Leading U.S. states for barley production 2016-2021

In 2021, Idaho was the leading U.S. state in terms of barley production. That year, some 43.6 million bushels of barley were produced in Idaho. Montana was another major producer of barley in the United States, at 23.75 million bushels. Both states experienced a decrease in barley production in 2021.

Global barley production

Barley is one of the first crops domesticated by humans and remains a popular food source. In terms of harvested area, barley is second only to corn, at about 51 million hectares worldwide in 2019. Much of the world’s barley is dedicated to feeding livestock for meat production. In the 2020/2021 crop year the 27 member states of the European Union were the leading producer of barley worldwide.

U.S. craft beer market

Though there are many uses for barley, one of the most common is as an ingredient in beer. The United States is in the midst of a beer renaissance, particularly with regards to craft beer. Craft beer is often made in smaller batches and comes in many different varieties such as India Pale Ale, Saison beer, and Session IPA, to name just a few, with new types coming on the market each year. The volume of craft beer produced in the United States increased from 15.5 million barrels in 2013 to just over 23 million barrels in 2020.