Barley Quality

2023 Barley Crop

83.1% Graded U.S. No. 1

According to the results of the 2023 Washington Barley Quality Survey, 83.1% of the Washington barley crop graded U.S. No.1 and 95.2% of this year’s crop graded U.S. No. 2 or better.

The percentage of U.S. No. 1 is above the five-year average of 80.1%. The average test weight was 49.1 LBS/BU and thin barley was at 2.6%. Average moisture was 10.9%, which is above the five-year average of 9.9%

The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection Program compiled the 2023 Barley Quality Survey. The information was gathered from 231 submitted sample inspections performed in the Spokane, Colfax, and Pasco WSDA Grain Inspection Offices from July 10 to Sept. 15, 2023.

The survey showed no differentiation in quality results from two-rowed versus six-rowed barley. Malting grades and/or factor averages are not tracked or compiled separately, but are represented in the averages and totals shown.

Barley Crop

2023 Washington Barley Statewide Grade Totals

Grade Percent of Total
U.S. No. 1 83.12%
U.S. No. 2 12.12%
U.S. No. 3 3.90%
U.S. No. 4 0.43%
U.S. No. 5 0.43%
Sample Grade 0.00%

Washington Barley Statewide Averages for Grading Factors 2019-2023

The survey showed no differentiation in quality results from two-row versus six-row barley. Malting grades and/or factor averages are not tracked or compiled separately, but are represented in the averages and totals shown.

Crop Year Test Weight Moisture Damage Thin
2023 49.1 10.2 0 2.6
2022 50.1 9.4 0 3.5
2021 46.3 10.1 0 5.1
2020 52.9 9 0 1.8
2019 50.8 10.9 0 1.8
5 Year Average 49.8 9.9 0 3.0
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