Annual spring grain. Up to 3' high. 90-100 days to maturity for grain harvest. Variety: ‘Robust,’ a 6-row University of Minnesota release from 1983. Suitable for cover-cropping, grain production, home brewing, or forage. Medium-tall height with good straw strength for resisting lodging. Resistant to stem rust and spot blotch, but susceptible to loose smut.
While major U.S. breweries rely on Robust primarily as a base malt, it has also found a strong following among craft brewers, who often use it in the form of roasted and caramel malts.
Moderately frost-hardy. Tolerates drought and alkaline or heavy soils. Does not tolerate wet or acidic soils. May be planted later than other spring-sown small grains and maintain good yields. Seed from early May to mid-June at 100-125# per acre, 3# per 1000 sq ft.
As food grain: Suitable for malting. Requires commercial dehulling to use as a cooking grain or flour.
As feed grain: More reliable in Maine’s climate than corn or wheat, with nearly as much feed value, and better feed value than oats.
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