Idaho Barley Output Drops 31% as Demand Softens

Idaho barley growers and the malting and brewing buyers who depend on them face a smaller crop and shifting supply.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Agriculture

Idaho Barley Output Drops 31% as Demand Softens

Idaho barley production fell to 38 million bushels in 2026, a 31% drop from 2025's 54.9 million bushels, ending the state's long run of national leadership in the crop's output. Barley growers and the maltsters and brewers who buy from them face a smaller harvest and shifting supply conditions.

Why it matters

Idaho held the top national barley ranking for 11 consecutive years, and the 2026 decline is largely attributed to weak demand, with harsh seasonal weather also damaging winter barley crops. Lower demand came in part because some 2024 crop remained available to maltsters and brewers entering the 2026 season.

Idaho produced 38 million bushels of barley in 2026, down 31% from 54.9 million bushels in 2025, and growers harvested 380,000 of the 445,000 acres they planted. The roughly 65,000-acre gap between planted and harvested land reflects the season's harsh weather alongside weak demand.

The players

Idaho barley growers

Idaho's commercial barley farmers, who supply the malting and brewing markets and grow the crop on roughly 445,000 planted acres in 2026.

The details

Barley production is managed by supply and demand, and in 2026 weak demand meant growers had less incentive to bring the full planted acreage to harvest. Some 2024 crop remained available to maltsters and brewers heading into the season, reducing their need to buy new barley. Harsh seasonal weather additionally battered winter barley crops, compounding the production shortfall.

2024: A barley crop remained available to maltsters and brewers entering the 2026 season.
2025: Idaho farmers harvested 54.9 million bushels of barley.
2026: Idaho farmers produced 38 million bushels, a 31% decline.

Market Landscape

Idaho had held the top national barley-production ranking for 11 consecutive years before the 2026 drop. Montana is narrowing the gap as competing barley-producing states gain ground.

Idaho barley buyers in malting and brewing should factor in tighter local supply and the possibility of shifting demand as on-hand barley is used through the coming season. Growers and their suppliers should monitor how weather and planting decisions affect yields, given the projected 150 to 180 bushels per acre if conditions cooperate.

The takeaway

Operators in the barley supply chain should track how quickly the 2024 carryover crop is consumed, since that will determine whether next season's demand rebounds or stays soft. Reviewing acreage and yield projections before committing to planting or purchase contracts will help manage exposure to another volatile year.