Scandinavia: Weather conditions favorable for malting barley

Changing weather patterns normally very healthy to spring barley, but many farmers now are finding that the weather systems are overreacting, Abildstrom & CoAps reported June 28.

Finland:

After very dry period they got reasonable amount of rain 23-26 June and now grain in excellent shape, well developed and almost 8-10 days earlier than last year.

Sweden:

Mid: Had some dry spells but like Finland now received sufficient rains to support a superior development. No diseases.

South: Lots of rain and here comes the record: the normal total june rainfall in 48 hrs. Grain standing excellent and so far these downpours did not (yet)cause lodging of any real importance. Development normal for the time and if weather goes dry could eventually see harvest commence still in July.

Denmark:

Same situation as in south of Sweden. Standing of spring barley excellent all the way from Northern Jylland via Funen till Zealand, whereas Lolland Falster had some nasty storms recently causing some lodging there. Diseases insignificant. In spite of the modest size of Denmark we have had torrential rains in the east and Malaga conditions in the west at the same time. Few days later scenario was opposite. We were indeed very advanced 2 weeks ago, but due to lack of sun things are becoming more normal. Harvest, however, might still commence end of July, WP.

Sunshine and temps in the 20 ties now – and we still believe could make you the best malting barley for years, but forecast not friendly.
Danish plant breeding office issued their new statement of Certified spring barley seed available for the coming season.

MARKET

Crop 2007

Rather undefined presently while Northern Europe closely watching Southern Europe attempts to harvest wheat and winter malting barley. There is an underlying firm undertone deriving from the scattered trades in Creil and E-bot and also from the tight balance sheet. Farmers blocking new sales as having fair amount sold and we do not expect new business in volume before the barley is in the barn.

Crop 2008

Some farmers finding level interesting and whenever they sell to collectors they sell to maltsters and traders but still “kilo to kilo” – definitely no shorts. As a whole though we only see sporadic business in spite of stable demand.

PRICES

Basis 3000 ts, max 14.5% moisture, FOB.

Crop 2007 basis 1.½ October (14.5 moist/max 11.5 pro)
Dan/Swed Prestige/Power/Class/Tipple/Sebastian € 232,00 (nom)

Crop 2008 basis 1.½ October (14.5 moist/max 11.5 pro)
Dan/Swed Prestige/Power/Class/Henley/Tipple/Quench € 206.00 (nom)

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