French farmers accelerate winter wheat sowing

Dry weather conditions in France have accelerated the sowing of winter cereals and corn harvesting, Reuters reports citing FranceAgriMer data. As of October 13, soft wheat has been sown on 27% of planned areas (+22% week-on-week), significantly ahead of last year’s 10% and the 5-year average of 22%.

Winter barley sowing reached 45% of planned areas (+35% week-on-week), compared to 19% last year and a 5-year average of 33%. For corn, 56% of areas have been harvested by mid-October (+19% week-on-week) versus 13% a year ago and a 5-year average of 50%. This year’s corn crop is expected to be smaller due to summer heat and drought reducing yields, though 60% of crops remain in good-to-excellent condition (vs. 78% last year).

After a dry start to October, heavy rains are forecast in France this week, potentially slowing fieldwork but replenishing soil moisture reserves.