Ukraine: Malting barley quality is less good than in Russia; Feed barley exports increase

The Ukrainian barley crop of 8.8 million tonnes is almost 2 million tonnes smaller than in 2004. Malting barley quality is less good than in Russia, especially in Western Ukraine maltsters complain about high protein and poor condition.

Exports of feed barley are estimated to have reached 1.66 million tonnes by end October. During October 2005 Ukraine exported 536.1 thousand tonnes of barley that is 16.3% less than in September 2005, according to ProAgro’s figures. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that the 2006 wheat crop will be 9 million tonnes vs. 19 million tonnes this year.

Planting continued into late October, so that 5,6 Mill. Ha or 88 % of the planned acreage were seeded. But less than half of the planted winter grains had sprouted to-date. No doubt, winter weather, if mild and moist, can improve conditions and prospects quite a bit.

Feed barley UAH prices have grown again, up to UAH680–695/t, CPT port; some companies are purchasing big lots UAH690–700/t (CPT port), according to Agro Perspektiva. US$ prices remain US$127–131/t (FOB)/US$120–126/t (CPT port).

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