In United Kingdom the spring malting barley was planted in February and March a little later than is ideal. All the springs where sown in good conditions with no major interruptions. The area planted is higher than last year by up to 15%. However due to the lack of rain and some severe frosts it is difficult to forecast the outcome yield wise particularly. It is generally assumed that the quality should be good, again like winters disease pressure has been low due to lack of moisture but this could change now that the weather has broken. The major concern is about yield and if the lack of rain has been the cause of lasting damage, again the only sure time to know this is when the combine enters the field.

30 May, 2003