2026 Malting Barley Harvest Report: England, Scotland & Europe

The growing season for 2026 malting barley has been shaped by another predominantly dry weather pattern across most of Northern Europe. The lack of rainfall has reduced yield potential across many areas, although some timely rain events later in the season have helped to support grain fill and preserve quality in some regions.

As a British maltster supplying brewers and distillers across North America, the quality and consistency of the 2026 barley crop is something we monitor closely throughout the season. Our malting barley, the British equivalent of the two-row base malt familiar to North American brewers and distillers, is grown to exacting specifications across England, Scotland and Europe. Overall, the 2026 barley crop presents a mixed picture, with quality generally expected to meet malting specifications, although nitrogen and grain size remain a key focus at intake.

England

The growing season in England followed a similar pattern to the preceding year, with some similar challenges. Following a relatively dry spring and early summer, barley crops across England experiences moisture stress during the key growth stages. This impact was most pronounced in the eastern counties, with lack of rainfall restricting tiller development and reducing yield potential, particularly on lighter land. Some rainfall provided relief for the spring barley during the grain fill stage, helping to preserve physical grain quality and support final kernel development.

Winter crops generally performed well, despite some disease pressure. Some improved weather in the late spring allowed crops to finish strongly, however an early harvest somewhat restricted the grain fill, and grain size became a key concern at intake.

East Anglia experienced one of the driest periods during the growing season, with prolonged moisture deficits. Spring barley fared better than winter barley in terms of grain fill, helped by the abundance of sunshine, leading to good specific weights for the grain. Yields however were lower than the longer-term average, leading to a higher average nitrogen content.

Scotland

In Scotland, a similar growing pattern to England was observed, however the impact of the drought conditions was less severe. Spring barley crops benefited from later drilling, meaning rainfall arrived at a more beneficial stage of crop development. This helped to protect yield and maintain crop condition through the grain-filling period. Disease pressure remained relatively low through the growing season due to the dryer conditions, reducing agronomic challenges. With harvest all but complete, crop condition is good.

Our key malting barley growing area of Morayshire is expected to have produced a higher proportion of malting quality barley than some other UK regions, with Scotland overall producing a more consistent malting quality than England. The area therefore remains well positioned to supply high-quality distilling barley to the malting industry.

Europe

Across Europe, growing conditions have varied significantly by region, but the overall outlook for malting barley remains positive. Much of Northern Europe experienced a dry spring, while parts of Western Europe were additionally challenged by periods of elevated temperatures and heat stress.

In Denmark, well-timed rainfall helped stabilise crop development and yield potential despite earlier concerns regarding moisture availability. Crop condition remains favourable, with quality expectations generally good.

In France and other key Western European growing regions, heatwaves during late crop development reduced yield potential in some spring-sown barley crops, particularly where rainfall was limited. However this only affected a portion of the crop, with France turning more toward Autumn planting for spring barley, which performed more favorably. Overall crop ratings remain relatively strong and quality concerns appear manageable.

Despite regional variability, Europe is expected to produce sufficient volumes of malting barley, with quality generally supported by low disease pressure and favourable harvest conditions. With demand for malting barley remaining subdued, Europe is still expected to have a surplus despite some challenges this year.

Our Growers & Sustainable Farming

At Crisp Malt, the quality of every harvest begins long before the grain reaches our maltings. We work closely with our barley growers across England and Scotland, building long-term relationships that help us maintain the consistent malting barley quality our brewers and distillers depend on. Through our Field Forward initiative, we’re also working with our farming partners to develop more sustainable growing practices, from soil health to water usage that supports both crop performance and the long-term resilience of the our malting barley supply chain.

What the 2026 Harvest Means for Your Malt

With harvest complete and our intake selection finished, we have now analyzed the 2026 crop in detail. English winter barley and Maris Otter show slightly smaller kernels following the summer drought, while Scottish spring barley delivered outstanding physical quality. Through careful grain selection and screening at our maltings, we have secured the barley needed to produce our full range of malts to specification. For the full intake data, including protein equivalents and practical milling and mashing tips, read our 2026 British malt quality guide. Crisp Malt is available across the US through Rahr BSG.