To Grow, or Not to Grow Row Barley?

January 13, 2020/Christian Malsatzki

Evaluating the pros and cons of two-row or six-row barley. 

 

barley row CALS

In the United States, barley choice is linked to supply and demand issues, regional growing preferences and performance, and consumer demand
Matt Hayes / Cornell CALS

 

Two–row or six–row for malting barley? That’s a question for some of us, isn’t it? As a grower, which type will help you to maximize profit, produces a higher yield, but also be in demand? As a malthouse, which will provide you with better extraction, be cost effective, and have your brewers asking for more? As a brewer, which makes a better beer that appeals to the consumer—with or without a refined palate–?  

Before we look at what each type is, as well as the pros and cons of the barleys, it is important to note that this question is something that is very American and not an issue in other parts of the world. In the United States, barley choice is linked to supply and demand issues, regional growing preferences and performance, and consumer demand (which, for better or worse, is often tied to marketing the latest trends), while the rest of the world grows six–row barleys mainly for animal feed—it does, after all, have a higher protein content even before any outside factors can go to work on possibly increasing those levels. 

So, what’s the difference? 

Aside from the end product, there is a visible difference between the two barley types other than just the name. Kernels on two-row barley tend to be of a similar size, larger than those on six-row, and have an overall symmetry to them. While the center row of six-row barley has symmetry, the two rows of kernels connected to the edge do not. These edge rows tend towards a more twisted form with some thinness not seen in two-row barley varieties, and six-row overall has smaller kernel size than two-row. Initially, these visual differences can be tricky to spot, but with some regular practice and a little patience, quickly become apparent. 

 

                                                       The Pros 

Two-Row   Six-Row  
  • Greater drought tolerance, which means less chance of increased protein levels due to moisture stress. 
  • Lower range of protein levels, thinner husk, higher starch content. 
  • More beer can be made from it, as its protein, husk, and starch combination make for higher extraction potential. 
  • Higher protein level, thicker husk, and less starch. 
  • Higher enzyme content for converting starch into fermentable sugars (i.e. greater malting power). 
  • Less expensive per pound/bushel. 
  • Higher yields per acre. 

 

                             

The Cons 

Two-Row  Six-Row 
  • More expensive per pound/bushel. 
  • When used unmalted (adjunct), larger amounts offer very little body and maltiness to what they are added to.  

 
  • The high protein content can cause problems with haze, color, taste, germination, and mouthfeel during the malting and brewing process, quickly turning a desirable product into an undesirable one.  
  • If nitrogen rates and crop management practices aren’t carefully monitored, protein levels easily increase. 
  • Unfavorable weather conditions can increase protein levels beyond the acceptable range rendering the crop to feed standards. 

 

Which is the right choice for me?  

The question of which type of malting barley to plant and/or use is one to which there is no easy answer to. As a grower you may have a contract with a malthouse that takes this question off the table for you as what is to be grown is predicated; but, if you don’t, then what underlying factor(s) stands out to you? Is it the cost? Or, maybe there’s a solid idea in your region as to what the more desirable type is and that is what is going to be the easiest to find a buyer for. Maybe you even look to create diversity in your fields and plant a different percentage of each type in contrast to growing just one.  

As a maltster, maybe you prefer to work with one type over another and feel that it produces a more desirable product all around. Or, perhaps you are open to both and enter contracts/purchase lots based on what your brewers are asking for, which in turn is based on what they prefer to work with and feel is in demand.  

In the end, no one can really tell you what is best for you and the current market you find yourself in. It takes some time and effort to analyze market trends, watch consumer opinions, and record and monitor sales, all the while keeping in mind that you must be flexible in order to adapt to the changes that come. Hopefully having a little more information can help to create a broader picture as you move forward with your chosen endeavor.  

Happy growing, and tasting! 

Christian Malsatzki

Christian Malsatzki is the Agriculture Program Leader for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County. In his capacity as an agricultural researcher and educator, Christian’s primary focuses have been: field crops, soil science, beef cattle/livestock, and urban agriculture. 
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