European grain survived the winter well

The condition of most crops in many European countries is considerably better than last year. For winter wheat in Europe, a yield is now expected to be 3,5% above the 5-year average. For winter barley this is even 4,7%. These predictions are based on historical trends, as it is still very early in the season.

In the Benelux we have had to deal with extreme temperature differences in February. In the second week the temperature was at its lowest level since 1979. In the third and fourth weeks it was warmer than normal. According to the JRC, the cold period has not caused any damage to the winter grains. In fact, the cold period has a positive effect on disease pressure. Due to the relatively dry conditions, many Dutch growers have already been able to apply their first nitrogen application.

Not mild weather everywhere
There was persistent cold on the eastern and southern sides of Europe. In the European part of Russia and Turkey, temperatures in February and the first week of March were below the long-term average. It is expected that a small part of the grain has been overwintered there.

There is a precipitation deficit in the areas around the Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. JRC does not expect the grain to be damaged by this, except for Sicily and Turkey. There is generally still sufficient moisture in the soil. According to JRC, the shortage of water is a threat to agriculture in Turkey. The wheat and barley were sown under dry conditions and irrigation was applied in various places to get the crop to surface. The agency is concerned about the areas where irrigation is not possible and there are doubts about whether there is enough water in the reservoirs for the rest of the season.