A REPUTATION for the region's farmers as suppliers of export-quality barley has been established with the first of two ship-loads leaving Hull docks this week. The first consignment of grain is destined for a leading European maltster and will be used to make quality beer by brewers across Germany.

Mark Smith, grain trading manager at Dalgety Kenneth Wilson, says: "This is a first for us and our customers this season and comes at a very opportune time. This year has seen a much larger spring barley harvest and we were keen to find new export markets for the surplus."

Over 2,500 tonnes of highest-quality spring barley variety, Optic, were being loaded on to the Dutch ship, Rane, this week.

"It's a great opportunity for local farmers, many of whom have benefited from having access to this quality market. Because of the unfavourable exchange rates it's been difficult to break into but this year everything has come together and we are delighted.

"This is the first of two boat-loads that will make their way to Germany this month, and it's only been possible because we've been able to source from local farmers the volume and quality needed to fulfil such a large order.

"We hope that it will also lead the way for more orders in the future, as local farmers are ideally located close to the international port. It's also good business for local hauliers."

Although Mr Smith is hopeful for further business from the continent, he is also realistic: "Despite the high-quality grain produced in this area, price will always be the deciding factor and much will depend on the currency situation in future."

Combining of spring barley has all but finished in the north, and as the weather improves, the winter wheat harvest has generally progressed well.

Higher up in the Yorkshire Wolds, however, about half of it is yet to be cut.

"Generally, wheat quality appears to be poorer this year," says Mr Smith. "Specific weights are fine, but Hagbergs are definitely down which is cause for concern."

Although this will inevitably impact on the value of the crop, Mr Smith believes that growers should not assume their grain will automatically be downgraded for feed.

"With a smaller crop this year, processors will be looking to use a much-wider range of specifications," he says. "There may be room for negotiation, so it will pay to get your grain analysed."

Updated: 09:15 Thursday, September 06, 2001