Argentina: Barley crop on track to reach forecast 4.9 mln tonnes

Good rains over the past two weeks in Argentina are supporting final barley crop filling and the RMI Analytics experts estimate the nation’s production at 4.9 mln tonnes (slightly higher than in their previous report at the beginning of November).

The crop potential is good despite some earlier frost events with minor consequences.

Monitoring the Brazil and Uruguay crop conditions (heavy rains yet again) is necessary as any shortfall in quality in those countries would raise the potential need for malting barley from Argentina.

Buying interest remains present for China and other regions (e.g. the EU and North America). Even with a 4.9-5 mln tonnes crop, ending stocks are expected to drop to near zero by the end of crop 2021.