Spring Barley report Europe
The Danish almost talk about a record in yield with an average value of 6 t/ ha and good qualities. There have been no problems with diseases, protein or screening. Sometimes there has even been the talk of protein values that were too low.
The Swedish also talk about good qualities. Especially in the south the harvested yields have reached up to 9 t/ha.
In Finland, the harvest has started at the end of August. Good protein contents of 10 to 11 percent and screening of 90 percent are expected.
The French talk about extraordinary results, even better than in 2008. They brought in 8 t/ha at their best, too. The protein content has been between 9.5 and 10.5 percent, the screening between 90 and 96 percent.
Most of the regions in Great Britain also brought in an excellent harvest. There were only some problems with the quality in the southern regions.
Market experts report good yields in the Netherlands. The only problem is that some varieties have not enough protein.
In the south and in the eastern parts of Europe the harvest has been more heterogeneous. Austria reports protein values between 9 and 15 percent and a screening of 70 to 92 percent. The yield has been only 3.5 t/ha on average.
In the Czech Republic the quality was not as good as last year. Higher protein values, weak screening results and occasional diseases are to mention.
In the western part of Slovakia, the quality has been below last year’s level as well. In the eastern parts, the values have been better with acceptable protein values and screenings.
In Russia the yield has been between 2 and 5 t/ha. Protein has results of 9 and 14 percent. A decrease of malting barley is expected because of low prices. But there are great passing stocks of 2008.
Poland has problems with quality, caused by protein, germination on the field and fusarium. Experts expect a demand of import this year of 150,000 to 300,000 t.
A demand of import of about 100,000 to 200 000 t is expected in Spain.
German market experts speak of a good harvest. Regionally yields of 8t/ha were achieved. Protein has been between 10 and 11 percent. The screening has an average of 94 percent.
In many countries of the EU the acreage of spring barley was reduced. One reason is the low price for malting barley. Only France and UK kept the level of acreage or even extended. There is less demand for beer and the malthouses are supplied very comfortable. There is a carryover of 2008. In the EU 27 experts calculate with a surplus of 2.6 to 2.7 million t in this year even if there is an undersupply of 300,000 t in Germany. Prices for barley are under pressure and it is not impossible, that spring barley will be sold to the Intervention. Probably next year the acreage in the EU will decrease again.
