North America: No changes in barley production estimates this month

There are no changes in this month’s barley production estimates for North America with Canada at 6.8 mln tonnes and the US at 2.4 mln tonnes, RMI Analytics said in January.

In both cases, there is insufficient malting barley quality to meet malting demand and potentially lost malt production as a result.

Maltsters continue to select local barley by maximizing specification flexibility to the fullest extent possible. Strong feed barley prices are making this job more difficult as farmers are attracted to high feed prices and prompt shipment.

In order to source sufficient malting barley, discussion continues to surround considerable imports from various origins to fill the void. Two cargos have reportedly already landed, one in Canada and one in the US; Canada on the east coast and the US in the Gulf of Mexico. Denmark, Australia, and Argentina are rumoured origins.

Looking ahead to crop 2022, there has been some rain in North America, but it continues to avoid key dry-land barley regions. With a very competitive planting season anticipated, barley will be forced to defend planted area as most estimates call for a reduction in barley area.

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