USA: Barley production down 24% from last year

USDA reported the final 2005 barley production at 212 million bushels, down 10% from the August 1 forecast and down 24% from last year, according to the Idaho Barley Commission.

This is lowest US barley production reported since 1936. Average yield per acre was 64.8 bushels, down 3.4 bushels from the previous forecast and 4.8 bushels below 2004. However, the U.S. yield is the second highest on record.

The area harvested for grain was estimated at 3.28 million acres, down 6% from August and 19% below 2004. Harvested area is the lowest since 1890, when USDA stared keeping records.

Stocks - U.S. barley stocks in all positions on Sept. 1, 2005 totalled 251 million bushels, down 13% from a year ago. The June-August 2005 indicated disappearance is 89.3 million bushels, 19% below the same period a year ago.

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