2026 Spring Barley Updates

Each year, we run an extensive programme of spring malting barley trials – including Beal Farm in Northumberland – to assess the agronomic and distilling performance of both new and existing varieties.

These trials support informed variety selection and support more sustainable farming practices, which we believe will help us to create a more resilient and sustainable supply chain. 

Our Agrochemical & Technical Director David Cairns and Southern Supply Chain Manager Rob Austin, play a key role in monitoring and interpreting the trials performance.

Through our regular video updates, they share expert insights from the field, giving growers and end users a clear and timely understanding into the barley – and wider crop – growing season across the UK.

Below are our video updates from throughout the 2026 growing season, with the most recent at the top.  

In this video update, David is at Beal Farm to assess crop establishment one month on from drilling and he discusses tillering, root development and early nitrogen management as crops move through key growth stages. Rob shares insights into the ongoing dry conditions affecting southern England and the potential impact on crop quality and nitrogen uptake. 

In our first spring barley trials update of the 2026 season, Agrochemical & Technical Director David Cairns visits Beal Farm to discuss drilling progress and early crop establishment following a challenging winter with prolonged rainfall. We also hear from Southern Supply Chain Manager Rob Austin in East Anglia, where drilling is more advanced despite a cold, wet start to spring.