Disappointing barleys, stunning wheats


21 September 2001



Disappointing barleys, stunning wheats

HARVEST in the Borders has come to a shuddering halt over the last day or so says Jim Lofthouse of Eildon Grain.

“Were about three-quarters of the way through. Theres just wheat and bits and bobs of other crops to be cut,” he says.

But it hasnt been a good year for spring barley. “Very little is making decent malt. Its split, its skinned and theres a fair bit of fusarium.”

More than 50% has failed, which is much more than usual, he reports. “Its a bit of a disaster.”

The wheat, on the other hand, has been excellent. “Even on the group three wheats weve barely seen bushel weights below 72kg/hl, Hagbergs are above 250 and the proteins good.”

Claire, which pre-germinated badly last year, has done especially well. He reports most growers have been getting a 10t/ha (4t/acre) crop.

“Theres a 20% rise in yield just through bushel weight alone, I should think.” He reckons harvest will be over by the end of the month.



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