Heat Harms Canadian Malting Barley, High Plains Journal reported on August 26.
High temps in the Canadian Prairie provinces have lowered malting barley quality, industry sources told Resource News, and production estimates have been reduced as well.

The Canadian Wheat Board is now expecting a crop of 11.4 million metric tons, down from 12.7 MT estimated earlier. That's still more than the 7.3 MT produced in 2003.

Forced maturity, caused by the heat, has made for thin, light weight barley with variable protein -- not what maltsters want. Optimal protein levels are around 11%, and this year's crop could be up to 17%.

There is also concern about grasshopper damage. Samples have had as high as 15% grasshopper nibbles, which is "totally unacceptable" according to a CWB barley analyst.

29 August, 2003