New barley set to be key dual-purpose variety across UK

Belter is set to become a major dual-purpose spring malting barley variety across the UK within the next couple of years, because of its consistent high yields and high malting quality.

It is expected to be fully approved by the malting barley committee by next spring as a dual-purpose variety for brewing and distilling.

There is just one of the distilling tests to be completed before it gains full distilling approval, having already gained full approval for brewing.

See also: 3 winter barleys join slimmed-down AHDB Recommended List

Bred by Secobra’s barley breeder Paul Bury, who also bred Laureate in his previous role at Syngenta, Belter has the top UK yield of 104% under the approved category of the AHDB Recommended List.

It also has the highest untreated yield of 89%.

But it’s not just yield. It delivers consistency across the years and regions. Looking at the past five years of data, Belter was never outyielded by any other malting barley (brewing, distilling or dual-purpose).

Colin Patrick, trials manager at Agrii, says their own trials (over four years) reflect the AHDB data, showing it to be a step up from Laureate.

He also points to its consistent high performance in the past two contrasting wet and dry seasons. 

Agronomics and quality

Importantly for farmers and agronomists, its yield potential is underpinned by good agronomics including disease resistance.

“It has stiffer straw than Laureate and good brackling resistance, so will stand until harvest,” says Paul.

“For grain quality, it has low screenings and a better specific weight over Laureate.”

Paul sees it as a dual-use barley, with its higher distilling yield than Laureate and improved brewing yield over Diablo.

“With its stiff straw, high specific weight and outstanding quality, Belter offers growers and end users a real step up in performance,” he concludes.

© Secobra

Brewing

In brewing trials, Belter has shown high hot water extract, good fermentability, and enzyme levels meeting brewing and export requirements.

Simpsons Malt seed grain director Laura Beaty has been impressed by Belter’s consistency.

She says: “We’ve been looking at Belter for three to four years now and what is standing out for us is that it has consistently been a top performer.

“As each year goes by, we get a better understanding of Belter’s consistency – and consistency is important in today’s highly variable climate.”

Owen Southwood, UK procurement director for Soufflet Bairds Malt, says: “We need stable, consistent varieties that are able to withstand any weather challenge.

“Belter looks consistent across the entire UK geography; I think it is a very promising variety.”

There will be good availability of Belter seed through a number of seed distributors for harvest 2026 planting.