THE REGION'S farmers have established a reputation as suppliers of export-quality barley 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.

Mr Mark Smith, grain trading manager at Dalgety Kenneth Wilson, said it was a first for them and their customers this season. "This year has seen a much larger spring barley harvest and we were keen to find new export markets for the surplus," he said.

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

"It's a great opportunity for local farmers, many of whom have benefited from access to this quality market," said Mr Smith. "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 obtain from local farmers the volume and quality needed to fulfil such a large order.

"We hope 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 of 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."

l When it comes to yield and quality of this year's wheat, it's a similar story to the barley harvest, with early results showing extreme variability.

Mr Smith said combining of spring barley had all but finished in the north, and the winter wheat harvest had generally progressed well. Higher up in the Yorkshire Wolds, however, about half of it was yet to be cut.

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

Although this would have an impact on the value of the crop, said Mr Smith, growers should not assume their grain would automatically be downgraded for feed.

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

"Even for the most unlikely combination of quality specifications, there may be a market."