Canada: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced on April 28 that barley production is forecast to decrease slightly, as higher yields are more than offset by lower seeded area. Total supplies are expected to rise by 5%. Domestic use is forecast to increase due to higher feed demand. Exports are expected to remain flat at 2.4 Mt, as an increase in malting barley exports is expected to offset a decrease in feed barley exports, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada revealed. Carry-out stocks are projected to rise from 2003-04 to 2.5 Mt. Off-Board prices are forecast to average C$135/t for No.1 CW Feed I/S Lethbridge, the same as 2003-04. The April CWB PRO for No.1 CW Feed Barley is up by C$2/t from March, at $134/t I/S VC/SL, down C$25/t from 2003-04. The April CWB PRO for Special Select Two Row designated barley is up C$3/t at C$185/t I/S VC/SL, versus C$198/t for 2003-04.

30 April, 2004