Boortmalt to test malting crops before harvest

Boortmalt is to carry out intensive sampling of malting barley crops over the coming weeks.

In a statement to the Irish Farmers Journal, the maltster said that they will sample one field from a minimum of 33% of growers, forming a representative view of the Boortmalt footprint.

These samples will be analysed for protein percent and green grain level to assess their potential of passing for malting before harvest.

Only when a crop has been assessed as having absolutely no potential to pass as malting barley should a grower consider desiccation.

Boortmalt reminded growers that pre-harvest desiccation is not an option with malting barley crops.

Desiccating the malting crops before harvest means the crop will only be suitable for animal feed.

Difficult weather

The 2020 growing season has been a difficult one in all Boortmalt growing regions.

They noted that this has resulted in widespread cases of “secondary tillers/green grains” across counties, farms and fields.

This is likely to cause additional difficulty when harvesting the crops, particularly in relation to moisture levels.

Boortmalt representatives are currently contacting growers before sampling and will discuss the results with them when they are known.

Individual growers that have any specific concerns in relation to their malting barley crops with respect to their ability to pass are encouraged to contact their local Boortmalt representative directly.