Mars analysts have raised their yield forecasts for major agricultural crops in the EU

The European crop monitoring service Mars on April 27 raised its grain yield forecasts in the EU due to favorable weather conditions, although it warned of a rainfall deficit in some regions.

Sowing conditions remained favourable throughout Europe throughout the season, with moderate temperatures and sufficient rainfall in most regions. Winter crops are developing in mostly good conditions and the sowing campaign has already started in most European countries.

However, experts are concerned about the spring precipitation deficit in Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, as plants increase their moisture consumption in the spring. Soil moisture levels remain sufficient for now, but continued dry weather will negatively affect crops.

At the same time, excessive precipitation in the southwest and in some areas of Eastern Europe led to local waterlogging of areas, and short-term frosts damaged crops in some places.

Compared to March estimates, yield forecasts have been increased:

• soft wheat - from 5.98 to 6.05 t/ha, which will exceed the 5-year average by 3%, but will be 4% lower than last year's level,
• winter barley – from 5.13 to 5.23 t/ha, which will be 8% lower than last year,
• spring barley – up to 4.96 t/ha, which will exceed the 5-year average by 4%,
• winter rapeseed - from 3.22 to 3.25 t/ha.