Australia: Barley crop forecast increased on encouraging rains forecast for major barley production regions

Although there has been patchy rainfall in parts of Australia, there remains a need for moisture in South Australia, western Victoria, and southwest New South Wales, while Western Australia and northern New South Wales remain good overall, RMI Analytics said in their early June report.

The forecast over the next week is encouraging for all major barley production regions with much needed coverage of 10-25mm expected, including coverage in the dry areas noted above.

While actual rainfall results are awaited, RMI Analytics’ barley crop’25 forecast is up by 0.4 mln tonnes to 12.8 mln tonnes. This increase in production aligns with ABARES recent forecast and reflects a small capture of addition planted barley area under the current dry conditions.

There remains a need for forecasted rain to be realized, and an on-going receipt of further in-season rains, especially in South Australia, Victoria, and even Western Australia. The longer-term forecast is for further moisture to arrive.