EU: Minimal malting barley carry-over stock expected in 2017

EU malting barley carry-over in 2017 will be minimal, the H. M. Gauger GmbH analysts said in their latest report. The EU production of malting barley in 2017 should return to normal, i.e. above all good supplies of French 6row winter malting barley, the experts believe.

Acreage of French winter barley is estimated at 1.378 mln ha (1.436 last year), the malting barley part divided into 70% Etincel and 30% Isocel.

Estimated spring barley acreages in the EU core countries are: France 440 thousand ha (last year 440), Germany 340 thousand ha (340), Denmark 540 thousand ha (597), Sweden 295 thousand ha (300), the Czech Republic 230 thousand ha (222), the U.K. 750 thousand ha (685).

Depending on yields and selection 2rs malting barley supplies will be between sufficient and ample, the analysts believe. While England will produce a larger crop, a shortage of malting barley for distilling is forecast for Scotland.

On the variety side, Sebastian (anticipated plantings in 2018 sharply down), Irina and Planet each will cover one third of the French acreage. Planet is a very good agronomic and malting variety.
The Berliner Programm in Germany did not recommend the use of Planet last year because of problems in the brewing process. That view was not shared by many maltsters and brewers in the EU. Its market share will increase in most continental EU countries this year, incl. Germany, where it becomes the No. 1 variety planted in Bavaria.

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