EU: Barley crop forecast reduced on yield and quality concerns in France

Wet conditions persist across much of Europe, amidst normal temperatures. Crop ratings have improved slightly, 2RS 74% and 6RW 65% Good/Excellent but remain well below average (87/89), RMI Analytics said in their late June report.

A disease presence in very prevalent in winter crops, due to a wet season restricting crop protection applications. After RMI’s visit to France last week, there is undoubtedly yield and quality concerns for 6RW and autumn-sown 2RS. The analysts’ crop estimate is reduced by 0.9 mln tonnes tons to 59 mln.

Malting barley prices are lower as the grain complex remains weak overall, and lowering barley prices as well. Winter 6-row prices are holding up slightly better than 2-row, while Danish and UK prices are falling in step with French spring barley value declines.

E-malt.com, the global information source for the brewing and malting industry professionals. The bi-weekly E-malt.com Newsletters feature latest industry news, statistics in graphs and tables, world barley and malt prices, and other relevant information. Click here to get full access to E-malt.com. If you are a Castle Malting client, you can get free access to E-malt.com website and publications. Contact us for more information at marketing@castlemalting.com .