To compare the competing demands of timeliness of sowing versus sowing to maximise establishment (deep versus dry sowing, or waiting for adequate rainfall later in the season).

• LaTrobe, GrangeR, and Skipper had reduced emergence from deeper sowing under both dry and wet sowing conditions. 
• Varieties differed in their sensitivity to sowing time; variety choice and sowing time influenced grain yield and quality more than sowing depth.
• LaTrobe and Fathom were the highest yielding varieties across both sowing dates.
• Commander and Skipper were the only varieties to suffer a yield penalty from early dry sowing.
• GrangeR yielded similar to Commander at earlier sowing but less when delayed.
• Screenings were greater than 7% and retention less than 70% in LaTrobe across both sowing times, and in Commander and GrangeR at earlier sowing only.
• Skipper was the only variety to achieve malt specifications across both sowing times.