2025 NORTH AMERICAN BARLEY HARVEST SUMMARY
By Country Malt GroupCountry Malt Group, Great Western Malting, and Canada Malting are proud to be part of Soufflet Malt. As part of the same family of brands, our U.S. and Canadian grain teams work together, staying closely connected to their regional farming communities while ensuring a coordinated, reliable supply of barley for our North American customers. This cross-border collaboration strengthens our ability to respond to evolving crop conditions and maintain consistent, quality products. Together, they’ve provided this 2025 Barley Harvest Summary.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the growers across North America, whose work remains the foundation of every malt we produce. Despite unpredictable weather and shifting conditions, their dedication and expertise continue to provide the essential ingredient for our brewing and distilling customers.
United States
The 2025 U.S. barley harvest reflected regional weather variability and fewer planted acres than early forecasts suggested. Idaho and Montana continued to anchor U.S. production, especially irrigated acres in Idaho and pockets of northern Montana that benefited from timely rains. While barley acres are expected to decline further in 2026 due to reduced demand, the diversity of this year’s growing conditions still offers maltsters the specifications needed for a wide range of malt profiles.
Idaho’s harvest wrapped up in a timely fashion, with 93.7% of acres taken off without rain. Quality was strong, with low-90s plumpness, proteins around 11.5%, and moisture averaging 10.5%. Some barley showed borderline kernel size for malting specifications, but our talented maltsters carefully adjust their sorting and malting processes to ensure a consistent, high-quality product for customers.
Montana’s results were far more mixed. Southern Montana experienced hail early in the season that reduced planted acres by 10–15%, followed by pre-harvest sprouting due to late rains. Northern Montana faced early-season drought and lighter stands, with isolated mold where late moisture overlapped with heat stress. However, areas near the Canadian border performed well, delivering strong yields and quality. Usable malt barley across the state generally shows proteins around 12.5% and screenings in the low-to-mid 80s.
North Dakota faced one of the more difficult seasons. Late-season rain, humidity, and harvest moisture led to sprouting and elevated DON (deoxynivalenol) levels, a naturally occurring mycotoxin that forms under wet conditions. While some barley will be suitable for malting, many suppliers will lean more heavily on Western U.S. and carryover volumes to meet demand. Where sprouting or DON has appeared, maltsters are adjusting their processes and making careful selection decisions to maintain high-quality malt for brewers and distillers.
U.S. Outlook Summary:
Despite regional variability and anticipated downward revisions to production estimates, the U.S. crop still provides maltsters with adequate supply and workable quality. Lower market demand is expected to offset reduced production volumes, supporting a stable quality outlook for customers.
Canada
Canada’s 2025 crop delivered impressive performance overall, led by a standout year in Alberta. Many producers achieved record yields—often around 150 bushels per acre—paired with near-perfect quality. Protein levels were exceptionally low, with some Copeland barley testing as low as 7.5% protein, while germination and plump kernels tested well above 95%. These conditions position Alberta as a strong quality engine for the year ahead.
Saskatchewan reported average to well above average yields, with proteins in the 11–12% range. Many growers are still holding a portion of their crop a bit longer than usual this season, but as winter approaches, additional movement is expected as producers manage normal storage and operational considerations.
Manitoba showed the widest range of conditions. In the south, heavy moisture left fields underwater, causing significant pre-harvest sprouting in barley and leaving other crops—like canola and corn—stranded for winter. Central Manitoba fared better with average yields and proteins near 11.5%, with only minor sprouting in isolated areas. As always, our maltsters carefully adjust their techniques to manage any quality variability, ensuring reliable malt performance regardless of regional challenges.
Canada Outlook Summary:
Strong production and excellent quality in Alberta, paired with stable performance in Saskatchewan and manageable variability in Manitoba, provide a positive overall supply picture. Canada remains well-positioned to deliver high-quality malt through 2025 and into the 2026 contracting year.
Cheers,
Country Malt Group
