What to consider when selecting spring malting barley varieties

UK farmers are being advised to focus on proven barley varieties with strong market flexibility when selecting seed for the coming season, as uncertainty over area, premiums and end-market demand continues to shape decision-making.

While UK growers consistently produce some of the highest-quality barley in the world, premiums have remained under pressure in recent seasons due to an oversupply both domestically and across Europe, coupled with declining demand.

See also: Scottish spring barley: Lessons for farmers in 2026

However, early indications suggest spring barley area could fall by more than 15% this year, potentially creating improved premium opportunities compared with the past two seasons.

Wet winters

According to Saxon Agriculture’s malting barley trader Laura Jones, changes in cropping plans following recent wet winters are expected to see winter wheat area increase at the expense of both winter and spring barley.

“Spring barley area is forecast to be down by more than 15%, according to AHDB surveys, which could support premiums,” she explains.

“However, it is still a major crop, as the UK’s second-largest crop behind winter wheat. But with demand significantly contracting year on year, crop marketing is essential.”

Laura says market uncertainty means growers should consider how and when they market malting barley, as well as what they grow.

“In a volatile market, decent yields combined with the opportunity to lock in premiums early can make a real difference,” she says.

“We’ve seen how quickly things can turn, and malting barley is one area where forward selling has consistently helped growers manage risk.”

Managing risk

Jonathan Baxendale, Saxon Agriculture’s head of seed trading, says variety selection in malting barley should be driven by end-market access and proven performance.

“Our advice is to focus on varieties with the widest range of marketing options,” he says. “Growing a new or niche variety without a contract or a clear end market at the point of drilling can significantly increase risk.”

Jonathan points to the continued dominance of established varieties as evidence of this approach.

Laureate, a dual-purpose variety suitable for both malting and brewing, at present accounts for around 60% of the certified spring barley seed market.

“Laureate remains popular because it’s well established, widely accepted and gives growers the highest chance of finding a home if quality is achieved,” he says.

Skyway, a brewing-only variety, has also gained ground, now accounting for around 14% of the English certified seed market.

It offers higher yield potential than older brewing varieties, alongside a high bushel weight and good straw characteristics.

“The key is choosing varieties that align with realistic marketing routes and having those conversations early.”

New options

While the advice this season is to stick largely with established varieties, Jonathan notes that new options are emerging.

Belter and Arrow are potential new dual-purpose varieties offering a yield advantage over Laureate.

“There are currently limited contracts available, so growers should speak to their grain merchant before securing seed,” he advises.

Over the past two seasons, the UK malting barley yearly demand has dropped from 1.9m tonnes to 1.7m tonnes, highlighting that with reduced demand early discussions around both variety choice and marketing strategy remain essential.

Laura concludes. “This is a year for realism – understanding your market, choosing varieties that offer flexibility, and using forward contracts where appropriate to protect value.”