Scotland: Barley harvests are disappointing



According to latest reports the spring barley from Scotland was described as “horrible” by some growers. Yields are well down on normal for many due to wet weather in the spring, combined with drought stress on lighter soils in early summer.

Stuart Fuller-Shapcott a borders farmer near Kelso said his new variety Oxbridge was very poor, barely reaching 5t/ha (2t/acre) according to Farmers Weekly. Other varieties were also disappointing, yielding below average. “We’re on heavy land, so it’s not been easy for spring barley in general this year.”

It was also difficult season for Robert Ramsey, who farms near Arbroath, Angus. His Cocktail spring barley is averaging 5-6t/ha, but despite unsettled weather, crops are coming in relatively dry at 17% moisture, he said.

In contrast, further south, Derek Lamplough in Yorkshire said his Cocktail yielded 0.6t/ha above last year and nitrogen levels are suitable for malting.He is now halfway through Claire winter wheat, which has so far been yielding above the farm’s five year average at over 10t/ha. Quality has been generally good, but he fears it will soon deteriorate if rain goes on.