12/11/07 What's the future for US barley?

It's a fact. There are fewer barley acres in the United States today than in year's past. US Grains Council Vice Chairman Jim Broten says competition from other commodities is one factor. BROTEN "And number two because barley is strictly a non-GMO our genetics haven't increased or our yields haven't increased as much so its hard for barley to be as competitive as some of those other crops." On the other hand the demand for barley is on the rise and Broten says that's due in part of the grain council's export programs, especially for feed barley to Japan. BROTEN "Because of that this year with a shortage in barley our feed barley prices over doubled in the last six months." Idaho grower Dan Mader agrees with Broten on commodity competition. Mader says barley has some attributes that wheat, peas and lentils don't have and to him it's a lower risk crop. MADER "Its an auction out there and every commodity is in the same boat. They're having to bid. But I think barley will get same added acres at these levels for sure." While the U.S. is a small player in the overall barley market Broten says the quality is good and the Grain Council sees a bright future for the industry with more opportunities to expand barley production and marketing. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott