Unusually hot and dry weather in France is aiding the progress of spring crop harvests, but raising concerns about winter sowing. The lack of precipitation is also increasing the risk of insect attacks on crops. In Germany, there have been favorable conditions for farming in the northern half of the country, while parts of Ukraine and Russia received some beneficial rain. The United States is experiencing favorable conditions for corn and soybean harvests, but winter wheat planting in Kansas and Oklahoma faces a lack of precipitation. Brazil is also experiencing a water deficit that is delaying soybean planting, while Argentina and Australia had significant rainfall at the beginning of October, potentially causing damage to crops.