Grazing potential and grain recovery of eight spring barley varieties – Somerton 2012

Abstract

Key findings • Westminster[PBR] produced the greatest dry matter for grazing of all the barley varieties and still only had a significantly lower grain yield than one variety, Urambie[PBR]. • Urambie[PBR] produced the highest grain yield that was significantly better than four other varieties. However, it produced the poorest quality grain of all varieties with extremely pinched grain (>20% screenings). • Utilising spring barley varieties for short grazing periods may provide an opportunity to rest early sown grazing cereals. • It is also recommended that if spring barley varieties are going to be grazed that they are sown 7–10 days earlier to maximise biomass accumulation and compensate for delayed flowering time.