EU: The mixed results of Spring Barley Harvest
The results of 2005 spring barley harvest in the EU are very mixed, contrary to predictions contained in earlier forecasts, GlobalMalt commented in its September Market Report.
GlobalMalt said: “After a good previous year, both Germany and France achieved below average results for the 2005 harvest. In contrast, Denmark and the United Kingdom, with a few cutbacks, achieved better results than last year.”
“The area of spring barley cultivated in Germany and the EU was almost unchanged compared to last year. Germany enjoyed good sowing conditions for barley followed by virtually ideal growing conditions. However, the hot June weather had a very negative effect on yields and qualities. Changeable weather at harvest time further reduced the availability of malting barley in late growing areas. Instead of 2 million tonnes, this year only about 1.5 million tonnes of quality malting barley will be available in Germany (- 25 percent). As malt production will also fall, the import requirement will not rise in proportion but will increase by 250 000 tonnes to 500 000 tonnes.
The qualities of the harvested malting barley show a protein content of 11 % and small kernels. In particular, the percentage on the 2.8 mm sieve is below average. This will have a negative impact on the malt extract.
France and the Czech Republic were also adversely affected by the capricious weather. In France the harvest had very high protein levels and low yields, while in the Czech Republic large quantities were lost through pre-harvest sprouting and field fungi.
In the United Kingdom the yields are only average. However, it was possible to bring in the harvest without major interruptions. In Scandinavia, especially in Denmark, the yields were high and the qualities above average.
Only the high surplus of spring malting barley in Denmark prevented a deficit of malting barley in the EU. However, the high price of barley for animal feed in the region and high shipping costs make this barley relatively expensive. This also has an influence on other barley-growing regions, which have adjusted to the high Danish price level.
The main varieties of barley grown in Germany will be Barke, Scarlett, Auriga and Braemer. In Europe, the Prestige, Cellar, Sebastian, Class and Troon varieties are also supplied.”
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