November 7, 2002

A new feed barley released by the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) supported, Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) program out of the Hermitage Research Station was developed by crossing two European malting barleys, Koru and Cameo.

Named after former Australian Test cricketer Ken Mackay, the new variety is tipped to boost feed grain
production for animal industries through large grain size and good disease resistance, leading to increased yield potential.

Naming the Mackay variety at QDPI¹s Hermitage Research Station, Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said the variety should be popular with growers and end-users alike, because it had the ability to maintain yield and grain size under stress.

In trials it had yielded up to 15 per cent more than current barley varieties. Mr Palaszczuk said an improved feed barley variety had implications for jobs in feed milling, feedlots, dairies, piggeries and associated industries.