Spring barley acreage significantly reduced in some European areas

The sowing of spring barley in Europe is on time and well advanced in many regions. Partly, most of the work was done by the end of March. In some regions, the acreage has been reduced significantly. Drought could also be a limiting factor in some places.

In France, where the acreage increased slightly to 530,000 ha (see table), the work was 87 percent completed by mid-March. In the past year at the same it was only 62 percent. The sustained dry-warm weather conditions in spring enabled a quick and compact sowing between beginning and mid-March in Germany, too. This year’s acreage is slightly lower than last year’s, according to the Braugerstengemeinschaft (a German brewing barley association).

The dry weather conditions also led to a good development of sowing by the end of March in Denmark. With 450,000 ha, the acreage came back to a normal level. The 580,000 ha in 2013 were caused by a wet autumn in 2012 which lead to a strong cultivation in the spring 2013.

The work in Sweden progressed very well too. At least 20 percent of the acreage has already been seeded, especially in the South of the country. In Finland the sowing is expected to take place by mid- till end of April.

Similar conditions as in Denmark can be found in Great Britain. The cultivation has been significantly reduced from 900,000 ha to 575,000 ha this spring. Difficult circumstances in the autumn of 2012 were also responsible for the oversized extension of the acreage. Wet soils caused delay in sowing this spring. This is especially the case in the South West of England. Heavier soils could lead to higher protein values. Good sowing conditions in autumn and the low premium for brewing barley slightly reduced the acreage in the Netherlands.

Good yields and a better competitiveness gave a boost to the acreage in Austria. The seeding in the main cultivation areas had never before been completed as early as this year. While the sowing conditions were good, there is more complaining about the drought. In Poland, the acreage was slightly extended. The weather conditions during the sowing are a hopeful sign for a good growth.

In Slovakia, while having the same acreage as last year and no delay in the sowing, the reduction of the rainfalls by 50 percent could have a limiting influence. In the Czech Republic, the crops were even applied two to three weeks earlier than last year. The dry growing conditions are certainly worth mentioning here as well. Distinctly better sowing conditions in Hungary led to a larger acreage. In contrast to last year, the seed could be drilled on time this year.

In Russia, the sowing is taking place two to three weeks earlier than in normal years as well. In Ukraine 84 percent or 1.8 Mio. ha of the planed seeding of spring barley have already been done.

Even though the prices for spring barley are primarily determined by the development of the other cereals, the exchange rates for the harvest in 2014 showed a firmer tendency with a prospect of a smaller supply. The drought in the North and East of France further increased the prices. Traders and cooperatives are buyers. So malting barley of the harvest 2013 fob Denmark is evaluated at 190,00 EUR/t in the first half of April. In October 2014 the price is at 215,00 EUR/t. Lots from UK are discussed in a similar way. The exchange rates franco Upper Rhine amount to 225.00 EUR right now and to 242.00-243.00 EUR/t in October. Thus, there is a noticeable consumer acceptance in the old harvest on behalf of the malthouses. Partially they will continue to stock up with these goods until January 2015. Obviously, provenances from areas having a surplus like Denmark, Great Britain and France are still available. Even farmers could still have crop. The offer however is not urging. However, the willingness to sell is estimated as low.

Spring Barley in Europe 2014 (status: end of March 2014)

*MB = Malting Barley

*FB = Feed Barley