Idaho Barley Output Falls 31% in 2026

Idaho barley production dropped sharply in 2026 as weather and weaker demand cut output and the state's lead narrowed.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Agriculture

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a heap of pale barley kernels in front of a golden stubble field and a distant grain elevator silhouette. — Idaho barley production fell 31% to 38 million bushels in 2026, ending the state's 11-year hold on the nation's top barley ranking. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Idaho farmers produced 38 million bushels of barley in 2026, a 31% decline from the 54.9 million bushels harvested in 2025. The drop ended Idaho's narrowing lead in barley production as competing states such as Montana gained ground.

Why it matters

Idaho had held the top national barley ranking for 11 consecutive years, so the decline threatens a long-standing position in the state's agricultural economy. The shortfall reflects both harsh winter weather and reduced demand from maltsters and brewers.

Idaho growers planted 445,000 acres of barley in 2026 but harvested only 380,000, a gap of about 65,000 acres. Whether next season's demand will rise or fall depends on how quickly existing barley stocks are used.

The players

Idaho barley growers

Idaho's farmers, who grow barley on large acreages and have held the state's top national barley position for over a decade.

Spackman

An Idaho agricultural source who expects next year's yields to reach 150, 170, or 180 bushels per acre unless another bad winter or spring frost occurs.

The details

Harsh seasonal weather battered winter barley crops in 2026, and less demand existed because some 2024 crop remained available to maltsters and brewers. Barley production is managed by supply and demand, and the decline is largely attributed to reduced demand.

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

Market Landscape

Idaho's 11-year run at the top of national barley production has ended as competing states such as Montana narrow the gap. The shift shows how regional output positions can change quickly when demand softens and weather disrupts harvests.

Barley supply and pricing for maltsters and brewers may shift as Idaho's output falls and inventories are drawn down. Growers face uncertainty about demand, which affects planting decisions for the next season.

The takeaway

Crop output can swing sharply when weather and demand shift together, so growers and buyers should track on-hand inventories alongside planting numbers. Monitoring both helps anticipate where supply tightens next season.

What happens next

Next growing season may see barley demand increase or decrease depending on how quickly on-hand barley is used, and Spackman expects high yields of 150, 170, or 180 bushels per acre unless another bad winter or spring frost occurs.