Growing Non-GMO Belford Barley Seeds
Belford is a spring-type barley, meaning it requires no cold vernalization period and goes in the ground as early as the soil can be worked in spring. In most of zones 3-7, that means late March through late April, depending on your location. The goal is to get it established before summer temperatures climb above 85 F, which can slow grain fill and reduce yield. Prepare a firm, weed-free seedbed with good tilth. Barley does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so drainage matters. Broadcast seed and rake or lightly till, or use a grain drill to a depth of 1-1.5 inches. For grain and hay production, target a seeding rate of 90 to 120 lbs per acre, or 2-3 lbs per 1,000 square feet for smaller plots. A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal, and barley responds well to modest nitrogen applications at planting. Germination occurs in as few as 3-7 days when soil temperatures are between 55 and 70 F. Minimum germination temperature is around 40 F, so early planting is very forgiving.
Once established, Belford grows quickly, reaching 30-48 inches at maturity. As a mid-tall variety with relatively soft straw, Belford can be susceptible to lodging (falling over) in rich soils or under excessive nitrogen, so avoid over-fertilizing nitrogen if lodging is a concern. Plants will head out and grain will begin to fill in late spring to early summer, reaching harvest maturity in 70-90 days from seeding. Spring barley ripens evenly, which makes timing the harvest straightforward — watch for the stems and heads to turn from green to golden yellow, and test grain hardness by pressing a kernel with a fingernail. When it no longer dents, the grain is ready.
Harvesting Belford Barley
For grain production, harvest Belford when heads have fully dried and kernels are firm and golden. On a garden or small-farm scale, plants can be cut with a scythe or sickle, then bundled and shocked (stood upright in bundles) to finish drying in the field before threshing. Avoid harvesting during or just before rain, as moisture at harvest can cause the grain to sprout on the stalk and degrade quality. For hay production, cut Belford while it is still in the late boot to early heading stage, before the grain fully fills, to capture peak forage quality. Allow cut material to dry in windrows and bale when moisture drops below 20%. Because Belford is beardless, its hay and grain are considerably more palatable to livestock than awned (bearded) varieties, making it a preferred choice where animal acceptance is a priority.
About Belford Barley Seeds
Belford is a six-row, hooded barley variety, meaning each head carries six vertical rows of kernels and the awns (bristles) that typically extend from the head are replaced by small hood-like structures rather than long, sharp bristles. This makes the harvested grain and straw far gentler on the mouths and digestive systems of horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry compared to traditional bearded varieties. Belford was introduced in 1943 and built a strong following particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where its tolerance for wetter growing conditions set it apart from drier-adapted varieties.
As a cereal grain, barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the most versatile and oldest cultivated crops in the world, with agricultural use dating back roughly 10,000 years to the Fertile Crescent. Today, barley ranks among the most widely adapted cereal grains, growing successfully at higher latitudes and under more challenging conditions than almost any other grain crop. It competes well with weeds once established, tolerates mild drought after germination, and fits naturally into small-farm crop rotations. For homestead and hobby farm use, Belford hits a sweet spot of productivity and ease.
On the small farm or homestead, Belford barley has several practical applications beyond hay and grain. The straw, once grain has been harvested, makes excellent animal bedding and compost material. The grain, when grown for on-farm feed, can be fed whole to poultry and livestock or rolled or crimped for improved digestibility in larger animals. Barley grain is higher in protein than corn, which can reduce the need for supplemental protein in feed rations.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Plant Belford as early in spring as your soil is workable and dry enough to till. Barley is a cool-season crop at heart, and an early start means the grain fills before summer heat arrives. On a small plot, even a 20 by 50 foot bed can yield enough grain to feed backyard chickens through the winter."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer
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Belford Barley Seeds Per Package:
- 1 oz - Packet - Approximately 500 Seeds
- 4 oz - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 2,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 8,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Bulk Seeds - Approximately 40,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Wholesale - Approximately 200,000 Seeds
