Australia
April 12, 2010

Barley Australia, the industry body for Australia’s maltsters and barley marketers, announced today that it has again reviewed its “Preferred Variety List” of malting barley varieties following a decision to conduct more regular reviews of the list throughout the year rather than annually as was previously the case.

The list, which is shown below, ranks those varieties which are most sought after by purchasers of Australian malting barley who are members of Barley Australia according to their current demand on both the export and domestic markets. The list also ranks this demand on a state by state basis.
 

Barley Australia Preferred Variety List April 2010

Mr David Thomas, the Chairman of Barley Australia, said that the objective of updating the list more regularly is to ensure that growers are provided with the most up to date information on the varieties most in demand by Australia’s major barley buyers. “Whilst these varieties should command the best prices, this will not always be the case due to variations in supply between major growing areas of Australia as a result of varying seasonal conditions” Mr Thomas said. “It is also important to remember that an emerging popularity of a new variety, changing preferences by our customers, the world supply and demand situation, and the actions of our major international competitors can also affect the prices being offered. Notwithstanding these factors, the list should now provide a good indication of the market demand at the time of planting”

Growers should note however that varieties most in demand may not necessarily be those best suited to particular growing areas due to agronomic factors. It is also true that the best yielding varieties are not always those with the most favorable malting and brewing quality characteristics. Consequently, growers should contact their preferred buyers, storage company or consultant agronomist before making any sowing decisions.

Barley Australia has also recently updated its list of new varieties currently under evaluation for accreditation into the malting category. There are now nine varieties on this list, with final decisions on the accreditation status of three of these due next year. Three additional varieties have also been admitted into the evaluation program this year with assessments on these varieties due for commencement over the next twelve months.

Further information on Barley Australia’s preferred variety list and new varieties currently being evaluated can be obtained by visiting the website on www.barleyaustralia.com.au 

Website: http://www.barleyaustralia.com.au

Published: April 12, 2010