Gladfield's Premium Offer to Growers Results in Successful Barley Harvest
Around 80% of the barley supplied to Gladfield has been harvested, and the malt plant has contracted 150 growers in the Canterbury region to cultivate three main varieties of barley, namely Planet, Tavern, and Laureate. Each variety has unique qualities in both growing and malting performance. Gladfield offers a premium to growers to encourage them to cultivate the specific variety that works best in the brew house.
Factors Affecting Barley Yield and Quality
From a grower's perspective, the ideal variety is one that yields well with the least amount of input costs and is reliable under different seasonal conditions. Each barley variety has its good and bad points and performs differently under various circumstances. To ensure the best performance, Gladfield uses three separate barley varieties, including Tavern, Planet, and Laureate. For example, Tavern performs better than Planet during a cooler and wetter spring, while Laureate is better suited to specific disease pressures.
Timing, Management, and Luck: Keys to Successful Barley Growth
Three crucial elements to growing a successful barley crop are timing, management, and luck. Timely execution of inputs is essential, and growers must be well-organized and plan ahead. Proper management involves making informed decisions based on soil and water measurements, pathogen testing, and other factors. Lastly, growers must also recognize the role of luck and work hard to minimize risks.
Stick to the Basics: Overcoming Challenges in Barley Farming
Every business faces challenges, and barley farming is no exception. It's essential to stick to the basics when things get overwhelming, focusing on timing, management, and creating your own luck. Despite the challenges, we continue to drink beer, whether to celebrate or commiserate.
Successful Harvest: High-Quality Barley for Excellent Beer
This year's harvest has been successful, with excellent quality barley samples. The barley experienced good hot dry harvest conditions in Canterbury this year, resulting in low protein and beta gluten levels, good germination results, and good clean bright color. New season malt is now moving through the brew house, with good extracts, fast filtering, lower viscosities, and low FAN levels, indicating a promising future for brewing.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Next Season's Crop
As the preparation for the next season's crop begins, Gladfield, growers, and service providers are working hard to deliver the best that resources allow. With a successful harvest and excellent quality barley, we are looking forward to a prosperous 2023 season.
