Russia: According to Russian grain market experts, price levels for the 2004 crop feed barley in the country continue to drop. In many cases buyers are declaring the bids at about 1,200 roubles per tonne on EXW basis, AgriMarket.Info posted on July 8. Average bidding prices for feed barley in the Southern Federal District are most frequently within the range of 1,300 to 1,450 roubles per tonne. The formally declared bidding maximums are up to 1,650 roubles per tonne (EXW). According to estimates, the price drop for barley in Russian Federation in the nearest time is likely to continue.

European analysts said at the beginning of July that Russian feed barley in ports is quoted US $ 75-80. Crop estimates for all grains range from 73 to 80 million tonnes, USDA forecasts a barley crop of 17 million tonnes (2003 17.968). Winter barley, which represents only a small part of the total barley crop, is being harvested in the South of Russia and Ukraine. The Krasnodar region reports excellent yields (3.9 tonnes/ha).

09 July, 2004