EU: Malting barley prices firmer this week, more buying interest is reported

Malting barley prices in the European markets have been firmer this week, GrainCom reported on March 10.

The industry observers note more buying interest, especially in France (FOB Creil) for both spring and winter malting barley. The UK and Scandinavian (rather nominal) markets followed this up move and were also trading higher, but to a smaller extent.

As per the French farm office spring barley plantings are at 36% done, up from 32% the week before and 29% compared to last year. The planting progress was slower than before because rain and wet soils were blocking some fieldworks. Generally the rainfall was positive (and needed) and there is still enough time for planting. The GrainCom analysts still expect the area to be 450 thousand ha, maybe a bit lower. The rating for winter barley in good/excellent conditions is at 88%, down by 2% compared to last week.

In the UK, plantings have started, but are not much advanced yet. The GrainCom analysts expect an area for spring barley of about 720-730 thousand ha.