Idaho Barley Growers Working To Overcome Drought

Idaho barley growers have been dealing with one of the driest years in the past century and it's hurting yields. Laura Wilder with Idaho Barley said there is an estimated 40,000 acre drop from last year, but the dip may not be that bad.

"Considering the heat early in the season forcing plants to flower and head earlier, there is concern about quality and yield. Also, in some of our dryland areas, which are not a large percentage of our total production, that is where we're more concerned about yield."

Wilder believes there could 85-95 bushels per acre this season with the irrigated acres looking pretty good considering the drought. She noted that growers are experiencing a lot of stress, but there could be good prices, though lower yields will impact consumers.

"It will effect beer production. It could affect beer prices. It could also affect livestock feed prices and food prices for food barley."

Wilder said there will be a lot of users of barley that will not be able to get their normal supply for production.

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