Australia: Viterra’s 2022-23 planting survey highlights increase in Commodus and Maximus barley varieties

Viterra has released the results of its 2022-23 planting survey and subsequent segregation plan, as growers across South Australia and western Victoria prepare for the upcoming harvest season, the Grain Central reported on August 19.

The data collected in this year’s planting survey has highlighted an increase in Commodus and Maximus barley varieties, while planting of Spartacus and Compass has decreased across the board.

Viterra can also report a rise in genetically modified (GM) canola planting to 31 per cent this year of total canola area, up from 23pc in 2021-22.

Overall plantings of wheat and canola were slightly up, while barley and lentils were among the crops reported to be down.

Based on this data and individual grower consultations, Viterra has released its 2022-23 segregation plan to meet the needs of growers at its storage and handling sites.

One of the changes Viterra has flagged this season is potential segregations for Commodus at Port Pirie, Ardrossan, and Pinnaroo.

Confirmation of these segregations requires further consultation about the demand of the variety in malt markets which Viterra will conduct with domestic buyers and export customers as this variety is not yet malt accredited.

Meanwhile, segregations for Maximus will continue to be available at Port Pirie and Ardrossan.

More consultation is also required to understand any further demand for Maximus in malting markets, as it is understood that international markets for the varietal are currently still at the testing stage.

Viterra has added GM canola segregations at both Cummins and Balaklava to match planting-survey results, and the company has also added a durum segregation at Port Pirie.

A full overview of changes made to the 2022-23 segregation plan, as well as up to date plans for western, central, and eastern regions can be found on the Viterra website.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .