Hagberg numbers slide to well below three-year average
Hagberg numbers slide to well below three-year average
HAGBERG levels have tumbled this year, leaving them well below the three-year average for all nabim groups, according to the HGCA. Provisional findings suggest the north has suffered most.
The third HGCA quality survey, of 3800 wheat samples cut by the end of August, shows Hagbergs on average 17% down on the three-year mean. Group 3 wheats have taken the sharpest knock, falling 25%, with Claire nearly one-third below average. Malacca, Paragon and Chablis are the only varieties with mean values of 300 or above.
Protein, however, is fairly consistent with previous years. "There has been a slight deterioration in specific weights, but not as marked as with Hagbergs," says HGCA economist Rupert Somerscales.
Parts of Lincs and South Yorks have been hardest hit, he says. "These areas have suffered the most from the bad patch of weather, causing problems of sprouting and plummeting Hagbergs."
Harvest started later in these regions, so there are fewer samples and the data is less reliable. But the national average figures are dropping as results from more northern samples come in and Mr Somerscales is "fairly confident" this will continue.
Most southern spring barley samples have been analysed and results still look good. At 2.5% screenings are almost half the three-year average, but mean nitrogens are slightly up at 1.7%.
"We also ask for data on split grains and pre-germinations and have not seen any data to back up reported problems. But it is still early days for northern barley growers," says Mr Somerscales. *
HGCAQUALITYUPDATE
• Hagbergs 25% down.
• Quality worst in north-east.
• Scottish quality looks good.
• Few problems with spring barley.