USA: Idaho barley production totalled 52.20 million bushels in 2005

Idaho barley production totalled 52.20 million bushels from 600,000 harvested acres in 2005, a decrease of 13% from the prior year. Quality was good overall and excellent in some locations. Quality dropped slightly in southeastern Idaho due to rain at harvest time.

Approximately 70% of Idaho's barley sampled received a USDA/FGIS grade of #1. There were 323 barley samples collected from Idaho elevators, commodity brokers and farmers. The samples were separated by class, variety and region. They were graded at a licensed Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) facility.

Average weight was slightly lower this year at 49.44 pounds per bushel (lb./bu.). Eighty-three percent of the 6-row malting barley crop tested 48 lb/bu or better and 78% of the 2-row malting barley crop tested 48 lb/bu or better. Overall thins averaged 4.44% and plumps averaged 84%. Protein averaged 11.87% statewide and moisture averaged 9.37%. The average for skinned and broken kernels was 1.74%.

20 January, 2006