Russia & Ukraine: Barley acreage and production forecast to decline in both countries

Spring conditions started two to three weeks earlier than last year in Ukraine and the south of Russia, H. M. Gauger GmbH said in their April report.

Winter damage is thought to be much less than earlier feared. 19% of the Ukrainian winter barley is considered in poor shape, as of end of February it was 27%.

Barley acreages are expected down in both countries, the IGC forecasts production of 17.1 mln tonnes in Russia (last year 17.5), and 8.3 mln tonnes (last year 9.9) in Ukraine.

Ukraine exported 4.67 mln tonnes of barley in July/Feb 2016/17, 18% more than a year earlier, Russia only 2.2 mln tonnes, 41 % less.