Low demand for malting barley in the UK puts pressure on the market despite good harvest prospects

The UK could have a good winter barley crop in 2026 as weather conditions are supporting the development of crops that are in much better condition than the previous season. However, the overall barley harvest will depend heavily on the spring crop situation.

The increase in fuel and fertilizer prices caused by the war in the Middle East will increase the cost and reduce the profitability of growing spring barley, but will have almost no impact on winter barley crops, the area under which remained at the level of the previous season.

In addition, dry weather is being experienced in some parts of the UK, which could negatively impact the emergence and development of spring barley crops. As a result, the area under it may decrease, which will accordingly reduce the overall barley harvest this season.

Feed barley prices in the country averaged £154.7/t at the end of April. A small premium is offered for malting barley, but purchase volumes remain very low due to weak demand from processors.

Barley consumption by brewers, maltsters and distillers has fallen by almost 20% over the year as demand for whisky and other spirits has fallen, along with other global trade and geopolitical factors, forcing beverage producers to cut back on purchases. This adds to uncertainty for farmers at the start of the planting season.