Trio of successes
Trio of successes
SPRING variety Optic has taken the top two spots in the IOBs National Malting Barley Competition for England and Wales for the second year running. The variety also won the Scottish IOB competition.
Winning sample south of the border came from Yorks-based J L Gray & Son of Finley Hill Farm, Grindale, Bridlington. Runner-up was a sample from J C Brown (Stagsden), Beds.
Given the widespread weather problems at the start of August it was pleasing that both awards had gone to spring samples, said judges chairman Michael Banks.
In Scotland the winning sample, again Optic, came from Ian Howie of J & A Howie & Son.
Newton of Kingsdale, Kennoway, Fife and the Prisma from runner-up Matthew Brown of Kintyrie, Kirriemuir, Angus, said Mr Banks.