Romania: USDA's October estimate for 2004/05 Romanian barley, almost exclusively an autumn-sown crop, is 1.4 million tonnes, up 159 percent from last year's 540,000 tonnes and 82 % over the five-year average, with its highest yield in over ten years. Autumn sown (fall 2003) barley responded favorably to a moderate winter with mild temperatures and plenty protective snow cover. Precipitation was also abundant in most areas throughout the growing season, FAS USDA wrote. Compared to the 2003/04 crop which endured a harsh winter and a spring drought, this season's 2004/05 barley production will be substantially higher. Excessive rain in June, however, delayed harvest and lowered quality.

09 November, 2004