Strong demand prompts valuable new winter malting barley contract

Strong craft-brewing demand for high quality new two row winter malting barley, Rubinesse provides an opportunity for growers across central England to earn premiums of £10-£25/t from a specialist Agrii/Glencore Grain buy-back contract for harvest 2017.

The contract allows growers to fix their barley base price and premium level at any stage through to early 2018, offers guaranteed movement by negotiation between October and March, and carries a 1.75% maximum nitrogen specification.

With a comparable treated yield to SY Venture, the Recommended List candidate boasts a current mean untreated yield advantage of fully 11% over the market leader by virtue of its excellent all-round disease resistance, including a 7 for Rhynchosporium.

Official ratings also show Rubinesse to be as stiff as SY Venture, giving growers access to malting premiums at a relatively low agronomic risk compared to current standards.