August 5, 2009

Germany's grain crop this summer is likely to rise to 50.6 million tonnes from last year's 49.8 million tonnes, said the association of German farming cooperatives on Tuesday (Aug 4).

 

The forecast was 2.8 million tonnes above its previous estimate on July 1, and was increased due to good weather.

 

German farmers are also expected to harvest six million tonnes of rapeseed this year, up from 5.2 million tonnes in 2008 and up 800,000 tonnes from the previous estimate.

 

The association said favourable weather since early July had boosted yields before harvest. Harvest was constantly disrupted by rain in the past two weeks but was now well underway.

 

The wheat crop is expected to reach 26.26 million tonnes, up from 25.7 million tonnes last year. Crop quality is unknown, but wheat protein levels were generally positive, which would help exports, the association said.

 

Winter barley crop is seen to total 10.08 million tonnes, up from 9.3 million tonnes in 2008.

 

The association said rapeseed yields had also benefitted from the good weather, and the crop is expected to significantly increase on-the-year due to a major rise in planted area.