Australia barley production is estimated by Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) to be of 6.5 million tonnes in 2004-05, a 26% decline on last season. The figures were issued by ABARE on February 15.

In New South Wales the barley harvest is estimated to have increased by around 4% to 1.3 million tonnes in 2004-05. Grain quality was reported as good to excellent in northern areas, with increased receivals of malt grade barley compared with previous seasons. In the south of the state, deposits of malt grade barley were significantly lower, with a greater proportion of feed grade barley placed in stores in 2004-05.

Adverse seasonal conditions also affected barley yields in Victoria. Barley production is estimated to have declined by 37% in 2004-05, despite the area planted increasing slightly from the previous season.

In Queensland barley production is estimated to be 12 per cent lower at around 190 000 tonnes in 2004-05.

Western Australia’s barley production is estimated to have fallen by 29% in 2004-05 to 2.1 million tonnes. A significant proportion of the crop is of feed barley quality. A dry finish to the season in the southern parts of the state has contributed to the higher quantity of feed barley in the 2004-05 season.

South Australia’s barley production is estimated by ABARE to decline by 0.8 million tonnes to 1.8 million tonnes in 2004-05. Like wheat, the quality of the barley was generally below average and an increased production of feed versus malting barley was harvested.

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