MAGB Malting Barley Grower Competition 2011

We have our Winners...!

We are pleased to announce our winners of the 2011 Malting Barley Grower Competition are . . .

For the England/Wales region: Mr Stephen Horn of G Horn and Sons, Bushy Down Farm, Droxford, Hants.

The points which particularly impressed the judges when visiting Mr Horn’s farm were his attention to detail, forward thinking, knowledge and enthusiasm.  He has a keen appreciation of the value of environmental schemes and a commitment to growing a good quality crop of barley.

For his part Mr Horn remarked that he had found the experience very constructive with a frank exchange of views from all sides.  He offered that we must have more communication between growers, merchants and maltsters and work together as an industry for the common good of all parties.

The runner-up was last year’s winner, Mr James Cox of Hazlecote Farm, Tetbury who receives a cheque for £100

For the Scotland region: Mr Richard Campbell, who farms at St. Boswells, Melrose impressed the judges with his attention to detail in sampling, storage and marketing his crop.

The judges noted that he was keen to understand the key quality requirements of local buyers, contracting direct with two local malting companies to ensure he is fully informed as part of the supply chain.  He demonstrated awareness of the environmental impact of his business and an understanding and management of market risk.

For his part, Mr Campbell said he had found the experience very interesting and welcomed the opportunity to meet with the judges, all experts in their own areas, and discuss the pros and cons of all aspects of his business.

Congratulations to both the winners and the runners up.

The two winners from Scotland and England and Wales will each be presented with their cash prize of £200 at the MAGB annual luncheon on Tuesday 1st November 2011 with opportunities to visit local breweries or distilleries as appropriate to follow at a suitable time for each. 

The two runners up have each received a cash prize of £100.

For details of the 2012 competition growers are invited to check the MAGB website ukmalt.com from January onwards.