Contrasting weather patterns affect EU crop plantings

Between April 1 and May 14, much of the EU experienced contrasting weather conditions ranging from drought to heavy rainfall and cooler than usual temperatures, according to the May MARS report. This has led to delays in planting in many European countries. It is noted that the drought in Spain and Portugal led to a deterioration in the condition of crops. At the same time, excessive rainfall has replenished the water table in most growing regions and was considered favorable for plant development, but has led to potential losses in wheat and barley production in Italy. Taking into account the above, the experts updated the forecasts of the average crop yield in the EU, in particular, for soft wheat, the forecast was increased by 1% per month, to 6.01 t/ha (+4% per year; +3% to the average level of the last 5 years) , for durum wheat reduced by 2% to 3.48 t/ha (+7%; -1%), winter barley increased by 1% to 6 t/ha (+1%; +4%), spring barley decreased by 3% to 3.9 t/ha (-7%; -7%), corn ...