France’s wheat crop rating declines

France’s crop rating for its main wheat crop fell last week while spring barley conditions worsened sharply, data from agricultural agency FranceAgriMer showed on Friday, as dry weather persisted across the northern plains of the EU’s top grain producer.

FranceAgriMer estimates that 71% of soft wheat crops were in good or excellent condition as of May 19, down from 73% a week earlier but still above the 63% a year ago, when heavy rains led to France’s smallest harvest since the 1980s.

In barley, the good/excellent condition rating for spring barley fell to 75% from 81% a week earlier, slightly up from 73% a year earlier. The corresponding assessment for winter barley fell to 66% from 68% the previous week, in line with last year’s level.

Northern France is part of northern Europe where spring has been very dry, worrying grain traders as crops enter a crucial stage of development. While water reserves from last year’s heavy rains have so far limited their impact, spring barley crops are seen as particularly vulnerable following dry conditions after planting.

Traders are now watching to see whether the heavy rains that hit northern regions midweek will help French grain crops, and whether rain is expected in the coming days. In corn, FranceAgriMer rated 87% of the crop as good/excellent, down a point from the previous week but up from 83% a year earlier. Corn sowing is now wrapping up, with 95% of the expected area planted by Monday, the company said.

Tags: France, wheat, crop forecast