USDA Crop Production Highlights for barley: Production for 2003 is forecast at 292 million bushels (6.36 million metric tons), 28 % above 2002. Based on conditions as of July 1, the average yield is forecast at 59.5 bushels (1.3 metric tons) per acre, up 4.6 bushels (0.1 metric tons) from last year. Area harvested, at 4.90 million acres, is up 18 % from 2002.

The area harvested for barley in 2003 is up in the northern Great Plains and Rocky Mountain States where higher malting barley prices encouraged growers to increase acreage. Also, less abandonment is reported this year due to the improved soil moisture conditions. Area to be harvested remains unchanged, or down slightly, in most other barley producing States. Improved growing conditions across the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain States are expected to increase yields from last year. The increase in production is being led by North Dakota where producers expect to harvest 810,000 more acres than in 2002 and expect yields to be 9 bushels (0.2 metric tons) higher.

Some concerns still exist in the Pacific Northwest over availability of irrigation water. Yields in the Mid-Atlantic States are down due to excessive precipitation. Timely rains and mild temperatures prevailed over much of the northern Great Plains and adjacent barley producing areas during June. As of June 29, barley was 42 % headed, 8 points ahead of the five year average. The crop condition was rated 79 % good to excellent condition.

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