05/03/2025
Malting Barley Crops Return To Northern Ireland
Malting barley cultivation has made a resurgence in Northern Ireland, a sector largely dormant since the mid-1980s. The revival is driven by growing contracts offered by Boortmalt in Athy.
CAFRE Crops Development Adviser, Leigh McClean, working with Agricare, facilitated opportunities for local growers to learn about malting barley through Business Development Group meetings, initially in the North and West of the province. This provided a premium market alternative for farmers.
Post-harvest, crops were delivered to a collection point in Donegal. Upon McClean's transfer to Co Down, he facilitated further meetings, leading to East Down Farmers co-operative providing central handling facilities, expanding the crop's viability for Co Down growers.
Business Development Group meetings focused on specific agronomic practices essential for meeting malting barley specifications. To date, all crops have met these standards, and contracts are planned for the 2025 harvest.
The contracted area for 2025 will remain similar to previous years due to current uncertainties in global whiskey markets caused by trade tariffs. However, there is optimism for future expansion of this market.
CAFRE Crops Development Adviser, Leigh McClean, working with Agricare, facilitated opportunities for local growers to learn about malting barley through Business Development Group meetings, initially in the North and West of the province. This provided a premium market alternative for farmers.
Business Development Group meetings focused on specific agronomic practices essential for meeting malting barley specifications. To date, all crops have met these standards, and contracts are planned for the 2025 harvest.
The contracted area for 2025 will remain similar to previous years due to current uncertainties in global whiskey markets caused by trade tariffs. However, there is optimism for future expansion of this market.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
