The effect of seedbed conditions at the time of sowing on the grain yield and quality ex-farm of spring-sown malting barley was examined in three experiments in the south-east of Ireland in 1993–95. Blenheim malting barley sown in good seedbed conditions gave significantly (P<0·05) greater yields (3·1–9·6% more) than the identically treated crop, sown several days earlier, in less suitable seedbed conditions in all three experiments, but there was no effect on grain nitrogen content or the amount of screenings. The better soil conditions gave significantly (P<0·05) better plant emergence, a greater number of fertile tillers and more grains per ear.