From Austin Home Brew:
According to a supplier: Grain prices will go up starting in December.
1. North American planted acres are down by 20% as brewer's grade barley continues to evolve into a "specialty" crop in relation to corn, soybeans and wheat.
2. In Canada, where the weather turned cold and rainy at the least optimal time (during planting and harvesting), the crop has come off short in terms of supply and may present some brewing challenges.
3. In Europe, demand will greatly outstrip the availableamount of barley from this year's crop.
This will result in a 10-20% increase starting in December.