Article
UK wheat stocks forecast to decline
Published: 03/11/2023
With an anticipated 10% decline in production, and consumption expected to increase, wheat stocks in the UK in the 2023/24 marketing year are forecast to decrease, according to a report from Agriculture and Horticulture (AHDB). Total wheat availability is forecast at 17,3 million tonnes, down 1,3 million tonnes from 2022/23. Production for 2023/24 is seen at 14 million tonnes, almost 1,5 million tonnes lower than the previous year.
The UK-based agency sees wheat consumption rising in both the human and industrial (5%) and animal feed (up 3%) sectors. Consumption is projected to increase by 534 000 tonnes over 2022/23 levels, rising to 15,1 million tonnes.
The report noted that barley stocks are expected to increase even though production is forecast to fall by 5%. This is partially due to a 3% decline in animal feed consumption, the AHDB said. Barley stocks in 2023/24 are projected at 8,3 million tonnes, around 101 000 tonnes lower than the previous season, the AHDB said. Production is seen declining 404 000 tonnes year-on-year to 6,9 million tonnes. – World-grain.com