The harvest at the French farmers this year can be called deplorable. Almost all crops fall below the 5-year average. The summer crops in particular are making a significant drop. The cultivation of rapeseed is the only bright spot this season.
This is reflected in the latest crop estimate from the statistics office of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food, published last Tuesday. Some crops have suffered even more from the drought than others, although variations in acreage can also sometimes determine the results. The entire grain harvest this season yielded 61 million tons and was 6,9% lower compared to the 5-year average and even 9,8% lower than in 2021, when 67 million tons of grain were harvested.
The winter crops got off to a good start due to the relatively mild winter. This can also be seen in the difference between winter and summer cereals, with summer cereals showing markedly lower yields. The total winter wheat yield amounted to 33,6 million tons, 3,6% below the 5-year average. This is mainly because less winter wheat has been sown, and not because of the yields per hectare, which at 7,1 tons are about comparable with other years. However, the differences in yields are large, for example, the yield in the center of France remained at 6 tons. The total barley harvest is 11,3% lower at 3,2 million tons compared to the 5-year average. The acreage has increased significantly. The average yield per hectare is disappointing here. The same applies to crops such as oats, rye and other grains.
Rapeseed particularly good
The record prices paid for oilseeds just after the Russian invasion of Ukraine have resulted in significantly more sunflowers in France. Because sunflowers need less nitrogen, this worked out well for the expensive fertilizer market. The acreage increased by no less than 23%, yet fewer tons were achieved than in 2021. Now only 2,1 tons came from one hectare, which was 2,7 tons last season. It is different with rapeseed. The oilseed market was also at a particularly high level before the Russian invasion, which is reflected in the acreage that increased from 1,0 million to 1,2 million hectares. The smooth growth, the many hours of sunshine and the increase in the acreage ensured a top yield of 4,5 million tons of rapeseed, compared to 3,3 million tons in 2021.
Corn yield lowest in 30 years
The maize appears to be suffering the most from the driest summer France has ever experienced. The maize matures very early and quickly and the lowest maize harvest in 30 years is expected. According to the statistical office, the total yield is 11,4 million tons, 17,9% below the 5-year average. Soy cultivation is also 8,3% lower.
The sugar beet yield has also been revised downwards in the latest harvest estimate. Where previously an average yield was assumed, this is now 10,4% below the 5-year average. Sugar beet cultivation has been under pressure for some time due to the less attractive balance of the crop. The cultivation of ware potatoes is also lower than the 5-year average