UK: Second set of AHDB/HGCA Cereal Quality Survey confirms lowest average nitrogen content of barley since 1977

The second set of results from the AHDB/HGCA Cereal Quality Survey have confirmed the average nitrogen content of UK barley is the lowest since records began in 1977, Farmers Guardian reported on October 7.

The final set of results is still to be collated, and the concluding report will be released at the end of October/early November.

The survey, which analysed 26,513 barley samples from across the UK, showed average nitrogen content was 1.53 per cent, which is lower than the three-year average of 1.68 per cent and the lowest recorded result since 1977.

The larger sample size gives a better regional representation than the August results, says HGCA.

Screening grades have improved from the first set of results and indicate grain size is currently above the three-year average says HGCA. Results from harvest 2012 are not included in the three-year average due to adverse harvest conditions leading to particularly poor results.

However, despite the increase in grain size, the average specific weight is lower than seen in the results collated in August.

AHDB/HGCA senior cereals and oilseeds analyst, Dr Amandeep Kaur Purewal, says: “Overall GB barley quality is reasonable in terms of specific weight and grain size, and the low average nitrogen levels this year will be beneficial to the distilling sector.

“However, for brewers who require higher nitrogen content, this could lead to a more challenging year ahead.”

08 October, 2014