UK: 2024/2025 barley crop, availability increase

The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) is estimating the total availability of barley in the UK this season at 8.497Mt. The figures relate to the 2024/2025 year, Agriland reported on December 5.

This is up 64Kt from a year earlier, with a larger crop outweighing smaller stocks and forecast fewer imports.

Despite poorer yields this season, an increased area sees UK barley production provisionally estimated at 7.199Mt, up 236Kt on 2023/2024 levels.

Opening stocks are estimated down 51Kt year-on-year at 1.218Mt. This is above the previous five-year average.

Meanwhile, domestic consumption of barley this season is estimated at 6.576Mt, up 244Kt on the year.

This is due to a considerable climb in usage in animal feed outweighing a slight fall in demand from the brewing, malting, and distilling (BMD) sector.

In 2024/2025, human and industrial barley usage is estimated at 1.834Mt, down 83Kt on the year and slightly below the previous five-year average.

Meanwhile, the steady start to the season is expected to continue, with both brewing and distilling experiencing sluggish demand.

Industry reports suggest that poorer demand is down to the ongoing high cost of living, fewer younger people choosing to consume alcohol, and maintenance being carried out on sites across the industry.

This season, usage of barley in animal feed is forecast to increase by 325Kt on year earlier levels, to 4.514Mt.

Significantly, wheat is expected to partially drop out of rations due to its relative price, while maize and barley usage is expected to remain firm, according to the AHDB.

The amount of barley fed on farm is also expected to be historically high this season, with a high level of domestic grain available and a poor price for farm selling when compared to other cereals.

In the 2024/2025 season, the barley balance is forecast at 1.921Mt, down 180Kt from last season, and below the previous five-year average.

The operating stock requirement remains unchanged on the year at 800Kt, which leaves a surplus available for export or free stock of 1.121Mt, down 76Kt from year earlier levels.

Looking ahead, the Malsters’ Association of Great Britain is indicating that 1.9Mt of malting barley will be purchased in the UK from the 2025 crop.

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