Russia & Ukraine: Winter barley well protected by snow, spring planting time cut short by late arrival of spring

Snow cover protected winter grains well in both Russia and Ukraine, H. M. Gauger GmbH reported on March 29.

In Ukraine, the recent intervals of frost and spring temperatures has caused some apprehension about yields and qualities of winter grains. The late arrival of spring cuts short the planting time for spring barley. UkrAgroConsult has changed its forecast for the next barley crop: seeded acres 2.55-2.7 mln ha, production 8.2-8.7 mln tonnes. Last year’s crop was 8.3 mln tonnes. Plantings will increase cutting into corn acreage in Ukraine, the experts said.

Barley exports have been to-date 4.3 mln tonnes from Russia, 4.0 mln tonnes from Ukraine.

Barley stocks on March 1 were 1.7 mln tonnes in Russia, 11% more than last year; 1.2 mln tonnes in Ukraine, 25% less.

Export offers are scarce, impossible for larger sizes from Ukrainian ports. Russian barley is still available, but port capacities are tight in view of record wheat exports.

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