Yield forecasts for summer crops further reduced

As the summer came to an end, the impact of the dry summer is becoming clearer. The yield forecasts of grain maize, sunflowers and soybeans were further reduced. In the case of grain maize, this comes on top of a reduction of the harvested area, as part of the crop planned for grain maize has been harvested as green maize (for fodder or silage).

Unfavourable weather conditions in some regions; so far with no negative impacts on sowing of winter cereals

Continued drought in north-western Italy, and marked rain deficits in southern Spain and eastern Romania and Bulgaria have raised no immediate consequences for the sowing of winter cereals, which can still be performed in a suitable window during the coming weeks.

In Ireland, sowing progressed well despite a substantial rainfall surplus.

In the Baltic Sea region, sowing was completed within the optimal window and crops emerged well notwithstanding the lower than usual temperatures in September.

Rapeseed sowing faced more challenges

Rapeseed sowing faced more challenges. In France, it was quickly concluded in the first dekad of September, but in several other main-producing countries, part of the sowing occurred outside the optimal window due to dry conditions until the end of August, and frequent rainfall in the beginning of September.