EU & UK: France, Benelux, Germany, Denmark, and the UK report good conditions of winter and spring barley to-date

Early spring in Europe was too cold everywhere, and too dry along the Mediterranean, Balkans, Central Europe and the upper Northeast. Growth of winter barley slowed down, and spring planting was delayed in most parts if the EU. Only France, Benelux, Germany, Denmark and the UK report good conditions of winter and spring barley to-date, but are concerned about missing rainfalls, H. M. Gauger GmbH reported earlier in May.

It is always reported that farmers are unwilling to sell before harvest time, and brewers/maltsters are waiting for lower prices after harvest, but nevertheless it seems that French farmers have already sold 60 - 70%, German farmers 40% of their 2022 spring barley crops.

Brewers have covered 40% of their new crop demand, plus 30% of long-term agreements without fixed barley (and energy?) prices.