FAS/Canberra forecasts barley consumption in marketing year (MY) 2025/26 at 6.1 million metric tons (MMT), up 100,000 tons from the MY 2024/25 estimate, according to a recent USDA FAS market report. While malting barley use remains steady, fluctuations in total consumption are mainly driven by livestock feed demand.
The beef cattle feedlot industry, along with the dairy sector, is a major consumer of feed barley. The forecast increase for 2025/26 is tied to continued growth in the feedlot industry, supported by strong US demand for Australian beef, particularly high-quality grain-fed cuts.
The malting industry accounts for about 1.5 MMT of use annually, a level that has remained stable in recent years.
For MY 2024/25, consumption is estimated at 6.0 MMT, 200,000 tons higher than 2023/24. Dry conditions in south-western Victoria and South Australia reduced pasture availability, increasing reliance on feed grains. But the primary driver has been feedlot expansion linked to strong US beef import demand.
