NBL harvests first barley

The first Namibian barley has been harvested at Mahenene, Mashare, Manheim and Hardap
under the leadership of Dr Jorry Kaurivi of UNAM, with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, and Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL).
Involved parties gathered at Mariental on Thursday for the harvesting at the Namibia Dairies Superfarm in Mariental.
Altogether six varieties had been planted at each location. The harvest now needs to undergo various tests to determine the impact a number of variables such as location, soil type, and pesticides, have on the output. Christian Müller, NBL’s brew master explains: “The scientific trials aim not only to determine the suitability of the various barley varieties, and locations, but also the preferred growing conditions and treatment options to deliver high quality barley suitable as input into production of our Reinheitsgebot beers.”  
Dr Kaurivi of UNAM says: “The first trials have gone well, and we are already able to see differences in the results, based on the irrigation type, soil, and crop management.  The barley will be sent to Ogongo Research Station after which the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry will conduct further laboratory analysis, and DurstMalz in Germany will also assist with further tests.”