WHEAT GROWERS must remain aware of millers changing variety preferences, the National Association of British and Irish Millers (NABIM) has warned.

Big differences in protein and gluten content between group one and three varieties, affects how they perform and producers must make growing choices based on this information, said NABIM‘s Charlotte May.

“We need farmers to keep growing Group One wheats for bread making, as well as continuing to grow a good spread of Group Two varieties, which are needed for a range of products.”

NABIM‘s 2005 wheat variety guide provides information on the latest varieties to help make these decisions, she said.

Growers will also be able to “Meet the Miller” at the NABIM stand at the Cereals 2005 event in June to discuss their requirements and see a range of loaves made with individual varieties.

“Many farmers are already asking more market-orientated questions than a few years ago, but they need to keep asking those questions because the answers will change,” she concluded.