Bayer helps New Zealand farmers set new Guinness World Record for barley production

Bayer CropScience announced today that its crop protection products enabled New Zealand farmers help break a 25-year world record for barley yield.

Warren and Joy Darling, from Timaru in the country’s South Island, produced 13.8 tonnes per about 2.5 acres, breaking the record of 12.2 tonnes Scottish grower Stockton Park recorded in 1989. Guinness World Records ratified the new milestone after the crop was harvested at the end of January.

The Darlings topped by 45 percent the 9.5 tonne average yield for New Zealand winter barley. New Zealand farmers have to overcome weeds, pests and diseases, soil fertility, drought and extreme weather.

Bayer’s New Zealand CropScience Head Holger Detje said that farmers like the Darlings ensure people worldwide will have a healthy and sufficient supply.

“We are delighted that our company was able to play a role in achieving the record,” Detje said. “We are particularly pleased that our innovative crop protection solutions safeguarded this magnificent barley crop, which has resulted in a world-record yield.”