Barley (Hordeum vulgare) ranks as the world’s fourth largest broad acre seed crop, after maize, wheat and rice. Barley is the second largest grain crop grown in Australia behind wheat. Australian production of barley varies depending on the season, South Australia and Western Australia the major production areas. Significant production also occurs in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, with a small amount grown in Tasmania. Malting barley generally attracts a price premium but has very specific requirements for variety, germination, protein, hectolitre weights and grain size. The other main use of barley is as a stock feed.