Australia: Barley harvest continues to advance despite some weather obstacles

Australia’s barley harvest continues to advance amidst a mix of weather conditions, RMI Analytics reported in late December.

Western Australia has seen nearly perfect weather for advancement of harvest and the results are very good in terms of yields and quality. On the east coast, more challenging conditions have prevailed with more rain falling. In New South Wales, the barley harvested early is good quality but once the rain started, the balance is generally feed quality. From Victoria, better reports are coming as the crop was not fully mature at the time of heavy rains. Currently, the early results in Victoria are for good quality and yields, and with the weather forecast looking good, the next two weeks should result in good barley under cover in storage.

ABARES’ barley crop forecast at 13.3 mln tonnes provides support for a final crop outcome in excess of 13 mln tonnes and RMI’s estimate is increased by 0.2 mln tonnes to 13.2 mln on the basis of harvest yield potential.

Australia’s barley prices are lower as harvest pressure and the very large crop appear to be weighing on the market. Market direction comes mainly from the need for Australia to remain competitive in world feed markets. From a malting barley perspective, there is continued interest from North America and Europe to provide an alternative supply option and help alleviate barley deficits. In North America, phytosanitary requirements remain a challenge, but in the RMI analysts’ opinion, they will be overcome given the import need in Canada and the US.

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