The FAR Cultivar Evaluation booklet continues to highlight the performance of new cultivars entering the industry. There are five new feed barley cultivars in the spring barley trials this year. Of these, Summit and NFC406-112 are showing above average yields. Jimpy, a newer malting cultivar is consistently out-yielding the competition and has gained a significant place in the market.
Overall spring barley yields for 2010-11 were close to the 4 year mean in the southern North Island (7.3 t/ha) and Southland (8.9 t/ha). However, the yield in Canterbury was lower than the 4 year mean at 6.9 t/ha compared with 7.5 t/ha reflecting the hot and dry season.
Three of the new milling wheats: Majestic, CRWT151 and CRWT161 appear promising with above average yields and good grain quality characteristics.
One of the regular trial sites (Chatton spring wheat) is not reported due to bird damage.
FAR welcomes any queries or suggestions to further improve these booklets, or if you require any additional information that we have not included please contact us.
Rob Craigie
Cereals Project Manager