EU & UK: Barley crop conditions improve thanks to widespread rains

The widespread rains across Europe have improved barley crop conditions, particularly in the driest regions of the UK and Germany. However, the critical French crop has, so far, missed most of this substantial rainfall, leaving some persisting concerns about yield and quality, RMI Analytics said in their latest report.

On the basis of improving prospects across Europe the experts said their barley production estimate for the region has increased +0.2 mln tonnes to 58.4 mln. Low local demand and questions around export demand is elevating ending stocks.

Heavy rains in Russia and Ukraine are unlikely to alter crop production, but have delayed harvest in the process, by a week to ten days.

The previously mounting concern about dryness in key European regions has been addressed for the time being, with the well-time arrival of moisture in most areas of need. There is still considerable time before harvest and hot weather in June could elevate concerns once again, especially in the absence of any meaningful rainfall.