EU: Strong pace of spring barley seeding improves prospects of better crop this year

With Europe’s spring barley seeding at a very strong pace, the prospects for a better crop result improve. As a result, RMI Analytics’ barley crop’25 forecast increases 0.5 mln tonnes to 58.2 mln, with no changes to crop’24 supply.

The combination of on-going warm temperatures and limited rain, has benefited spring planting (France 85% Good/Excellent vs last year 62%). Winter crops on the other hand could use moisture, France conditions are at 70% Good/Excellent vs. 67% last year, only a very minor improvement over a quite poor crop’24.

Domestic malting barley demand is lower due to low beer volumes, and EU-27 barley exports are around 20% behind crop’23 levels, resulting in higher stocks. The reduced Black Sea ability to offer over the next 3 months is potentially an opportunity for exports to rebound.

RMI Analytics’ view is the early seeding of spring barley is a major plus for crop’25, and although dryness is reported in areas, there is plenty of time for conditions to improve.

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