USA barley acres will drop by almost 250,000 ha from last year’s 2.145 million ha to 1.897 million ha in 2004. U.S. grain acreage forecasts for 2004 show impressive gains for soybeans, but losses for wheat and coarse grains.

Canada expects the barley acreage down by 10-15 % from 5.046 million ha in 2003 to 4.732 million ha in 2004.

Grain areas all over Australia have turned too dry in recent months. Barley planting should commence soon, but farmers need rain.

12 May, 2004