Harvest Review

This years harvest has been one of the earliest in the last 20 years. The Combine harvesters were out in the fields towards the end of June. This is all down to what most of us would describe as a fabulous summer. The sun came out in the third week of February and has almost stayed out ever since.

But, sadly, hardly any rain has punctuated this glorious weather, and that is always going to impact crops in the ground, particularly on the lighter soils. First off, of course, was the winter barley, which being ahead of the warm weather curve, has delivered yields akin to the 5 year average. This includes everyone’s favourite, Maris Otter. So no drama there, except some samples are displaying a grain nitrogen content that is a bit higher than the preferred 1.50%. We need to carefully pick our way through these offerings.

The Spring barleys, on the other hand, are displaying all the hallmarks of a hot dry summer. Lower yields, higher grain nitrogen content – some in excess of 2.0% – but big bold grains, absolutely bulging with starch. This is the legacy of all that sunshine. As long as we can pick out the lower nitrogen barleys, these ought to deliver exceptional extracts/spirit yield.

The grain has all come off the fields very dry, and sometimes very hot. But as long as farmers have successfully cooled it down in store, it will all be very safe for long term storage. Because some of it is definitely facing just that. Demand for malt is down, carry-over stocks of barley are high, and so there is little pressure from buyers to wade into the new crop harvest. At the same time, overall grain prices are depressed, so farmers will not exactly be queuing up to sell either. When you combine all these things together, it could be said for the Brewing and Distilling Industry, the challenge ahead is less about the 2025 harvest, and rather more about whether there will be one in 2026!

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Heritage Open Days is a fantastic festival celebrating England’s history and culture. Each September thousands of volunteers organise events to experience local history, see hidden places and try new experiences. All for free.

We are delighted to be taking part again and are offering 3 x expertly led tours which will showcase the architecture and the fascinating history of our maltings, as well as explain the artful process of making traditional floor malt.

There will be tours on Thursday 18th September at 11am and 2pm, and Friday 19th September at 11am.

If you’d like to book a place on one of the tours, please contact Warminster Town Council on:
01985 214847  or events@warminster-tc.gov.uk

TEAS IN THE GARDEN

We have been blessed with sunshine for our recent Teas in the Garden, and we’re hoping the weather will be kind again for our last one this year.

If you’ve somehow missed these lovely little afternoons, don’t worry – there’s still time. The last one, weather permitting, will be Wednesday 3rd September 2-4pm at a cost of £9 per person.

You can come and enjoy our beautiful gardens and a proper cream tea.

All the funds raised go to Alzheimer’s Support, The Old Silk Works Day Club, which is our nominated charity this year.

It’s all about doing what we can to share our presence in the community. We are, after all, a significant part of Warminster’s history. And it’s about giving back. But really, it’s about tea, cake and good company.

We’d love to see you there!

MALTINGS GOLD COMEBACK