USA barley acreage intentions are 2.18 million ha, 6 % up against the last year figures. North Dakota is the only state, where an increase of 25 % or 162 thousand ha is forecasted. Minnesota and Washington anticipate smaller plantings of 120 thousand and 160 thousand ha respectively. The moisture situation is definitely better than last year, but further good precipitation will be useful during the growing season.

23 May, 2003