In 2003 USDA will plant barley for about 2.177 million ha, 6 % more than last year. The only real increase in a single state is in North Dakota, where 160 thousand ha or 25 % more will be planted than last year. Figures of all other states are almost unchanged, e.g. in Montana and Idaho. The weather pattern looks too dry in Montana and other parts of the Pacific Northwest, somewhat better in the Midwest.

25 April, 2003