USA: Growers in the United States intend to plant 3.97 million acres of barley this year, down 12% from last year, according to this year's seeding intentions report from the USDA, Ag Report communicated on March 31.

If realized, it will be the lowest since barley planted acreage estimates began in 1926. Expected acreage declined from last year in the 4 largest barley-producing States.

Of the top 10 barley States, Minnesota is the only State with increased planting intentions. North Dakota growers expect to plant 1.20 million acres, 400,000 acres below 2004 and, if realized, the fewest planted acres on record.

Acreage intentions in Montana and Washington are the lowest since 1953. Drought conditions and an expected decrease in malting barley contracts are the main reasons for the decrease in planting intentions.

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