Consult with buyers and contractors of malting barley to decide which varieties are demanded by the various markets. Growers are reminded that the industry is cautious about purchasing new varieties. New varieties are usually phased in over several years. A good way to start malting barley production is by planting Certified Seed. The seed selected for planting should be true to variety, plump, free of weed seeds and diseases, and have high germination.
Smutted barley is undesirable for malting purposes.
Chemical seed treatments are available to control smuts that attack barley. Most malting barley producers treat their seed prior to planting for smut control and for the general health of the plant when seeding early into cool soil. A seed dressing containing carbathiin, a systemic fungicide, is required for control of true loose smut. Selecting a field Plant malting barley on relatively uniform fields to obtain even maturity and to avoid green patches at harvest. If there are patches that are not suitable for malt, they can be harvested separately as feed.