WELLINGTON: Timaru-based farmers, Warren and Joy Darling have entered the renowned book of Guinness World Records, after producing the worlds largest crop of barley breaking a 25 year record. New Zealand Produces World Record Breaking Crop
The couple produced a staggering 13.8 tonnes of barley per hectare – smashing the previous record of 12.2 tonnes, which has been held by a Scottish grower, Gordon Rennie of Stockton Park Ltd, since 1989. This is equivalent to the weight of more than 17,000 loaves of bread per hectare!
In New Zealand, the average yield for winter barley, the type grown by the Darlings, is about 9.5 tonnes per hectare. The new record of 13.8 tonnes is a massive 45 percent more than the average yield
The new record is an exciting achievement for New Zealand, and the world. Producing greater harvests from the same amount of land will have a big part to play in helping solve the world hunger problem, and feeding a growing population. Judging by this new record – New Zealand will be leading the charge.
A crucial factor that enabled this gargantuan harvest was the use of a range of innovative products from Bayer CropScience, including: the entire seed treatment; the weed and disease control program; fungicides and herbicides*.
Dr Holger Detje, managing director and head of CropScience for Bayer New Zealand, says: “We are absolutely delighted for Warren and Joy and the role Bayer played in the generation of this record-breaking yield.
“There are many factors that determine the success of a great harvest like this – soil, climate, technologically advanced farming machinery as well as farm inputs like the seed variety, nutrients and crop protection solutions. Applying all of these factors with skilled farmers like Warren and Joy means we can produce a staggering amount of food,” Detje continues.
“This just goes to show how New Zealand farmers are among the best in the world and people like Warren and Joy will help ensure healthy and sufficient food supplies will be available for everyone.
“We will continue to stay focused on offering innovative solutions to drive sustainable growth not only in New Zealand farming, but throughout the world.”
