Australia: Barley harvest almost complete and likely to reach 15.8 mln tonnes

Barley harvest across all Australia is now about 80% complete with Victoria and South Australia representing the main remaining crop, fighting through lingering rainfall. Mostly clear weather should allow a final push toward harvest completion, and complete an amazing record crop production of 15.8 mln tonnes, RMI Analytics said in their late December report.

With this level of supply exports need to move higher, and while China has pulled strongly this year the shipment pace has slowed.

Australian barley prices have generally increased across most port zones, while values in Victoria have remained steady as the harvest progresses. Support for feed barley continues, with reduced demand from China but an increase in interest from the Middle East. Additionally, brewer tender demand is providing extra support for malting barley prices. The previous premium enjoyed by the east coast is diminishing as the harvest overcomes rain delays.