USA: The American Malting Barley Association, Inc. (AMBA) announced on January 3, 2005 its recommended malting barley varieties for planting in 2005. These varieties, when delivered in pure carlots of sound, bright, plump, low moisture barley in an acceptable protein range may command premium prices over feed barley. Growers, elevators, and other grain handlers are strongly encouraged to maintain variety integrity and not mix varieties. Each barley variety malts differently and mixtures will not malt properly.

Changes from 2004: Garnet has been dropped from all states as a recommended variety. For Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota AMBA recommends the following malting barley varieties for planting in 2005: Conlon, Drummond, Excel, Foster, Lacey, Legacy, Morex, Robust and Tradition. Lacey, a six-row developed at the University of Minnesota, was rated satisfactory in plant scale evaluation by Miller Brewing Co., which was the basis of its addition to the recommended list in 2002. Anheuser-Busch, Inc. completed its plant scale brewing evaluations of Lacey and has determined that Lacey does not meet all of their brewing requirements at this time.

For Idaho, Oregon and Washington AMBA recommends the following malting barley varieties for planting in 2005: B1202, Excel, Foster, Harrington, Legacy, Merit, Morex, Robust, Stander and Tradition.

For Colorado and Wyoming AMBA recommends the following malting barley varieties for planting in 2005: B1202, Foster, Harrington, Legacy, Merit, Morex, Stander and Tradition.

For Montana AMBA recommends the following malting barley varieties for planting in 2005: B1202, Conlon, Excel, Foster, Harrington, Legacy, Merit, Morex, Robust, Stander and Tradition.

For California AMBA recommends the following malting barley varieties for planting in 2005: B1202, Foster, Harrington, Merit, Morex and Tradition.

05 January, 2005