Spring barley growers are set to benefit from an earlier maturing option, after Firefoxx gained full approval for malt distilling by the Malting Barley Committee.

It joins three other varieties on the current Recommended List (RL) with full approval for malt distilling.

However, it is earlier maturing with an RL ripening score of 0 compared with +1, +2 and +1 for Laureate, Diablo and Sassy, respectively. 

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The approval of Firefoxx, bred by Elsoms-Ackermann Barley, is good news for both growers and the distilling market, says Paul Taylor, head of agriculture at Elsoms Seeds.

“Being a Chanson/Acorn cross and not related to either Concerto or Laureate, Firefoxx offers growers a very different genetic background that brings some much-needed diversity back into the market.

“For malt distillers, its low screening levels and key trait of being less prone to skinning than its competitors are another big plus”.

One grower set to benefit is Claire Rhind, of A & K Rhind and Son, based near Kinloss in Morayshire, who annually grows 750ha of malting barley.

“We’ve been growing Firefoxx for three seasons now, and it has proved to be a consistently high yielder, averaging 0.5t/ha ahead of both Laureate and Diablo.

“With our shorter growing season, earlier maturity is always desirable, and I can confirm that the variety is five days earlier to harvest than its competitors. It stands well, doesn’t brackle and, with a nice bold grain, there are no issues on quality”.

Nicky Wilson, regional seed manager (Scotland) for Frontier, has been working with Scottish farmers growing Firefoxx for distilling over the past two harvests.

She adds: “Growers tell us that they really like the yield, straw strength and early maturity that this variety offers. From a sustainability perspective, we like the genetic diversity Firefoxx brings to the distilling sector.

“Across the industry, it’s universally recognised that we shouldn’t be dependent on one single major variety, so Firefoxx sits very nicely beside other established varieties. Now that it has gained full malt distilling approval, we anticipate demand will be strong for the 2023 season.”