08 February 2025, UK: The wet autumn conditions across many regions of the UK have led to a protracted autumn sowing campaign with some growers still drilling winter wheat where conditions allow. However, as the calendar now rolls over into February, thoughts are increasingly turning to spring cropping options.
Spring barley is a key crop to consider, offering a wide drilling window and the potential of several different market options for the grain.
The two major malting barley markets are that of brewing and malt distilling, making up over 80% of the purchases by UK maltsters. There is also a small but growing market for grain distilling varieties on high grain nitrogen contracts, and of course the feed market, which historically makes up around 20% of the spring barley area.
For those growers targeting the malting markets, and the associated premiums, it is important to understand the differing market requirements and the role both variety and nitrogen management play in these.
Variety choice
Different varieties are suitable for different end uses; the majority of spring barleys that are grown for malting in the UK are listed on the MAGB Malting Barley Committee Approved List shown below. Those with approval for both brewing and malt distilling, or dual-purpose varieties, offer the potential for growers to access different markets with the same variety.
| Winter Varieties for Brewing Use | Spring Varieties for Brewing Use | Spring Varieties for Malt Distilling Use | Varieties for Special Use | |
| Full Approval | FLAGONCRAFTELECTRUMBuccaneer | LAUREATERGT PlanetLG DiabloSkywaySY TENNYSON | LAUREATEKWS SassyLG DiabloFirefoxxSY TENNYSON | FAIRING (S) Grain DistillingSY VESSEL (W) Malt Distilling |
| Provisional Approval 2 | SY SIGNET | Diviner | ||
| Provisional Approval 1 | LG AquariusBelterBountyOlsen | BelterOlsen |
However, locally different maltsters will have preferred varieties and contracts, so it is important to check to ensure variety selection is suitable for your local maltster. As always, it is essential to ensure you have a contract in place or have secured an outlet for your grain before growing a malting crop.
- LAUREATE is the No.1 variety grown across the UK and has full MBC approval for both brewing and malt distilling. Widely accepted by maltsters across England and Scotland, LAUREATE is renowned for its consistent performance both on-farm and with end-users making it the malting variety of choice.
- SY TENNYSON first joined the AHDB Recommended List at the end of 2022 and recently became only the third variety on the MBC list to have Full Approval for both brewing and malt distilling offering both growers and end-users choice in the important dual-purpose sector. SY TENNYSON now sets the bar for malting quality on the AHDB Recommended List with the highest Hot Water Extract and Predicted Spirit Yield figures of any variety.
- SY SIGNET currently has Provisional MBC Approval for Brewing and is now entering the final stages of its pilot testing targeting Full MBC Approval in 2025. As well as features that make it an attractive option for the brewing market in East Anglia, SY SIGNET offers growers high yield, good grain quality and a robust agronomic package making it a sound choice for feed growers too.
- Newly added to the 2025 AHDB Recommended List in December, SY ARROW has shown exciting potential for the dual-purpose market. SY ARROW has already demonstrated many of the same consistency benefits that has made LAUREATE the No.1 choice for growers across the UK. With an excellent disease profile, earlier maturity than LAUREATE and outstanding malting quality, SY ARROW is stacking up to be a great all-round variety.
Market requirements and nitrogen management
Local contracts for the malting varieties will specify the % grain nitrogen required along with other criteria such as screenings and specific weight. Some varieties can be used for multiple markets, so getting the grain nitrogen content right is key to gaining premiums for malting barley.
It is essential to know the grain specifications you are aiming for and the exact requirements of your maltster.
As a rule of thumb, domestic brewing markets require 1.6-1.75% grain N, while malt distilling requires grain N below 1.65%. Those contracts targeting high nitrogen for grain distilling will typically be looking for grain nitrogen above 1.85%.
However, it is important to note these different market requirements can vary so always check locally with your intended maltster or your growing contract if you have one.
Tailoring nitrogen inputs in both rates and timings will help to achieve the required specification:
- Low nitrogen contracts below 1.65%: Here a lower total N is required, and Syngenta trials found no significant difference in yield or % grain nitrogen between applying 100% in the seedbed or in 2 splits, applied before GS15. However, always adhere to RB209 guidance and be conscious of seedbed N application limits in situations that can pose a higher risk for nitrate leaching.
- UK domestic brewing contracts between approximately 1.6 and 1.75%: Follow RB209 guidance on splits and timings. 2 splits may increase grain N content in certain situations and seasons.
- High nitrogen contracts above 1.85%: Syngenta trials showed increasing total nitrogen has the biggest impact on grain nitrogen, but a later application can also help to boost it.
It is important to adapt to the crop as the season progresses. Drill dates, establishment rates and nitrogen applications will also directly impact management of the crop canopy later in the year.
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