Barley Variety Update (November 2019)

Barley area amongst clients is comprised mainly of La Trobe, Spartacus and Planet varieties. Trial results plus actual paddock information have demonstrated that in soft/favourable conditions, Planet has the ability to out yield La Trobe. However, La Trobe has performed consistently well over a range of seasons, in variable soil types and environments. In 2019 Planet has produced lower yields and higher screenings in some cases, particularly under tough growing conditions on some soil types. Spartacus CL appears to be very similar to La Trobe, with Clearfield tolerance.

However, the use of Clearfield herbicides on barley should be planned very carefully, particularly as those growing pulses often grow them following barley. As always, varietal choices should consider consistent, reliable performance over a range of seasons and soil types, rather than top end yields under ideal conditions.

It is likely that La Trobe, Spartacus CL and Planet will continue to be the main varieties grown. Some other varieties available include:

Banks – New Release from InterGrain

• Undergoing malt accreditation

• Later maturing variety, late April to mid May sowing

Bottler

• Undergoing malt accreditation

• Mid season maturity, suited to higher rainfall environments

• Claimed high yield potential

Leabrook – New Release from Seednet

• Undergoing malt accreditation

• Mid-early maturity

• Similar maturity compared with Compass, but claimed higher yield potential and better grain quality