A Hampshire farmer has been placed first in a prestigious national barley grower’s competition.
The Ringwood Brewery Maris Otter competition' now in its sixth year' highlights the cream of the crop among farmers growing the specialised barley that is used predominantly for brewing beer.
Ian Clarke' who runs a farm in Kimpton' near Andover' harvested the top prize after several rounds of judging and has won the competition’s silver boar award as well as a weekend away at the Montagu Arms Hotel' the New Forest’s only hotel with a Michelin star restaurant.
The specialist barley has been grown in this country for 43 years and favours chalky soil enabling southern farmers to produce the strongest crops.
Ian said: “I was absolutely chuffed to be named as the countries top Maris Otter grower. I always try and produce the best crop I can' but to be recognised in this manner is a real pat on the back.”
Jeff Drew' Head Brewer at Ringwood Brewery' said: “The competition is our way of showing gratitude' not only to our growers' but to hard working farmers across the country. Cask beer is the British national drink and with such quality ingredients available to us it is no wonder it is so successful.
“There was a lot of tough competition' but Ian’s produce stood out above the rest and he fully deserves his prize.”
Last Updated: 02 March 2010 16:00