The harvest of grain and rapeseed in Eastern Europe is slowly starting. This puts the figures behind last year. Initial indications for yield are good. Rain throws a spanner in the works, but does give some relief to summer cereals, maize and sunflowers. Ukraine is also finally getting some relief.
According to Russian government figures, a total of 933.000 hectares of grain had been harvested by the end of last week. Good for 4,1 million tons, which brings the yield to 4,44 tons per hectare. A year earlier, 2,2 million hectares had already been harvested at the same point. Yields were slightly lower at 4,32 tons per hectare. The rapeseed harvest has also started, as has that of early potatoes. 30.500 tons have now been cleared. Good for an average of 22,26 tons per hectare.
Ban until 2020
Last week, Russia was also in the news when it once again extended the ban on agricultural products. According to Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev, the boycott will remain in force until at least 2020 on goods from the European Union, but also from Canada, the US and Australia, among others.
Mainly wheat and barley in Ukraine
In Ukraine, 683.000 hectares of grain had been harvested until the end of last week, with an average yield of 3,10 tons per hectare. Barley in particular has been harvested, followed by wheat. An average of 196.000 tons per hectare was produced from 3,14 hectares of wheat. Other crops that are being harvested are peas and oilseed rape.
Rain and heat
The center and south of Ukraine is still very dry. Between 10 and 20 mm fell last week, bringing some relief. Other parts received more rain. Up to 40mm in total. However, the long-term forecast continues to indicate precipitation rates that are 50% below average in key growing areas. In addition, the temperature continues to fluctuate between 33 and 36 degrees, causing the rain to evaporate quickly. In Russia, spring grains and other crops are doing better. There, 100 to 200 percent of the normal amount of precipitation fell, as a result of thunderstorms.