Barley Harvest 2026 to Decrease: Market Prices Are Already Rising

The total barley harvest for the 2026 season is expected to decrease significantly, and this is already reflected in current prices. The reduction in planted areas, along with increased weather risks, is shaping a new market situation that creates favorable conditions for the profitable sale of remaining old harvest stocks.

This is reported by AgroReview

Market Changes and the Impact of International Demand

As of April, the price for new harvest barley for 2026 is $205–207/ton, which is lower than the price for the old harvest — $217–222/ton or 10,800–11,100 UAH/ton. However, experts note that the market situation is changing rapidly: the reduction in planted areas and weather-related risks are already affecting the availability of new grain, pushing prices upward.

Support for the Ukrainian market is also provided by international demand. In particular, Turkey has announced a tender to purchase over 200,000 tons of barley for delivery between March and May, while Jordan has purchased 50,000 tons of feed barley at a price of $260/ton C&F. Thus, demand remains stable while supply is decreasing.

Optimal Time to Sell Remaining Stocks

Analysts recommend that agricultural producers who still have stocks of the old harvest should activate sales in April–May. These weeks may become the best period to achieve the maximum price, as the arrival of new barley on the market is likely to exert further pressure on prices.

“Analysts predict an increase in sales activity already in April–May. For farms with remaining stocks of the old harvest, these are the upcoming weeks and the best price window before the new barley starts to impact the market.”

Additionally, according to information from ASAP Agri, the total global grain harvest in the 2026/27 marketing year is also decreasing across all key exporting countries. This increases the likelihood of a market shortage, which is already reflected in current prices.