Canada: In 2004-2005 area seeded to barley in western Canada is forecast to decrease 3% in 2004, to 4.6 million ha, due to a shift from grain to oilseed production, Agriculture and Agree-Food Canada reported on February 6. Off-board feed prices are expected to remain at 2003-2004 levels while malting barley returns are expected to be pressured by larger world supplies. Good returns from malting barley and barley's role as a good cash crop and as a major feed ingredient in western Canada will continue to ensure a large seeded area. However, despite the lower seeded area compared to 2003, in 2004 area seeded to barley is forecast to be above the 1994-2003 10-year average.

13 February, 2004