Originally posted by DrDacreamer:

I don't know if they "steal" it as picking it up, but they certainly will destroy anything you've planted if it is whithin eyesight. So a pole fence will not deter them. You have to build a full wall that obscures vision.

Here is a thing. If the Barley is not grown fully, they will destroy it.
But if it is, its free labor for you. (workbench still needs to be near so it wont disapear)