World: Barley crops may turn out smaller than current estimates

Barley crops may turn out smaller than present estimates, as the drought continues in the major EU and Black Sea barley regions, H. M. Gauger GmbH analysts said in their latest report.

A smaller crop would tighten the world balance further, leave barley in a premium position vs. other feed grains. It may lead to supply problems later in the crop year in some markets of the European/Black Sea/Mediterranean part of the world, the analysts believe.

At present, however, harvest pressure has drawn down feed barley price levels in Black Sea and Western Europe. Business has been restricted by a lack of international demand, and in the EU by an almost complete withdrawal from markets by farmers and first hand trade.