Argentina: Barley crop forecast reduced on stiff competition for planted area

Weather conditions were wet over the past month in Argentina, but barley harvest advanced to a closure. Quality impacts are present but manageable, with a wide range in proteins and lower test weights resulting from the very high temperatures experienced in October, RMI Analytics reported last week.

Crop’25 planted area for barley faces stiff competition from wheat, and farmers’ unhappiness with current barley prices. RMI Analytics’ 2025 production forecast declines 0.1 mln tonnes to 4.9 mln tonnes, with a further drop possible if area slips further or weather problems develop.

Feed barley demand (Saudi) is present in the market and pushing prices upward, with further support coming from limited farmer selling, and severe dryness in the current corn crop. Malting barley demand is limited and prices are steady in response. Farmer (FAS) prices are up (feed and malting) in an attempt to spark farmer selling, and maintain competitiveness versus wheat.

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 .