Domestic feed demand is expected to decrease due to lower cattle numbers, as the cattle feeding industry is still contracting. Malting barley exports are forecast to increase due to increased exports to the US and China. Feed barley exports are also expected to increase, but remain historically low. Exports to the US are expected to remain strong, but may be pressured by increased competition from Scandinavia and Australia. The WCE cash price is expected to be unchanged from 1998-99.
Domestic use is forecast to be unchanged, with increased industrial use offsetting lower feed use.
Domestic crush is expected to increase, while exports are forecast to decrease due to lower imports by China and increased competition from other exporters. Ending stocks are forecast to rise sharply. Exports to the EU are forecast to increase, which is partly offset by decreased US imports. Production and supplies are forecast to decline marginally. Domestic crush is expected to rise, but exports are forecast to decline due to increased competition from the US and South America.