Crop of spring barley variable in Europe – prices decrease

The spring barley crop in Europe varies greatly from region to region. The late sowing and the regionally wet and cold spring left its mark. In certain regions, drought is also a topic. However, there is talk of regeneration, which doesn`t guarantee yield and quality though. Beyond that, diseases have to be taken into account.

Central Europe

In France the delay in sowing could be kept within a limit. Significant losses of yield are not to be expected. However, the cold temperatures in spring led to slower plant development. That is why the condition of the plants has been rated somewhat more poorly at the beginning of June compared to last year.

In Germany, the picture is heterogeneous. The description of the plants ranges from good development to a delay of vegetation of about two weeks. Partially there is a heavy infestation with diseases due to the wet weather conditions. In the Netherlands the delay is probably rather caused by low temperatures than by late sowing.

The delay in sowing in Great Britain is much more distinct. Especially in Scotland the sowing started three weeks later than in normal years. Nevertheless the growth conditions are described as good with sufficient soil moisture. Partially dry areas do not seem to have a significant impact. A late harvest is expected.

Due to late sowing and heavy rainfall with cool temperatures, plant development in Austria is delayed. Mildew, net blotch disease and leaf rust are present.

The North

In Denmark, the delays of up to two weeks are moderate. In Sweden, on the other hand, there is talk of a wide range of growth conditions. Depending on the region, the sowing was early, late or normal. There are no reports of diseases. In Finland, drought with up to 30 °C in May might be an issue. Rain and mild temperatures are necessary for the tillering and will have a great impact on growing.

Eastern Europe

In Eastern Europe the sowing took place much later compared to other years. In the Czech Republic and in Slovakia, the regional delay went up to three to five weeks. In the Czech Republic, the main sowing took place in April in well prepared soil with sufficient moisture and good tillering with good weather conditions. In the second half of May on the other hand it was too wet and too cold. The stocks suffered from an oxygen deficiency and turned yellow on heavy soil. The potential for leaf diseases is much higher compared to last year. Due to the rainy weather conditions, the farmers were not always able to applicate the necessary plant protection products. This could lead to low yields and loss of quality. An average harvest is expected.

Heavy rainfall caused problems in the South of Poland as well and limited the growth of the plants. Better conditions predominate in the middle and in the north of the country. Even though there is talk of a delayed development of up to 10 days, the stocking density is described as ideal in most of the regions. A higher disease potential is expected especially for the south of the country. Generally, Poland expects an average harvest.

The sowing in Hungary is described as extremely late due to the wintery conditions. Very hot temperatures till the end of April were followed by heavy rainfalls with temperatures below average. Early sowed stocks are described as good (10 %), late sowed stocks as weak.

Outlook

Due to the better growth conditions in the most important countries of Europe, the industry worries less about the supply with brewing barley. The surplus in the EU could even increase a bit. There was talk of 300,000 t of spring barley a few weeks ago. Not only because of that, prices decline. The most important developments are the ones from wheat on the international exchanges.