Wet conditions delay European winter-crop planting

Abnormally wet conditions through much of western and northern Europe and parts of central Europe since the beginning of October have delayed the planting of this season’s winter crop, adversely affecting crop establishment and hindering early plant growth in many areas. In France, the European Union’s biggest grain producer, the unfavourable conditions have pushed the sowing campaign into December, with field activity coming to a standstill for extended periods over the past few weeks due to the heavy rainfall and waterlogged fields. Some regions experienced record rainfall registrations for the mid-October to mid-November period, and localised flooding was reported, especially in the north of the country. According to the public farm office FranceAgriMer, French farmers had sown 82 percent of the forecast soft wheat area as of November 27, up from 74pc a week earlier. This compares to 99pc on the same date in 2022, and the long-term average of 95pc. Crop rating continued to ...