Drought Impacting Barley Crop

The drought is also impacting the U.S. barley crop. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey this year's crop is being harvest more quickly than usual. He noted that 13% of the barley crop was harvested as of August 1st, a head of the five-year average of 8%.

"Barley condition continues to head the wrong direction. Just 21% good to excellent, 55% very poor to poor. That's another decline from last week's 22% and 51% respectively. And just like spring wheat, those numbers are significantly flipped from last year. We have a very good barley crop in 2020 that at this time was rated 81% very good to excellent and just 3% very poor to poor," Rippey said.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com