December 10, 2009

Bigger UK winter wheat crop expected in 2010

UK winter crops are in good condition, with the open autumn allowing farmers to increase their winter wheat and rapeseed areas.

According to the HGCA, UK wheat production is forecast at 15-15.3 million tonnes in 2010, up 5-7% on this year.

Rapeseed could increase by 2%, to 2 million tonnes, while winter barley output is likely to fall by 4% to about 2.4 million tonnes, with a marked shift away from malting varieties.

The report states that although a dry early autumn in southern and eastern areas delayed crop emergence, later rain produced rapid germination, and few crops are at risk, despite a heavy weed burden following a mild, wet November.

Elsewhere in the EU, winter sowings were carried out under good conditions; with winter wheat and rapeseed sowings up, while winter barley is down. If conditions allow, we could be on track for large crops next season.

Recent estimates from French analyst Strategie Grains see the total EU wheat area up 1% at 22.9 million hectares.