Australia: Barley growers will soon have access to the new variety, Baudin, which was officially launched in the eastern states last October, Country News posted on March 22. The variety has been lauded by some as a replacement for Gairdner. The Western Australian Department of Agriculture released Baudin due to its much-improved malting quality over Gairdner. It currently holds a provisional malting status.

In Western Australian trials Baudin yields more than Gairdner. However, in two years of Victorian trials, yields are similar to Gairdner. Horsham DPI barley industry officer Denise McLellan said the key issues with Baudin are: It is very susceptible to rust and should not be grown in rustprone areas; In other areas, a fungicide management strategy must be in place for rust; It is shorter than Gairdner and won't lodge in high-yielding situations; Has improved grain size over Gairdner, very evident in a season like last year; Long-term yields are slightly less than Gairdner; It has excellent quality; It has an end-point-royalty of $3.80/tonne.

Denise suggested if growers were having a good run with Gairdner they should be hesitant to change. She doesn't think the economics favour Baudin over Gairdner. One paddock of Baudin would be okay to get a comparison.

23 March, 2004