Precipitation in the US, Europe and Ukraine improves conditions for the start of sowing

Farmers are waiting for additional rainfall before they start planting spring crops, especially in the United States, which has recently experienced dry weather with high temperatures.

Several fronts moved through the Midwest and Plains last week, bringing temperatures back to normal. Several more severe thunderstorms and showers are expected this week. They will increase soil moisture and ease drought conditions, and in some areas, farmers will begin spring planting.

The lack of precipitation in some western regions worsens the conditions for the development of winter wheat crops, and soil moisture on the eve of sowing remains low, so sufficient precipitation there is very important.

Scattered rainfall in central Brazil last week is expected to continue this week across much of the country. A reduction in rainfall will allow the completion of the soybean harvest, which is more than 70% threshed, but the second crop of corn needs maximum rainfall before May, when the dry season begins.

Argentina also received rain last week, which will continue this week and will help the late soybean and corn crops that are in the process of filling. At the same time, the precipitation will delay the harvest of early crops.

In Europe, weather conditions remain generally favorable for winter sowing and the start of early spring sowing. Additional precipitation is expected in southeastern Europe and the Black Sea countries this week.

There are still areas of drought in the Black Sea region, so the amount of precipitation that will occur this week in Ukraine and the south-west of the Russian Federation is very important. In general, conditions for sowing spring crops are quite good with normal temperatures and precipitation.

A front with showers passed through eastern Australia last week, and Tropical Cyclone Narell will bring heavy rains to Western Australia this week, which will improve conditions for the sowing of winter wheat and rapeseed, which will begin in April.