USA: Barley exports of 1,400 t were reported for the week ended August 20

Local barley prices ranged from unchanged to 25 cents higher from August 21 to August 24. USDA reported barley exports of 1,400 tons for the week ended August 20, to Canada and Taiwan. Sales of 500 tons were reported for Taiwan, the Idaho Barley Commission (IBC) released August 24.

World barley production was lowered by 5 million t this month to 144 million t, due to reduced crop prospects in both the EU and Australia. World trade was expected to remain near unchanged from last year, at 17.6 million tons, with increased imports by the EU and US offset by reduced purchased by North Africa.

The EU has granted a total of 47,000 tons of free market barley export licenses so far in MY 2006/07, compared to 713,000 tons for the same period a year ago. EU carry-in barley stocks are pegged at 2.18 million tons. Japanese Agriculture Ministry (MAFF) did not buy any barley in this week’s grain import tender.

The Idaho Barley Commission (IBC) is a self-governing agency of the State of Idaho that serves to enhance the profitability of the Idaho barley growers through research, market development, promotion, information and education. This is accomplished by identifying and fully utilizing available resources and organizations to promote and further develop the barley industry in the state of Idaho.