The Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) released on October 23 its monthly Pool Return Outlook (PRO) for the 2003-04 crop year. The strong Canadian dollar has contributed to a weaker return outlook in all four pools. Feed barley values are $3 per tonne lower compared to the September PRO. Global feed barley prices have fallen considerably in recent weeks as nearby demand has lessened. Expensive ocean freight, a near-record barley crop in Australia and a larger-than-expected U.S. corn crop estimate have all weighed on the global feed complex.

Two-row malting barley values are $2 per tonne lower, while six-row values are $1 per tonne lower. New crop two-row malting barley values have softened significantly ahead of the large Australian harvest, while Chinese importers continue to focus on their existing supplies and are not buying. The U.S. six-row market remains quiet.

24 October, 2003