CUT SCREENINGS TO BOOST PROFITS
CUT SCREENINGS TO BOOST PROFITS
MINIMISING screenings is the best way to boost marketable yield and profits from spring barley, says Simon Phillips of New Farm Crops.
"Now that exporters have such an influence on demand the specifications for screenings have been tightened, so there is far less latitude than there was a few years ago."
Traditional British malting markets wanted a maximum of 6% over a 2.5mm sieve. But the export markets tend to want a limit of 3% over 2.25mm, or 90% retention over a 2.5mm sieve. Scottish distillers also have tighter specifications than traditional British brewing outlets, he notes.
Tough penalties are levied against growers who exceed the limits, often amounting to 75p/t for every 1% rise in screenings.
Seed-rate must be right, because modern varieties tend not to be shy to tiller. If too much seed is used they can produce too many tillers and thin grains. If too little is drilled and a low population establishes plants can develop a main tiller early on and then a lot of secondary tillers which can produce thin grain in a dry season.
"Just as important as seed-rate is drilling into a good seed-bed," Mr Phillips says. "This is far more critical for a good crop than being forced to drill by calendar date, although late sowings are not preferred.
"There may be no big yield difference, but late sowings with poorly developed roots are more prone to drought so grain fill could be compromised."
Nitrogen is not a big factor, provided excessive rates are avoided. The change of grain N requirements means a little more can be applied, particularly for varieties with a high yield potential. Yields have risen by 10-15% over the past decade, and Mr Phillips believes the N required has matched this increase.
"Appropriate fungicide programmes and well-timed applications are also needed. By prolonging the active life of green leaf area strobilurins boost grain fill. We have evidence that even in the absence of disease strobilurin provides a 0.5t/ha yield boost compared with a triazole-treated crop."
Variety also plays a key role. Although screening levels were reasonable last summer, many growers suffered cash penalties for spring barley harvested in 1999 when screenings were higher. "It is no coincidence that varieties with inherently small grain dominated that year," says Mr Phillips.
"Although seasonal and weather factors have a big impact on size of grain produced, growers can influence what happens by selecting a large grained variety capable of retaining green leaf area for the longest possible time so grain-fill is maximised."
If a small grained type is specified by the contract, it will need a higher management input if a screenings penalty is to be avoided, he concludes. *
ANTI-SCREENING ADVICE
• Use appropriate seed rate.
• Drill into a good seed-bed.
• Avoid excessive N.
• Use well-timed strobilurin.
• Select bold-grained varieties.