Malting Barley: Spring Barley

There are six varieties to choose from, of which no less than five come from the NFC Syngenta breeding programme.

TIPPLE is the number 1 variety combining good grain size with low grain nitrogen, but its low resistance to disease calls for vigilance with fungicides. QUENCH is ranked the number 2 variety, although still awaiting Full Approval. Its very high yield and disease profile support its popularity.

WESTMINSTER, bred by Nickersons, is a good all round malting barley, but with a yield penalty of 3% compared to Tipple. It delivers a better specific weight, and better disease resistance. It appears to be more drought tolerant than other varieties and its grain size excels.

PUBLICAN has provisional approval from the IBD and JOLIKA is under review. Both are high yielding and worth watching, and both share a weakness in their susceptibility to brown rust.

OPTIC, now in its 13th year remains popular, with no lack of demand.