UK: Spring Barley area is 7% down in 2006 year-on-year

UK’s spring barley area 2006 is reported at 517,000 ha down 7% compared to 2005 (558,000 ha). According to experts’ statement regarding spring barley, released in June this year, England is sown in good condition, spring barley crops look well. Where crops were sown in May in Scotland prospects are poor. Otherwise Scotland should be reasonable but the calculated surplus will disappear to zero, Muntons commented in a statement.

Main varieties in England – Cocktail and Optic. New varieties – Tipple and Westminster beginning to show. Cocktail will be our main variety and we are very pleased with its performance. Around 70% of spring barley of malting varieties.

Winter barley area 2006 is reported at 393,000 ha down 0.5% compared to 2005 (395,000 ha). Mainly in England. Surprising that the area has remained largely the same, as feeling was likely 10% drop. Reduction however in malting varieties by 15%. Area dominated by Pearl but still some Fanfare available plus new variety Flagon. The area sown to Maris Otter increased again! Crops look extremely well!

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