Now that the maize harvest in France is in full swing, it is becoming clear what impact the drought has had on yields. According to the latest forecasts, the country is heading for the lowest yield in more than 30 years, the French Ministry of Agriculture reports.
The ministry predicts a production of 'only' 11,3 million tons of corn, the lowest harvest since 1990. Compared to the 5-year average, harvest progress is far ahead of other years. This is due to the rapid ripening of the crop. According to the statistical service FranceAgriMer, French farmers started farming 18 days earlier on average compared to the average of the past 5 years. The French organization also reports that only 41% of the maize crop was rated as good or excellent, a percentage unprecedented since data collection.
According to the French ministry, grass growth is also far behind other years. By September 20, cumulative growth normally contains 88% of the season's total. This year it was only 59%. With normal weather conditions ahead, grass growth will end at approximately 70% this year.
To support agriculture and in this case dairy farming, the French ministry wants to pay compensation from the beginning of November, which is earlier than normal. The ministry thereby acknowledges that the drought and heat can have significant consequences until after next winter. This concerns the total availability of corn, but also price-wise.