What is barley used for in Australia?
Barley is one of Australia's most important grain crops, grown across the southern farming regions. It is used for animal feed and for malting, which turns the grain into malt for beer and whisky production.
Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of barley. Major growing areas include Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, where barley is often grown in rotation with wheat and canola.
Barley is divided into malting barley, which must meet strict quality standards, and feed barley, used for livestock. Malting barley usually earns a higher price for farmers.
From grain to malt
Malting involves soaking the grain, letting it germinate and then drying it in a kiln. This process produces enzymes and sugars that brewers and distillers use to make beer and spirits.
Australian barley is used by brewers at home and abroad, and malt is exported to breweries in Asia. Barley is also used in foods such as soups, breakfast cereals and pearl barley.
In 2020, China placed heavy tariffs on Australian barley during a period of trade tension, which forced exporters to find new markets in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Japan. The tariffs were removed in 2023.
Did You Know?
South Australia's Eyre and Yorke peninsulas are well known for barley production.