Oxbridge is a high yielding, high quality spring barley with full IBD approval for distilling use. It has a unique combination of characteristics that match the requirements of growers and end users involved in the important malt whisky production chain.

Belgravia is a spring malting barley with a high yield potential, medium length straw and very good all-round disease resistance. It has potential for both malt and grain distilling, increasing opportunities and reducing risks for growers - and is currently under evaluation by the IBD.

Westminster is a very high-yielding spring barley with brewing and export quality. In addition, the variety has long, stiff straw that provides significant benefits for the feed barley grower, making it a favourite with livestock farmers.

Tartan is a spring malting barley having a good yield potential, both with and without fungicide treatment. It has shown excellent distilling potential and is provisionally approved by the IBD for grain distilling use.

Concerto was added to the 2009 HGCA Recommended List as a very high yielding spring malting variety with a good all-round agronomic package and no significant weaknesses. It is likely to be highly suitable for both brewing and for distilling.

Scout was added to the HGCA Recommended List for 2008 as a feed variety for the north-east region. It has given the highest yields of any variety in north-east region official trials.

"With the varieties that are now on the market which give higher yield and improved agronomy - and better characteristics for the end user - this is a good time to be growing spring barley," adds Mr Robinson.