EU & UK: Barley crop forecast steady at 57.6 mln tonnes

Winter crops across Europe are mostly planted now as wet conditions and warmer than normal temperatures prevail. Crop development is generally good, in France, for example, emergence at 94% is slightly better than the 5-year average (93%), and tillering at 42% is near the 5-year (45%), RMI Analytics said in their late December report.

For Crop 2024, the EU27+UK barley production forecast remains steady at 57.6 mln tonnes. As barley and malt exports continue to lag the previous year, the resulting increase in ending stocks adds further stability to markets heading towards Crop 2025. The AHDB ‘Early Bird Survey’ of farmers spring barley planting intentions showed -13% area for the UK.

Malting barley prices are mixed with 2RS up a bit and 6RW down slightly in a very quiet market. Feed barley prices are firmer in France and the UK, aided in part by stronger corn prices and a weaker EUR currency.