USA: Barley production for 2004 in the United States is estimated at 280 million bushels (about 6.1 million metric tonnes), up 3% from the August 1 forecast and up 1% from last year, according to the USDA's small grains production forecast, AgReport posted on September 30.

Average yield per acre, at a record high 69.5 bushels, is up 3.8 bushels from the last forecast and 10.6 bushels above 2003. The area harvested for grain is estimated at 4.03 million acres, down 3% from August and 15% below a year ago.

The increase from the previous production forecast is mostly due to Montana, where harvested area is up 50,000 acres and the yield increased by 8 bushels per acre. For Idaho, North Dakota, and Washington, yields increased from August but are more than offset by decreases in the harvested acreage, resulting in lower production.

U.S. barley stocks in all positions in the United States on September 1, 2004 totaled 292 million bushels, up 21% from September 1, 2003, according to the latest USDA stocks in all positions estimate.

On-farm stocks are estimated at 177 million bushels, 24% above a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 115 million bushels, are 16% above September 2003.

The June - August 2004 indicated disappearance is 109 million bushels, 2% above the same period a year earlier.

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