Gleadell Malting Barley report

MALTING BARLEY by Stuart Shand, sales director

Stuart Shand, sales director, Gleadell Agriculture reports: "The spring barley harvest is rain interrupted with an estimated 5-15% in the shed to date. Fortunately the cooler weather is so far holding the quality with only a few samples of Cocktail showing some signs of splitting and pre-germ. There are concerns over pre-germination problems as the current forecast is for more rain.

"Overall, samples are very bold, nitrogen low and yields well above average. The majority of the samples are under 1.60 nitrogen. The biggest problem for the grower once the barley is in the barn will be segregation of quality and avoiding loss of germination. Our advice for sound quality spring barley is to dry it down below 14.5% as quick as possible. It should then be safe to store. If you cannot achieve this, or if you already have pre-germinated or split barley, then look to sell and move as quickly as you can or risk disappointment later.

"In the UK, Maltsters are relaxed as they are, in the main, covered until the New Year. Prices are slightly up in the week as traders cover short positions and watch the weather. Prices in the EU are unchanged on the week due to the continued excellent results from most areas," Mr Shand added.