The Deutsche Raiffeisenverband (DRV) has lowered its forecast for the wheat harvest in Germany. This after official statistics for the wheat acreage were lowered. The yield of rapeseed and grain maize is also cut.
DRV published May 16 his latest estimate for the German grain harvest. At 45,8 million tons, this is the same as last year. Since mid-April, grain crops have had good growing weather, which has cleared an earlier backlog. There is sufficient moisture in the south and west, but rain is still required.
The total volume of wheat reduces DRV to 23,2 million tons, a decrease of 3,7% compared to 2017. In that year, 24,1 million tons of wheat were harvested. The reason for the reduction is the publication of new area figures, which statistics agency Destatis published. According to the agency, 5,6% less winter wheat has been sown, partly due to wet conditions. This crop is the largest German grain crop.
Increase in summer grain
As a result, arable farmers have more spring wheat and barley have been sown, but less winter barley has been sown. The rye harvest is estimated to be higher; This is mainly due to a higher hectare yield. The yield of spring barley increases significantly (+30%) and that of spring wheat even increases by 157%.
Rapeseed has developed poorly due to the wet weather. This spring's weather didn't help either. The harvest is estimated at 4,1 million tons; last year it was 4,3 million tons. The multi-year average is 5,1 million tons. Grain maize is 2,6% lower, at 4,4 million tons.
Potatoes and sugar beets
Government figures from Destatis put the potato area at 249.000 hectares and the sugar beet area at 422.000 hectares. The latter shows an increase of 3,7% compared to last year. German arable farmers grow about 12% fewer peas, but 16% more field beans. The area increases to 54.000 hectares.
Germany is, after France, the largest producer of grains in the European Union. It is even the largest European producer of rapeseed.