USA: Barley growers calling for new farm bill

As lawmakers decide on emergency support payments, America’s barley growers are asking for a more permanent solution, RFD-TV reported on October 16.

They are calling for Congress to pass a new five-year Farm Bill. Many are holding out hope that one can pass during the lame-duck session. The Idaho Barley Commission says a lack of a Farm Bill means uncertainty and less money for America’s producers.

Despite the challenges, barley growers say they will bounce back.

“Farmers are the most resilient people on the planet. They farm because they love the lifestyle, and they love growing crops and food to feed the world and provide beverages. It’s in their DNA, and they love what they do. They don’t want to stop farming,” said Laura Wilder.

It has been a rough year for barley growers. Beer consumption in the United States hit 50-year lows because more consumers are putting down beer steins in favor of malt beverages like seltzers. U.S. malt barley prices were $7 per bushel last year.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .