting specification. Many samples contained wheat admixture following the wet autumn, he added.

Wheat harvest was only about 10% complete, and yields were average so far. “We are starting to see Solstice and Cordiale – they are alright, but we’re not looking at a high protein year.”

The Solstice and Cordiale were averaging about 13% protein, with early samples of Einstein coming in at nearer 12%, said Mr Clay. Hagbergs, so far, were fine.

“It’s an average year on the wheat – there have been no disasters yet, but nothing to cheer farmers up over the malting barley.”

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Duxford winter wheat is an HGCA Recommended List 2009/10 variety with very high UK treated yields and a maximum 9 rating for resistance to lodging with and without PGR. Combined with the highest second wheat yield and a balanced disease resistance profile, Duxford will continue to help UK growers meet the challenge of producing more grain profitably.

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