World: Global barley production forecast slightly up at 141.4 mln tonnes

The global barley supply and demand balance is mostly steady, as production is up slightly 0.1 mln tonnes to 141.4 mln tonnes but at the same time demand remains unchanged, including lower export trade volumes, RMI Analytics said in their latest report.

The slight increase in production consists of a slight drop in the EU27+UK (Spain, -0.1 mln tonnes) offset by a minor increase in Russia’s barley crop size (+0.2M mln). This leaves crop’24 1.2 mln tonnes below crop’23, and a considerable 11.6 mln tonnes below crop’22. Fortunately, malting barley results in Denmark, Sweden, and northern Germany rebounded positively in 2024. Australia’s harvest is advancing and confirming some quality variability but yields are as expected.

The improvement in malting barley quality in Europe particularly has added considerable stability to the world’s balance sheet, especially in light of the very lacklustre demand situation. A major hurdle for crop’25 was achieved by getting winter barley crops planted (finally).

There is a mix of price moves across the major barley producing regions, led by a decline in French malting barley prices which is further influenced by a weakening Euro. Australian prices are up slightly as the advancement of harvest identifies quality variability. Argentina is slightly weaker, as the crop there looks very good but with very little crop’24 sold by farmers so far, and with the main harvest is only four weeks away. Canadian prices are steady, with stronger domestic prices make competing in global markets more difficult. Globally, feed barley prices are reasonably well-supported.