UK: Malting barley availability 2006
England should have reasonable availability of winter malting barley, according to analysts of Muntons. There is no reason at the moment to worry about yields, but soil residual nitrogen levels are high and despite continued periods of rain the general feeling is that nitrogen levels will be higher than last year. Pearl is very susceptible to this as it tends to be a nitrogen accumulator but Flagon should be OK, although the quantities will be limited this year. The recent sunshine and high temperatures have done only good to this crop.
Spring barley quality and yield in parts of Scotland is likely to be poor but the region will still have a modest surplus. This will be less than the figures would suggest as most of the barley in Scotland finds a home before the end of October. It is likely that nitrogen levels will be much increased on last year, mainly as a result of the late drilling and hence reduced growth period. There will be a small surplus of spring malting barley in England but away from the traditional East Anglian homes – particularly on the South Coast.
European crops in general look disappointing and a recent report in E-malt put the supply and demand balance very even and this picture did not change when eastern European countries production was added.
Price indications for 2006/2007
Where will price levels bottom out in the coming year? As usual the global influence will be key and become more influential as the season moves on. Some sources are suggested that the crop in Australia will be drought affected.
It is likely that we will see a rise in malting barley prices of around £7/£10/tonne across the board. Low nitrogen barleys could command a much higher price particularly in Scotland.
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