04/13/07 Barley acreage up in '07

Idaho and Northwest farmers intend to plant more barley this year. Idaho Barley Commission administrator Kelly Olson says it's only a modest increase in Idaho, about four percent over last year but still way below 2005. Olson says there are some questions about the numbers. OLSON "Right now the National Ag Stats Service puts us at 550 thousand planted acres and we think we may be well over 600 thousand." Olson says 2007 is going to be an interesting year in the Idaho barley business. Many Idaho growers are looking at feed barley prices and will make the switch from malting barley. Major brewing and malt companies put out contract offers for two row barley to Idaho growers but only got a lukewarm response. OLSON "A lot of growers didn't jump on those malt barley contracting opportunities in Idaho as quickly as the companies expected and in some cases they haven't filled their contracts so they're hoping they'll be able to so some buying on the open market." USDA's recent planting intentions report shows Oregon growers increasing barley seedings this year by 13 percent while intentions for barley acreage in Washington are up 10 percent over 2006. There's been a steady decline in barley acreage so Olson sees this year's projected seven percent increase nationwide is a positive industry development. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott