# Barley crops faring well but demand from maltsters muted - Farmers Weekly

> UK winter barley crop prospects are positive with plantings progressing well, though higher fuel and fertiliser costs from the Middle East conflict are hurting spring plantings and margins. Maltster demand is exceptionally weak, with barley use down almost 20% year on year, and dry conditions raise concerns for spring establishment.

- Date: 2026-04-29 · published 2026-04-29T12:00:00.000Z
- Category: market · region UK · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/19773-barley-crops-faring-well-but-demand-from-maltsters-muted-farmers-weekly
- Commodities: [Barley](https://feedsoft.ai/c/BARLEY.md)

## Why it matters

Weak malting demand keeps feed barley prices pinned near £155/t, while possible spring area cuts could tighten supply later in the year.

## Read by commodity

- BARLEY: neutral

## Sources

- fwi.co.uk: https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/markets-and-trends/crop-prices/barley-crops-faring-well-but-demand-from-maltsters-muted

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.