Rainfall Benefits European Winter Crops but Delays Spring Fieldwork

Winter combinable crops are developing well in the major production regions in Europe and yields are projected to be close to the five-year average, according to the latest Mars crop bulletin, released by EU Commission on 24th April 2023. Soft wheat is forecast to yield 5.96 mt/ha (+3% y-o-y), winter barley at 5.93 mt/ha (flat y-o-y), and rapeseed at 3.31 mt/ha (-1% y-o-y) for the 2023 crop. 

Substantial rainfall has been observed in large parts of Europe which replenished soil moisture levels in most EU countries, including the major production areas of France and Germany. However, the rain has delayed spring plantings and other field operations in some regions, which may push back harvest on crops such as potatoes to allow for enough time for crops to develop. 

In Southern Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal development of winter crops and spring barley is being negatively impacted due to ongoing drought conditions and limited water availability for irrigation, as reservoirs run low. In north Italy, crops are still in fair condition, but precipitation is needed as the stored water available for irrigation is depleted. As a result, the EU commission reports a likely shift in the spring cropping area in these regions towards more drought-tolerant crops and away from crops such as rice and maize.