Maximising returns - Feed barley
Demand for barley as a feed grain in Queensland and northern New South Wales is high. Both the expanding beef feedlot industry and pig industry are major consumers and demand often exceeds supply.
Quality requirements for the feed-grain market include a plump grain with high energy (starch) and low screenings. Price dockages are made for level of screenings and hectolitre weight. These are also important specifications in the malt industry. Therefore malting accredited varieties such as Grimmett, Fitzroy, Tallon and Gairdner are also suitable for the feed market. However they may not have the yield potential or disease resistance as varieties which are not accredited for malting.
The major determination of profitability for feed barley is yield. To maximise yield it is important to ensure that the crop has every chance to succeed.
- Select a suitable variety for your planting time and area; taking into consideration yield potential and any disease risks. Net blotch and powdery mildew are the two most likely diseases for which resistant varieties can improve crop reliability.
- Ensure planting seed is of good quality; test the germination if you are at all concerned.
- Treat seed with appropriate fungicidal dressing; smuts, net blotch and spot blotch may be seed borne and some seed treatments can help with control. Some early control of powdery mildew can be achieved with seed dressings.
- Plant into good soil moisture and keep plant populations up. Recommended population for maximum yield potential is 100 p/m2 or 1,000,000 p/ha. To achieve this, planting rates of 40 - 60 kg/ha are likely. It will depend on the number of seeds per kg and estimated establishment. For example if the seed count is 25,000 seeds per kg to get 1 million seeds you need 40 kg. Plant populations of below 800,000 p/ha are likely to have reduced yield potential and provide less weed competition.
- Use adequate fertiliser but do not over fertilise as this will encourage excessive vegetative growth and could result in lodging. Phosphorus, zinc and sulphur levels are important as well as nitrogen.
- Inspect crop regularly for insect infestation or diseases; consult your agronomist about potential control methods.
- Harvest at 12 % moisture and store in cool dry conditions.
Non-foliar pathogens
