Australian Barley Market Update: Mixed Trends Amid Strong Planting Outlook

The break neck speed of barley exports to China out of Western Australia and South Australia since August has meant most growers in those States sold their 23/24 crop at harvest while on the East coast, growers held back stocks (partly because of the prevalence of on-farm storage) and now, due to a fall in prices, are disengaged with the market. As the Australian barley export program continues, it’s likely barley stocks will be exhausted early and carry out minimal in WA and SA while Victorian stocks are likely to trickle into the export stem right up to the start of the 24/25 harvest with elevated carry possible.

Despite the differing fortunes of farmers on each coast, Australian growers universally continue to be positive about the contribution barley makes to their cropping rotations and margins. Improved barley genetics and the ever improving farming systems and equipment available has meant barley yield is historically high, even when in crop rainfall is minimal, and returns comparable to or even better than other cropping options. Given this, the industry is reporting grower barley planting intentions for the 24/25 season are at least consistent with previous years.

Seed producers and handlers report growers continue to be early adopters of new varieties. The shift from Spartacus to Maximus as the major variety nationally is expected to continue in season 24/25, the uptake of the recently accredited Commodus in low rainfall areas is expected to be strong and growers are eagerly seeking a replacement for Planet. Although there is consensus Planet has been an exceptional variety, the issue with test weight over recent seasons has many considering other options. Even with most of the relevant options not being fully accredited until March 25, there are reports large areas of Neo CL, Minotaur and Laperouse will be planted in season 24/25.

This all goes well for Australia remaining an important supplier of high quality malting barley for the domestic and international markets.