| Mar 8 2024 | Russia Corn: Record Yield According to Rosstat’s Second 2023 Crop Statistics Report |
Russia corn production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is estimated at 16.6 million metric tons,
down 2 percent from last month, up 5 percent from last year and 18 percent from the 5-year
average. Total corn yield is estimated at a record 6.92 tons per hectare (t/ha), up 5 percent from
last month, 15 percent from last year, and 29 percent above the 5-year average. Total harvested
area is estimated at 2.4 million hectares, down 7 percent from last month, and 9 percent from last
year and the 5-year average. (For more
information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Mar 8 2024 | Russia Wheat: Rosstat Releases Second 2023 Crop Statistics Report |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2023/24 is estimated at 91.5 million metric tons
(mmt), up 1 percent from last month, but down 1 percent from last year, and up 15 percent from
the 5-year average. The estimate includes 64.0 mmt of winter wheat and 27.5 mmt of spring wheat.
Total wheat yield is estimated at 3.17 metric tons per hectare (t/ha), unchanged relative to last year
and up 11 percent from the 5-year average. Total harvested area is estimated at 28.8 million
hectares (mha), down 1 percent from last year, but up 4 percent from the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Jan 12 2024 | Russia Wheat: Production Increased by 1 Percent |
Russia wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is estimated at 91.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 1 percent from last month, but down 1 percent from last year, and up 14 percent from
the 5-year average. The estimate includes 64.0 mmt of winter wheat and 27.0 mmt of spring wheat.
Total wheat yield is estimated at 3.16 metric tons per hectare (t/ha), up 2 percent from last month,
almost unchanged relative to last year, and up 11 percent from the 5-year average. Total harvested
area is estimated at 28.8 million hectares (mha), down 1 percent from last month and last year, and
up 4 percent from the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Dec 8 2023 | Russia Corn: Record Production and Yield Despite Delayed Harvest |
Russia corn production for marketing year 2023/24 is estimated at a record 17.0 million metric
tons (mmt), up 6 percent from last month, 7 percent from last year, and 20 percent from the 5-year
average. Yield is estimated at a record 6.60 tons per hectare (t/ha), up 6 percent from last month,
10 percent from last year, and 23 percent from the 5-year average. Harvested area is estimated at
2.6 million hectares (mha), unchanged from last month, and down 2 percent from last year and
from the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Nov 9 2023 | Russia Wheat: Upward Revision Based on Harvest Results |
Russia wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is estimated at 90.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 6 percent from last month, but down 2 percent from last year, and up 13 percent from
the 5-year average. The estimate includes 64.5 mmt of winter wheat and 25.5 mmt of spring wheat.
Total wheat yield is estimated at 3.10 metric tons per hectare (t/ha), up 3 percent from last month
and 9 percent from the 5-year average, but down 2 percent from last year’s record. Total harvested
area is estimated at 29.0 million hectares (mha), up 2 percent from last month, unchanged from
last year, and up 4 percent from the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Jun 9 2023 | Russia Wheat: Production Increase Due to Favorable Weather in the South |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2023/24 is forecast at 85.0 million metric tons (mmt),
up 4 percent from last month, but down 8 percent from last year, and up 7 percent from the 5-year
average. The forecast includes 61.5 mmt of winter wheat and 23.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA
crop production forecasts for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is
forecast at 3.09 tons per hectare, up 4 percent from last month, but down 3 percent from last year,
and up 8 percent from the 5-year average. Total harvested area is forecast at 27.5 million hectares
(mha), unchanged from last month and down 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| May 12 2023 | Russia Wheat: Production Forecast for MY 2023/24 is the Second Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2023/24 is forecast at 81.5 million metric tons
(mmt), down 11 percent from last year, but up 2 percent from the 5-year average. The forecast
includes 58.0 mmt of winter wheat and 23.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts
for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.96 tons per
hectare, down 7 percent from last year, but up 4 percent from the 5-year average. Total harvested
area is estimated at 27.5 million hectares (mha), down 5 percent from last year and 1 percent from
the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Apr 11 2023 | Russia Corn: High Production Despite Delayed Harvest |
Russia corn production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 15.8 million metric tons (mmt),
up 13 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year. Total corn yield is estimated at a record
6.00 tons per hectare (t/ha), up 7 percent from last month and 14 percent from last year. Total
harvested area is estimated at 2.6 million hectares (mha), up 6 percent from last month, but down
9 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Feb 8 2023 | Russia Sunflower: Further Reduction in Area |
Russia sunflower production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is estimated at a record 16.0 million
metric tons, down 3 percent from last month but up 3 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at
1.78 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and 10 percent from last year. Harvested area
is estimated at 9.0 million hectares (mha), down 4 percent from last month and 6 percent from last
year. (For
more information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Feb 8 2023 | Russia Wheat: Area Revised up Based on Lower Abandonment |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 92.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 1 percent from last month and 22 percent from last year. The estimate includes 68.0
mmt of winter wheat and 24.0 mmt of spring wheat. Total wheat yield is estimated at a record 3.16
tons per hectare (t/ha), down slightly from last month, but up 16 percent from last year. Total
harvested area is estimated at 29.1 million hectares (mha), up 1 percent from last month and 5
percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Jan 12 2023 | Russia Wheat: Production Unchanged |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 91.0 million metric tons
(mmt), unchanged from last month, but up 21 percent from last year. The estimate includes 68.0
mmt of winter wheat and 23.0 mmt of spring wheat. Total wheat yield is estimated at a record 3.17
tons per hectare (t/ha), unchanged from last month, and up 17 percent from last year. Total
harvested area is estimated at 28.7 million hectares (mha), unchanged from last month, but up 4
percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Dec 9 2022 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Unfavorable Weather Slows Harvest |
Russia sunflowerseed production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is estimated at 16.5 million
metric tons, down 3 percent from last month, but up 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at
1.76 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month but up 8 percent from last year. Harvested area
is estimated at 9.4 million hectares (mha), down 3 percent from last month and 2 percent from last
year. (For more information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Oct 12 2022 | Russia Wheat: Discrepancies in Official Data; Production Unchanged |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 91.0 million metric tons
(mmt), unchanged from last month, but up 21 percent from last year. The estimate includes 68.0
mmt of winter wheat and 23.0 mmt of spring wheat. Total wheat yield is estimated at a record 3.17
tons per hectare, unchanged from last month, and up 17 percent from last year. Total harvested
area is estimated at 28.7 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 4 percent from last
year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Sep 12 2022 | Russia Wheat: Record Yield |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 91.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 3 percent from last month and up 21 percent from last year. The estimate includes 68.0
mmt of winter wheat and 23.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia
exclude estimated output from Crimea which is included in Ukraine. Total wheat yield is estimated
at a record 3.17 tons per hectare, up 3 percent from last month, and up 17 percent from last year.
Total harvested area is estimated at 28.7 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 4
percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Aug 12 2022 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Production Up Based on Higher Planted Area and Favorable Weather |
Russia sunflowerseed production for marketing year 2022/23 is forecast at 17.0 million metric
tons, up 10 percent from last month, and up 9 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 1.75 tons
per hectare, up 4 percent from last month and up 8 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast
at 9.7 million hectares, up 5 percent from last month, and up 1 percent from last year. (For more
information, please contact Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Aug 12 2022 | Russia Wheat: Total Production Up 8 Percent from Last Month |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is forecast at a record 88.0 million metric
tons (mmt), up 8 percent from last month and 17 percent from last year. The forecast includes 65.0
mmt of winter wheat and 23.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia
exclude estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 3.07 tons per hectare, up 5
percent from last month, and 13 percent from last year. Total harvested area is forecast at a record
28.7 million hectares, up 3 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year. Winter and spring
wheat harvested area were revised based on updated planted area data published by Rosstat,
Russia’s statistics agency. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jul 12 2022 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Production Up Based on Higher Planted Area |
Russia sunflowerseed production for marketing year 2022/23 is forecast at 15.5 million metric
tons, up 7 percent from last month, but down less than 1 percent from last year. Yield is forecast
at 1.68 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year. Harvested area
is forecast at 9.2 million hectares (mha), up 6 percent from last month, but down 4 percent from
last year. (For more
information, please contact Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jul 12 2022 | Russia Wheat: Higher Spring Wheat Area |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is estimated at 81.5 million metric tons
(mmt), up 1 percent from last month and up 8 percent from last year. The estimate includes 59.5
mmt of winter wheat and 22.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia
exclude estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.93 tons per hectare,
essentially unchanged from last month, and up 8 percent from last year. Total harvested area is
estimated at 27.8 million hectares (mha), up 1 percent from last month and last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jun 10 2022 | Russia Wheat: Favorable Weather in the Southern and North Caucasus Districts Boosts Yields |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2022/23 is forecast at 81.0 million metric tons (mmt),
up 1 percent from last month and up 8 percent from last year. The forecast includes 59.5 mmt of
winter wheat and 21.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.95 tons per hectare, up 1 percent
from last month and up 8 percent from last year. Total harvested area is forecast at 27.5 million
hectares, unchanged from last year and essentially matching the 5-year average.
(For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| May 12 2022 | Russia Wheat: Production Forecast for MY 2022/23 is the Third Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2022/23 is forecast at 80.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 6 percent from last year and up 2 percent from the 5-year average. The forecast includes 58.5 mmt of winter wheat and 21.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.91 tons per hectare, up 7 percent from last year, and up 2 percent from the 5-year average. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Nov 9 2021 | Russia Wheat: Total Production Up Based on Final Harvest Results |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2021/22 is estimated at 74.5 million metric tons
(mmt), up 3 percent from last month, but down 13 percent from last year. The estimate includes
51.5 mmt of winter wheat and 23.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for
Russia are in net weight (not bunker as reported by the Russia Ministry of Agriculture) and exclude
estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.70 tons per hectare, up 4 percent
from last month, but down 9 percent from last year. Total harvested area is estimated at 27.6
million hectares, down 1 percent from last month and 4 percent from last year.(For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Aug 12 2021 | Russia Wheat: Winter Production Down, Spring Production Up |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2021/21 is estimated at 72.5 million metric tons
(mmt), down 15 percent from last month and last year. The estimate includes 50.5 mmt of winter
wheat and 22.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.59 tons per hectare, down 12
percent from last month and down 13 percent from last year. Total harvested area is estimated at
28.0 million hectares, down 3 percent from last month and 2 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jul 12 2021 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Record Planted Area and Production |
Russia sunflowerseed production for marketing year 2021/22 is forecast at a record 16.5 million
metric tons (mmt), up 24 percent from last year and 14 percent from last month. Yield is forecast
at 1.74 tons per hectare, up 9 percent from last year and 2 percent from last month. Total area is
estimated at a record 9.5 million hectares (mha), up 14 percent from last year and 12 percent from
last month. (For more
information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Jul 12 2021 | Russia Wheat: Favorable Weather Boosts Winter Wheat Yield while Heat Threatens Spring |
Russia wheat production for the 2021/22 crop year is estimated at 85.0 million metric tons (mmt),
down 1 percent from last month and down slightly from last year’s record, but up 9 percent from
the 5-year average. The estimate includes 64.0 mmt of winter wheat and 21.0 mmt of spring wheat.
USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude forecast output from Crimea. The all wheat
yield is estimated at 2.93 tons per hectare, down 2 percent from last year. Total harvested area is
expected to increase slightly from last year to a record 29.0 million hectares. (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Jun 10 2021 | Russia Wheat: Widespread Spring Rainfall Boosts Yields |
Russia wheat production for marketing year 2021/22 is forecast at 86.0 million metric tons (mmt),
up slightly from last year and last month, and up 11 percent from the 5-year average. The forecast
includes 64.5 mmt of winter wheat and 21.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts
for Russia exclude forecast output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.94 tons per hectare, down 1.4 percent from last year. Total area is expected to increase 2 percent from last year
to 29.3 million hectares (mha). (For more information, please contact
Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| May 12 2021 | Russia Wheat: MY 2021/22 Production Third Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for marketing year (MY) 2020/21 is forecast at 85.0 million metric tons (mmt),
down slightly from last year and up 9 percent from the 5-year average. The forecast includes 64.0 mmt
of winter wheat and 21.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude
forecast output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.93 tons per hectare, down 1.5 percent
from last year. Total area is expected to increase slightly from last year to 29.0 million hectares (mha). (For more information, please contact Iliana.Mladenova@usda.gov.)
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| Mar 9 2021 | Russia Wheat: Record Production Driven by Record or Near-Record Yields in Several Key |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2020/21 at 85.4 million metric tons (mmt),
essentially unchanged from last month, and up 16 percent from last year. The estimate includes
62.7 mmt of winter wheat and 22.7 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for
Russia exclude estimated output
from Crimea. Total wheat yield
is estimated at 2.98 tons per
hectare, essentially unchanged
from last month, and up 10
percent from last year. Total
harvested area is estimated at
28.7 million hectares, essentially
unchanged from last month and
up 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jan 12 2021 | Russia Wheat: Record Production |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2020/21 at a record 85.3 million metric tons (mmt),
up 2 percent from last month, and up 16 percent from last year. The estimate includes 59.8 mmt
of winter wheat and 25.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia
exclude estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.98 tons per hectare, up
2 percent from last month, and up 11 percent from last year. Total harvested area is estimated at
28.6 million hectares, unchanged from last month, and up 5 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Oct 9 2020 | Russia Wheat: Record Spring Wheat Yields Boost Total Production to Second Highest |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2020/21 at 83.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 6
percent from last month, and up 13 percent from last year. The estimate includes 58.0 mmt of
winter wheat and 25.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.93 tons per hectare, up 6 percent
from last month, and up 9 percent from last year. Total area is estimated at 28.3 million hectares
(mha), unchanged from last month and up 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Sep 11 2020 | Russia Wheat: Harvest is Ongoing for both the Winter and Spring Wheat Seasons |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2020/21 at 78.0 million metric tons (mmt),
unchanged from last month, but up 6 percent from last year. The forecast includes 58.0 mmt of
winter wheat and 20.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude
forecast output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.76 tons per hectare, unchanged from
last month, but up 2 percent from last year. Total area is forecast at 28.3 million hectares (mha),
unchanged from last month and up 4 percent from last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Aug 12 2020 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Lower Area and Concerns Over Dryness Lower Production |
Russia sunflowerseed production is forecast at 14.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 10 percent
from last month and down 9 percent from last year. Yield is forecast at 1.71 tons per hectare, down
6 percent from last month and down 7 percent from last year. Total area is forecast at 8.2 million
hectares, down 4 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. (For more
information, please contact Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jul 10 2020 | Russia Wheat: Winter Wheat Production Down; Spring Wheat Production Up |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2020/21 at 76.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 1
percent from last month, but up 4 percent from last year. The forecast includes 56.0 mmt of winter
wheat and 20.5 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude forecast
output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.76 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from
last month, but up 3 percent from last year. Total area is forecast at 27.7 million hectares (mha),
up 1 percent from last month and last year due to increased planting estimates of the spring wheat
crop. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jun 11 2020 | Russia Wheat: Improving Conditions in Central and Volga Districts Offset Deteriorating
Conditions in the North Caucasus District |
Russia wheat production for 2020/21 is forecast at 77.0 million metric tons (mmt), unchanged
from last month, but up 5 percent from last year. The forecast includes 57.0 mmt of winter wheat
and 20.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude forecast output
from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.80 tons per hectare, unchanged from last month,
but up 4 percent from last year. Total area is unchanged from last month at 27.5 million hectares. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| May 12 2020 | Russia Wheat: 2020/21 Forecast Yield is the Second Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for 2020/21 is forecast at 77.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 5 percent
from last year. The forecast includes 57.0 mmt of winter wheat and 20.0 mmt of spring wheat.
USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude forecast output from Crimea. Total wheat
yield is forecast at 2.80 tons per hectare, up 4 percent from last year. Total area is expected to
increase slightly from last year to 27.5 million hectares. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Apr 9 2020 | Russia Winter Wheat: Favorable Early Crop Conditions for the 2020/21 Season |
Russia’s winter wheat is mainly grown in European Russia. Planting for the 2020/21 season
occurred on pace from mid-August
through mid-December with no delays,
though there were some concerns over
dryness during planting. The overall
planting for total winter grains as reported
by the Russian Ministry of Agriculture in
the beginning of December was at a record
18.2 million hectares (mha), which is
almost 1 mha higher than last year. The
total winter grain number includes all
winter grains, not only wheat. Satellitederived vegetation indices at the time of
emergence but prior to dormancy
highlights mixed conditions. Publicly
available access to this dataset can be
found here: https://glam1.gsfc.nasa.gov/. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Mar 10 2020 | Russia Spring Wheat: Rosstat Releases Final Data |
Russia spring wheat production for 2019/20 is estimated at 21.1 million metric tons (mmt), up 11
percent from last month and 10 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 11.9 million hectares,
nearly unchanged from last month and up 4 percent from last year. Spring wheat yield is estimated
at 1.77 tons per hectare, up 11 percent from last month and 5 percent from last year. USDA crop
production estimates for Russia exclude output from Crimea. Total Russia wheat is estimated at
73.6 mmt. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jan 10 2020 | Russia Wheat: Harvest is Complete |
Russia wheat production for 2019/20 is estimated at 73.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 1
percent from last month and 3 percent from last year. The estimate includes 54.5 mmt of winter
wheat and 19.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude output
from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.70 tons per hectare, down 1 percent from last
month and last year. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jan 10 2020 | Russia Corn: Preliminary Rosstat Data Indicates Higher Area |
Russia corn production for 2019/20 is estimated at 14.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 4 percent
from last month and 27 percent from last year. Total area is estimated at 2.55 million hectares, up
4 percent from last month and 8 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 5.69 tons per hectare,
up less than 1 percent from last month and 18 percent from last year. The month-to-month increase
in area is based on preliminary data from the Russian statistical agency, Rosstat. (For more information, please
contact Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Jan 10 2020 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Yield Shatters Previous Record |
Russia sunflowerseed production for 2019/20 is estimated at 15.3 million metric tons (mmt), up 6
percent from last month and 20 percent from last year. Total area is estimated at 8.4 million
hectares, down 1 percent from last month and 6 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 1.82
tons per hectare, up 7 percent from last month and 14 percent from last year. The month-to-month
increase in yield is due to preliminary data from the Russian statistical agency, Rosstat. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Dec 10 2019 | Russia Wheat: Harvest is Essentially Complete |
Russia wheat production for 2019/20 is estimated at 74.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 1 percent
from last month and 4 percent from last year. The estimate includes 55.5 mmt of winter wheat and
19.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude output from
Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.74 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and
last year. Winter wheat accounts for about half of total wheat area and 70 percent of production.
Harvest is complete and the month-to-month increase for winter wheat yield is based on harvest
yield data from the Ministry of Agriculture and lower-than-expected winterkill rates over the
previous winter. Spring wheat yields are unchanged from last month. Total wheat area (winter and
spring) is estimated at 27.2 million hectares, unchanged from last month. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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| Dec 10 2019 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Record Yield |
Russia sunflowerseed
production for 2019/20 is
estimated at 14.5 million
metric tons (mmt), up 12
percent from last month and
14 percent from last year.
Total area is estimated at
8.5 million hectares, up 6
percent from last month and
7 percent from last year.
Yield is estimated at 1.71
tons per hectare, up 5
percent from last month and
7 percent from last year.
The month-to-month
increase in yield is due to
recent harvest reports of bunker yield from the Ministry of Agriculture. The average net to bunker ratio is about 95 percent.
High profitability for sunflowers has caused a steady rise in area since the turn of the century.
Investment in hybrid seed varieties have led to increasing yields since 2010. USDA crop
production estimates for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. (For more information,
please contact Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
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|
| Nov 8 2019 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Nears Completion with Yield Similar to Last Year |
Russia wheat production
for 2019/20 is estimated at
74.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 2 percent from
last month and up 3 percent
from last year. The estimate
includes 55.0 mmt of
winter wheat and 19.0 mmt
of spring wheat. USDA
crop production estimates
for Russia exclude output
from Crimea. Total wheat
yield is estimated at 2.72
tons per hectare, up 1
percent from last month
and matching last year’s
yield. Total area is
estimated at 27.2 million
hectares, up 1 percent from last month. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
|
|
| Oct 10 2019 | Russia Corn: Estimated Production Increases Based on Higher-Than-Expected Yield |
USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2019/20 at 13.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 4
percent from last month and up 18 percent from last year. Yield is estimated at 5.51 tons per hectare, up 4 percent from last month and up 15 percent from last year. Total area is estimated at
2.45 million hectares, unchanged from last month and up 3 percent from last year. The estimated
yield is increased by 4 percent based on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Preliminary corn yields from the Ministry of Agriculture are typically higher than the final reported
yield from the statistical agency Rosstat. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that
harvest is about 34 percent complete as of early October. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@usda.gov.)
|
|
| Sep 12 2019 | Russia Spring Wheat: Conditions Worsen in Volga, Harvest is Ongoing |
Russia spring wheat production for 2019/20 is estimated at 18.5 million metric tons (mmt), down
3 percent from last month and down 4 percent from last year. USDA crop production estimates for
Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. Spring wheat yield is estimated at 1.57 tons per
hectare, down 3 percent from last month and down 7 percent from last year. Spring wheat area is
estimated at 11.8 million hectares, unchanged from last month. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov.)
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| Aug 12 2019 | Russia Wheat: Harvest is Ongoing for Winter Wheat; Spring Wheat Conditions Have Deteriorated |
Russia wheat production for 2019/20 is estimated at 73.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 2
percent from last month, but up 2 percent from last year. The estimate includes 54.0 mmt of winter
wheat and 19.0 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.70 tons per hectare, down 4
percent from last month and down 1 percent from last year. Total area is estimated at 27.0 million
hectares, up 3 percent from last month. (For more information, please contact Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jul 11 2019 | Russia Wheat: Drought in the Main Winter Wheat Growing Region Reduces Production |
Russia wheat production for 2019/20 is estimated at 74.2 million metric tons (mmt), down 5
percent from last month but up 4 percent from last year. The estimate includes 55.0 mmt of winter
wheat and 19.2 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.82 tons per hectare, down 4
percent from last month but up 4 percent from last year. Total area is estimated at 26.3 million
hectares, down 1 percent from last month. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jun 11 2019 | Russia Wheat: Spring Wheat Planting Nearly Complete; Good Conditions for Winter Wheat |
Russia wheat production for 2019/20 is forecast at 78.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 1 percent
from last month and up 9 percent from last year. The forecast includes 58.8 mmt of winter wheat
and 19.2 mmt of spring wheat. USDA crop production forecasts for Russia exclude forecast output
from Crimea. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.94 tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month
and up 8 percent from last year. Total area remains unchanged at 26.5 million hectares. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| May 10 2019 | Russia Wheat: 2019/20 Forecast Yield Would Be the Second Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for
2019/20 is forecast at 77.0
million metric tons (mmt),
up 7 percent from last year.
The forecast includes 57.8
mmt of winter wheat and
19.2 mmt of spring wheat.
USDA crop production
forecasts for Russia exclude
forecast output from
Crimea. Total wheat yield is
forecast at 2.91 tons per
hectare, up 7 percent from
last year. Total area is expected to increase slightly from last year at 26.5 million hectares.
(For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov).
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|
| Mar 8 2019 | Russia Wheat: Third Highest Production on Record |
Russia wheat production for 2018/19 is estimated at 71.7 million metric tons (mmt), up slightly
from last month and down 13.3 mmt from last year’s record crop. The estimate includes 52.5 mmt
of winter wheat and 19.2 mmt of spring wheat (excludes about 0.5 mmt estimated output from
Crimea). The month-to-month increase is based on final data released by Rosstat, Russia’s state statistical agency. Harvested
area for total wheat is
estimated at 26.3 million
hectares (mha) – 14.9 mha
winter (a record) and 11.4
mha spring. Winter wheat
area has been increasing for
the last six years while
spring wheat area has been
declining for the last three.
Total-wheat yield for Russia
is estimated at 2.72 tons per
hectare, down slightly from
last month. This yield is the
second highest on record
and is the result of favorable
conditions during the
growing season. (For more information, please contact
Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Feb 8 2019 | Russia Wheat: Second Highest Yield on Record |
Russia wheat production for 2018/19 is estimated at 71.6 million metric tons (mmt), up 1.6 mmt
from December and down 13.4 mmt from last year’s record crop. The estimate includes 51.0
mmt of winter wheat and 20.6 mmt of spring wheat (excludes about 0.5 mmt estimated output
from Crimea). (For more information, please contact Katie.McGaughey@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Nov 8 2018 | Russia Sunseed: Yields Improve as Harvest Advances Northward |
USDA estimates Russia sunseed production for 2018/19 at a record 11.5 million metric tons
(mmt), up 0.5 mmt from last month and up 1.1 mmt from last year. The estimated yield is
increased to 1.53 tons per hectare, up 5 percent from last month, up 6 percent from last year, and
slightly surpassing the previous record. The month-to-month increase is based on harvest data
from the Ministry of Agriculture. Most of the country’s sunseed is produced in three regions –
the Southern District, the Central District, and the Volga District – with each accounting for
about 30 percent of total output. The reported yield in the Southern District has been low due to
dryness and excessive heat during the growing season but yields in the Central and Volga Districts are likely to reach record or near-record levels. Harvest was about 85 percent complete
by the end of October. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Oct 11 2018 | Russia Barley: Official Harvest Reports Cite Average Yield |
Russia barley production for 2018/19
is estimated at 16.5 million metric
tons (mmt), down 1.0 mmt from last
month and down 3.7 mmt from last
year’s record crop. The month-tomonth
decrease is based mostly on a
4-percent decrease in the estimated
harvested area, from 8.0 to 7.7
million hectares. (For more information, please
contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Oct 11 2018 | Russia Wheat: Ural District Yield is Lower than Expected |
Russia wheat production for 2018/19
is estimated at 70.0 million metric
tons (mmt), down 1.0 mmt from last
month and down 15.0 mmt from last
year’s record crop. The estimate
includes 51.0 mmt of winter wheat
and 19.0 mmt of spring wheat, and
excludes estimated output from
Crimea. Harvested area is estimated
at 26.0 million hectares (mha) –
14.35 mha winter and 11.65 mha
spring – against 27.3 mha last year.
The month-to-month decrease is
based chiefly on a sharp drop in the
estimated output from the Ural
District, where the reported yield is
down 17 percent from last year
despite generally favorable weather during the growing season and satellite-derived vegetation
indices supporting forecasts of high potential yield. Total-wheat yield for Russia is estimated at
2.69 tons per hectare, down about 1 percent from last month, down 13 percent from last year,
and 4 percent above the 5-year average. The wheat harvest is essentially complete except for the
Ural and Siberian Districts, where the launch of the harvest campaign was delayed due to late
spring planting. Dry weather since mid-September has facilitated rapid progress, and harvest as of October 8 had been completed on 82 percent of the sown area in Siberia and 90 percent in the
Ural District. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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| Oct 11 2018 | Russia Corn: Reported Yield in the Southern District is down 40 Percent from Last Yea |
USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2018/19 at 11.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 1.0
mmt from last month and down 2.2 mmt from last year. The estimated harvested area is
unchanged from last month at 2.45 million hectares. Yield is estimated at 4.49 tons per hectare,
down 8 percent from both last month and last year and 9 percent below the 5-year average. The
month-to-month decrease is based on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture indicating
a 40-percent year-to-year yield decrease in the Southern District, which accounts for 35 percent
of the country’s total corn area. The low yields in southern Russia are attributed to severe heat
during the growing season. High reported yields in the Central District, Russia’s other major
corn region, will partially offset the unusually low production in the Southern District. The
reported yield for the Central District, where harvest was 36 percent complete as of October 9, is
up 23 percent from last year. The Russian corn harvest will continue through the end of
November. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Sep 12 2018 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Reports Drive Increase in Estimated Production |
Russia wheat production for 2018/19 is estimated at 71.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 3.0 mmt
from last month but down 14.0 mmt from last year’s record crop. The estimate includes 51.0
mmt of winter wheat and 20.0 mmt of spring wheat, and excludes estimated output from Crimea.
Harvested area is estimated at 26.0 million hectares (14.35 mha winter and 11.65 mha spring),
against 27.3 mha last year. The month-to-month increase is based on two factors: a 2-percent
increase in the estimated harvested area for total wheat, and a 3-percent increase in the estimated
winter wheat yield. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Aug 10 2018 | Russia Wheat: Drought Recovery Causes Yield Rebound |
USDA estimates Russia’s 2018/19 wheat production at 68.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 1.0
mmt from last month but down 17.0 mmt from last year’s record crop. The estimate includes 48.5 mmt of winter wheat and 19.5 mmt of spring wheat, and excludes estimated output from
Crimea. Harvested area is estimated at 25.5 million hectares (14.0 mha winter and 11.5 mha
spring), unchanged from last month and down 1.8 mha from last year. Total wheat yield is
estimated at 2.67 metric tons per hectare, up 1 percent from last month and down 14 percent
from last year’s record. The month-to-month increase in yield is driven by the improvement in
crop conditions as seen in the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which
highlights improved conditions in eastern growing regions (Siberia and Urals). Winter wheat
harvest is underway and is ahead of last year’s pace at about 70 percent complete. Russia’s
spring wheat harvest usually begins in late August and continues through October. (For more
information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jul 12 2018 | Russia Corn: Drought in Southern Russia Drives 20-Percent Drop in Forecast Production |
USDA forecasts Russia corn production for 2018/19 at 12.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 3.0
mmt from last month and down 1.2 mmt from last year. The month-to-month drop is based on a
9-percent decrease in the estimated harvested area to 2.45 million hectares, and a 12-percent
decrease in the forecast yield to 4.90 tons per hectare. Corn in the Southern District and the
North Caucasus District, which together account for about 60 percent of the country’s corn
output, encountered severe heat as the crop was advancing through the reproductive stage, when
corn is especially vulnerable to damage from high temperatures. Moreover, vegetative vigor has
suffered due to persistent dryness, as denoted by MODIS NDVI (Normalized Difference
Vegetation Index) from early July. Weather has been more favorable in the Central District,
Russia’s other major corn producing region. Harvest will begin in the south in September and
advance northward through the end of November. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jul 12 2018 | Russia Sunseed: Drought Reduces Yield Prospects but Area Still Stands at a Record Lev |
USDA forecasts Russia
sunseed production for
2018/19 at 10.5 million metric
tons (mmt), down 1.0 mmt
from last month but up 0.1
mmt from last year. Severe
drought in southern Russia
and the Volga Valley reduced
the yield prospects for several
of Russia’s major crops,
including sunflowers. The
forecast yield for sunseed has
been reduced from last
month’s record 1.53 tons per
hectare (t/ha) to a slightlybelow-
average 1.40 t/ha. The
estimated harvested area is
unchanged at a record 7.5 million hectares. Sunflower area in Russia has expanded by 30
percent over the last ten years. Most of the increase has occurred in the Volga District, where
planted area has doubled; the district now accounts for 45 percent of the country’s total
sunflower area. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jul 12 2018 | Russia Wheat: Punishing Drought Reduces Estimated Yield Prospects for Winter Wheat |
Russia wheat production for 2018/19 is
estimated at 67.0 million metric tons
(mmt), down 1.5 mmt from last month
and down 18.0 mmt from last year’s
record crop. The estimate includes
48.5 mmt of winter wheat and 18.5
mmt of spring wheat, and excludes
estimated output from Crimea.
Harvested area is estimated at 25.5
million hectares (14.0 mha winter and
11.5 mha spring), against 27.3 mha last
year. The month-to-month production
change is based on a decrease in
estimated winter wheat yield, which
has been reduced for the second
consecutive month because of persistent drought in the Southern, North Caucasus, and Volga
Districts. Total wheat yield is estimated at 2.63 metric tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last
month and down 15 percent from last year’s record. The harvest of winter wheat is underway in
southern Russia and will conclude in the Volga District in mid-August. Meanwhile, in eastern
production regions, spring wheat in the Siberian and Ural Districts has benefited from abundant
rain, but the wet weather significantly delayed planting progress and reduced area planted.
Russia’s spring wheat harvest usually begins in late August and continues through October. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jun 12 2018 | Russia Corn: Area Drops for the First Time Since 2009 |
USDA forecasts Russia corn
production for 2018/19 at 15.0
million metric tons (mmt),
down 4.0 mmt from last month,
but up 1.8 mmt from last year
and only 0.3 mmt below the
record harvest of 2016. The
month-to-month decrease is
based on a 0.7-million-hectare
reduction in the estimated area,
to 2.7 million hectares. Despite
the attractiveness of corn prices
compared to other crops, data
from the Ministry of
Agriculture indicate that total
planted area in Russia dropped by 7 percent from last year, including a 21-percent drop in the Central District, one of the
country’s top two corn producing districts. This marks the first year-to-year decrease in Russia
corn area since 2009. Yield is forecast at 5.56 tons per hectare, up 13 percent from last year and
slightly surpassing the 2016 record. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jun 12 2018 | Russia Wheat: Wet Weather Hampers Spring Wheat Sowing |
USDA forecasts 2018/19 Russia wheat production at 68.5 million metric tons (mmt), down 3.5
mmt from last month and down 16.5 mmt from last year’s record crop. USDA crop production
estimates for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. The forecast yield of 2.74 tons per
hectare is second only to last year’s record. In Russia, winter wheat accounts for about 70
percent of total wheat production and spring wheat accounts for about 30 percent. The estimated
harvested area has been decreased from 26.0 to 25.0 million hectares (mha) based on reports
from the Ministry of Agriculture indicating significant sowing delays in the Siberian District of
Russia, which is the country’s largest producer of spring wheat. Planting is typically complete,
or nearly complete, by the second week of June. This year, however, the Siberian sowing campaign was only about 76 percent complete as of June 6, and final area is unlikely to reach the
Ministry forecast of 5.9 mha. If subsequent planting in the Siberian District follows the course
of the 2013 sowing campaign, which was also marked by early delays followed by rapid early-
June planting, wheat area could reach roughly 4.7 mha. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| May 10 2018 | Russia Wheat: 2018/19 Forecast Yield Would Be the Second Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for 2018/19 is forecast at 72.0 million metric tons (mmt), against last year’s record 85.0 mmt crop. Despite the 15-percent drop, production is forecast to be the third highest in the country’s history, and the forecast yield of 2.77 tons per hectare would be second only to last year’s record. USDA cropproduction estimates for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea. Harvested area is forecast to decrease from 27.3 million hectares (mha) to 26.0 mha. Winter wheat is grown in European Russia (including the Southern, Central, Volga, and North Caucasus Districts) and typically accounts for about half of total wheat area and about 70 percent of production. Spring wheat is grown mainly in the Volga, Ural, and Siberian Districts. Total wheat yield in Russia has been climbing since the 1990’s for a variety of reasons, including an overall improvement in the level of agricultural technology and a rise in the share of winter wheat area compared to lower-yielding spring wheat. Over the past twenty years, the share of winter wheat has increased from about half of Russia’s total wheat area to nearly 75 percent. The yield of winter wheat is over double the yield of spring wheat. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jan 12 2018 | Russia Corn: Rosstat Reports Preliminary Production |
USDA estimates Russia corn production
for 2017/18 at 13.5 million metric tons
(mmt), down 0.5 mmt from last month
and down 1.8 mmt from last year’s
record output. The estimated harvested
area is decreased slightly, from 2.80
million hectares (mha) to 2.75 mha,
nearly matching last year’s level. Yield
is estimated at 4.91 metric tons per
hectare, down 2 percent from last month,
down 11 percent from last year’s record,
and 2 percent above the 5-year average.
The revisions are based in part on
preliminary data from Rosstat, Russia’s state statistical committee, which
reports output at 12.0 mmt. Unlike the
harvest data for Russia’s other grain
crops, Rosstat’s preliminary area and
production data for corn can vary
substantially from the final data which
is released in March or April. The
reported yields tend to be fairly close,
usually within 0.5 percent of each
other; the higher Rosstat production
numbers are instead linked to higher
reported harvested area. The
differences tend to be higher in years marked by a late corn harvest, such as 2013, 2016, and
2017. In 2013, the final Rosstat corn-production number was 0.9 mmt higher than the preliminary Rosstat number, and in 2016 it was 1.5 mmt higher. USDA uses the final Rosstat
numbers, which are expected in March 2018 for the 2017/18 season. (For more information,
please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jan 12 2018 | Russia Wheat: Record Output at 85 Million Tons |
Russia wheat production for 2017/18 is estimated at 85.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 2.0 mmt
from last month and surpassing last year’s record by 12.5 mmt. The month-to-month increase is
based on preliminary data released by Rosstat, Russia’s state statistical agency. The USDA
estimate excludes output from Crimea. The estimated yield of 3.13 metric tons per hectare is 16 percent above last year’s record, and the estimated harvested area of 27.2 million hectares is the
highest since 1982. This year’s
wheat crop benefited from
excellent weather in every major
production region. Record yields
were reported in the Southern,
Central, North Caucasus, and
Volga Districts, and the reported
yields in the Siberian and Ural
Districts were the second-highest
on record. Final production
statistics will be released in March,
but the final wheat-production
numbers seldom vary significantly
from the preliminary numbers.
(For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Dec 12 2017 | Russia Corn: Wet Weather Hampers Harvest |
USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2017/18 at 14.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 1.0
mmt from last month and down 1.3
mmt from last year’s record output.
The decrease is based on persistently
wet November weather that impeded
harvest in the Central and Volga
Districts. The corn harvest was about
75 percent complete as of December 6
compared to 84 percent by the same
date last year. Harvest in the Central
District was complete on 67 percent of
the planted area, which is the slowest
pace since 2010. The Central District
is Russia’s top corn-producing region,
with nearly 40 percent of the country’s
output. In the Volga District (which
produces 10 percent of Russia’s corn),
harvest was only 40 percent complete
by December 6 compared to 90 percent by the same date last year. The estimated harvested area
for Russia corn is decreased from 3.0 to 2.8 million hectares. The estimated yield is unchanged
at 5.00 metric tons per hectare, down 9 percent from last year’s record but 4 percent above the 5-
year average. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Dec 12 2017 | Russia Sunseed: Harvest Lags in the Volga District |
USDA estimates Russia sunseed production for 2017/18 at 10.5 million metric tons (mmt), down
0.5 mmt from last month and down
0.4 mmt from last year’s record
output. The estimated yield is
essentially unchanged at 1.48 metric
tons per hectare, only slightly below
last year’s level and 7 percent above
the 5-year average. The month-tomonth
decrease in estimated output is
based on persistently wet November
weather in the main sunflower zone,
including the Volga District, the
Central District, and the northern part
of the Southern District. The wetness
has contributed to significant harvest
delays and will likely result in a
significant portion of the planted area remaining unharvested in some regions. In the Volga
District, which accounts for almost 45 percent of the sunflower area, only 72 percent of the
planted area had been harvested by December 6, compared to 95 percent last year. The total
harvested area for Russia sunseed is estimated at 7.1 million hectares (mha), down 0.4 mha from last month and down 0.1 mha from last year. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Nov 9 2017 | Russia Wheat: High Siberian Yield Further Boosts Output |
Russia wheat production for 2017/18 is
estimated at 83.0 million metric tons
(mmt), up 1.0 mmt from last month and
topping last year’s record output by
10.5 mmt. Yield is estimated at 3.06
tons per hectare, 14 percent above last
year’s record. The month-to-month
increase is based on harvest reports
from the Ministry of Agriculture citing
outstanding yields in the Siberian
District, which accounts for almost half
of the country’s spring wheat. The
Ministry reports that this year’s
Siberian wheat yield is second only to
the 2009 record. The Russian wheat
harvest is essentially finished, with bunker-weight output (prior to cleaning and drying) reported
at 87.0 mmt. The final net weight for wheat is typically 95 to 96 percent of the bunker weight.
The USDA wheat production estimate for Russia excludes estimated output of roughly 1.0 mmt
from Crimea. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Nov 9 2017 | Russia Corn: Harvest Reports Indicate Substantial Year-to-Year Drop in Yield |
USDA estimates Russia corn
production for 2017/18 at 15.0
million metric tons (mmt),
down 0.3 mmt from last month
and down 0.3 mmt from last
year’s record output.
Harvested area is estimated at a
record 3.0 million hectares.
The estimated yield is reduced
by 2 percent, to 5.00 tons per
hectare, based on harvest
reports from the Ministry of
Agriculture. As of November
7, corn harvest was complete on
60 percent of the planted area,
similar to last year’s pace. The
reported yield is down 12 percent from the same date last year, and yield is significantly lower
than last year in every major corn-producing region in the country. Harvest will continue
throughout November and conclude by early December. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
|
|
| Oct 12 2017 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Reports Increase Record Production |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2017/18 at 82.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 1.0
mmt from last month and topping last year’s record output by 9.5 mmt. Total wheat yield is
estimated at 3.06 tons per hectare (t/ha), up about one percent from last month, and up 14 percent
from last year’s record. Winter wheat harvest is complete and spring wheat harvest is wrapping
up and should be finished by the end of October. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov)
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|
| Sep 12 2017 | Russia Barley: Record Yield Offsets Lower Area |
USDA estimates Russia barley production for 2017/18 at 20.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 2.0
mmt from last month and up 3.0 mmt from last year. The increase is based on harvest reports
from the Ministry of
Agriculture. As of
September 6, with
harvest about 80 percent
complete, the reported
yield is 21 percent above
the yield of the same
date last year, and
bunker-weight output
(the weight prior to
cleaning and drying)
stands at nearly 18.0
million tons. Final net
weight is typically about
6 percent less than
bunker weight. Yield is
estimated at a record
2.59 tons per hectare, up 11 percent from last month, up 18 percent from last year, and 25
percent above the 5-year average. Most of the area remaining to be harvested is in the Ural and Siberian Districts where yield tends to be lower than in other districts. The USDA production
estimate excludes output of roughly 0.6 mmt from Crimea.
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|
| Sep 12 2017 | Russia Corn: Estimated Production Reduced Following Hot and Dry Weather in the South |
USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2017/18 at 16.0 million metric tons (mmt), down 0.5
mmt from last month but surpassing last
year’s record output by 0.7 mmt. The
estimated yield is reduced by 3 percent
based on hot and dry weather in
important corn-production territories in
southern Russia, but remains the secondhighest
on record. Harvested area is
estimated at a record 3.0 million
hectares against 2.8 million last year.
Russia’s corn area has more than
doubled over the past seven years; the
expansion has been driven largely by a
three-fold increase in the Central
District, which has become the country’s top corn-producing region. (For more information,
please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Sep 12 2017 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Estimate Continues to Climb |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2017/18 at 81.0 million metric tons (mmt), up 3.5
mmt from last month and topping last year’s record output by 8.5 mmt. The month-to-month
increase is based mainly on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture citing record winter
wheat yields in the Southern, North Caucasus, Central, and Volga Districts. Moreover, high
early yields in the spring wheat zone (including the Siberian, Ural, and Volga Districts) confirm
earlier forecasts that were based on satellite imagery indicating outstanding conditions and high
potential yields in the country’s spring wheat zone.
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|
| Aug 10 2017 | Russia Soybeans: Forecast Output Would Be the Fourth Consecutive Record Crop |
USDA forecasts Russia 2017/18 soybean
production at 3.9 million metric tons
(mmt), up 0.6 mmt from last month and
surpassing last year’s record by 0.8 mmt.
The month-to-month increase is based on
favorable conditions in Russia’s main
soybean production regions. Satellitederived
vegetation indices suggest high
yield potential in the Far East District,
which accounts for over half of the
country’s soybean output. Overall crop
conditions are good in the Central and
Southern Districts as well. Yield is
forecast at 1.56 tons per hectare, up 5
percent from last year’s record and 19
percent above the 5-year average.
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|
| Aug 10 2017 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Reports Indicate Another Bumper Crop |
Russia wheat production for 2017/18 is forecast at 77.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 5.5 mmt
from last month and surpassing last year’s record output by 5.0 mmt. The month-to-month
increase is based on two factors. With the harvest of winter wheat approximately 60 percent
complete, reports from the Ministry of Agriculture cite high winter wheat yields in the Southern,
North Caucasus, and Central Districts of Russia. In addition, satellite imagery indicates
outstanding conditions and high potential yields in the country’s spring wheat zone, including the
Siberian, Ural, and Volga Districts. The estimated total-wheat yield of 2.89 tons per hectare is up
10 percent from last month, up 8 percent from last year’s record, and 25 percent above the 5-year
average. The estimated harvested area is decreased from 27.3 to 26.8 million hectares based on
final sown area data from Rosstat, the State Statistical Service of Russia. Winter wheat accounts
for about 50 percent of Russia’s total wheat area and about 70 percent of the production. Spring
wheat harvest will begin in September. All USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea.
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| Jul 12 2017 | Russia Wheat: Excellent Conditions for Both Winter and Spring Wheat |
Russia wheat production for 2017/18 is forecast at 72.0 million metric tons, up 3.0 million from
last month and only 0.5 million below last year’s record output. Harvested area is estimated at
27.3 million hectares against 27.0 million last year. The forecast yield of 2.64 tons per hectare is
up 5 percent from last month, down 2 percent from last year’s record, and 14 percent above the
5-year average. Winter wheat accounts for about 50 percent of Russia’s total wheat area and for
about 70 percent of the production. (All USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude
estimated output from Crimea.)
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| Jun 9 2017 | Russia Wheat: Outstanding Prospects for Winter Wheat in Southern Russia |
Russia wheat production for 2017/18 is forecast at 69.0 million metric tons, up 2.0 million from
last month but down 3.5 million from last year’s record output. The estimated harvested area of
27.5 million hectares is unchanged from last month. The forecast total wheat yield of 2.51 tons
per hectare is 7 percent below last year’s record but 8 percent above the 5-year average. All
USDA crop production estimates for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea.
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| May 10 2017 | Russia Wheat: Forecast 2017/18 Production Down 8 Percent, Second Highest on Record |
Russia wheat production for 2017/18 is forecast at 67.0 million metric tons, down 5.5 million
from last year’s record output. Despite the year-to-year decrease, the forecast output would be
the second-highest wheat harvest on record. Harvested area is estimated at 27.5 million hectares,
up 0.5 million hectares from last year. Yield is forecast at 2.44 tons per hectare, 9 percent below
last year’s record but 5 percent above the 5-year average. All USDA crop production estimates
for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea.
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| Jan 12 2017 | Russia Corn: Production Estimate Unchanged at a Record 15.5 Million Tons |
USDA estimates Russia 2016/17
corn output at 15.5 million metric
tons (mmt), unchanged from last
month and 2.3 mmt above last
year’s record. The estimated yield
of 5.54 tons per hectare exceeds
the 2013/14 record by over 10
percent. Wet weather impeded this
year’s corn harvest, especially in
the Central District. Daily harvest
data from the Ministry of
Agriculture indicate that the
harvest campaign was virtually
complete by December 23 with
output reported at 15.4 million tons
against 13.0 million by the same
date last year.
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| Jan 12 2017 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Surpasses Previous Record by 14 Percent |
Russia wheat production for
2016/17 is estimated at a record
72.5 million metric tons (mmt), up
0.5 mmt from last month and up
11.5 mmt from last year. This
surpasses the previous record of
63.7 million tons harvested in 2008
by 14 percent. The increased
estimate is based on preliminary
harvest data from Rosstat, the state
statistical committee of Russia.
The estimated yield of 2.68 tons
per hectare is unchanged from last
month, up 13 percent from last
year, and 7 percent above the
previous record achieved in 2014.
All USDA crop production
estimates for Russia exclude the estimated output of roughly 0.8 million tons from Crimea. (For
more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov).
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| Dec 9 2016 | Russia Sunseed: Harvest Reports Indicate Record Crop |
USDA estimates Russia sunseed
production for 2016/17 at a record
10.5 million metric tons (mmt), up 1.3
mmt from last year and surpassing the
2013/14 record by 0.7 mmt.
According to data from the Ministry
of Agriculture, harvest was complete
on 93 percent of the planted area as of
December 5, with reported yield up 9
percent from last year. Over the past
ten years, the Volga District has
replaced the Southern District as the
country’s top sunseed region. Since
2007, planted area in the Volga District has more than doubled, from 1.4 million hectares (mha) to 3.3 mha. Meanwhile, area in
the Southern District has declined from 2.4 mha to 1.6 mha. Although yield is always higher in
the Southern District, the Volga District’s higher area compensates for the shortfall in yield.
Volga output has exceeded output from the Southern District for four of the past five years, and
the Volga District is on track to again be the top sunseed producing district in 2016.
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|
| Dec 9 2016 | Russia Corn: Estimated Harvest Surpasses Record by Nearly 20 Percent |
USDA estimates Russia’s 2016/17 corn
output at 15.5 million metric tons
(mmt), up 1.0 mmt from last month and
2.3 mmt above last year’s record. The
estimated yield of 5.54 tons per hectare
exceeds the 2013/14 record by over 10
percent. Harvest reports from the
Ministry of Agriculture indicate record
yields in every major production
region. As of December 5, reported
yield is up 11 percent in the Central
District (which accounts for 32 percent
of Russia’s 2016/17 corn area), up 9
percent in the Southern District (34
percent), and up 22 percent in the
North Caucasus District (18 percent). Harvested area is estimated at 2.8 million hectares, and as
of December 5, harvest was 86 percent complete according to the Ministry.
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|
| Nov 9 2016 | Russia Corn: All-Around Record Crop |
USDA estimates 2016/17 Russia corn crop to reach record levels for area, yield, and production. Output is projected at 14.5 million metric tons, up 0.5 million from last month and up 1.3 million from last year’s then-record crop.
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|
| Nov 9 2016 | Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan Wheat: Record or Near-Record Yields Reported |
With the 2016 wheat harvest essentially complete, Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are all
reporting record yields or record production. Above-average rainfall during the growing season,
however, likely had a negative effect on wheat quality in all three countries.
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| Aug 12 2016 | Russia Wheat: Estimated Production Shatters Previous Record |
Russia wheat production for 2016/17 is estimated at a record 72.0 million metric tons (mmt), up
7.0 mmt from last month and up 11.0 mmt from last year. The revised estimate also surpasses
the previous record of 63.7 million tons harvested in 2008. The increase is based on official
reports of record winter wheat yields in western Russia, and high potential yields for spring
wheat in the Volga, Siberian, and Ural Districts. The estimated harvested area is increased
slightly, from 26.0 to 26.6 million hectares (mha), based on final sown-area data from Rosstat,
the state statistical agency. Yield is estimated at 2.71 tons per hectare, up 8 percent from last
month, up 13 percent from last year, and 21 percent above the 5-year average. All USDA crop
production estimates for Russia exclude estimated output from Crimea.
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| Jul 12 2016 | Russia Wheat: Spring Wheat Planting Complete, Excellent Conditions for Winter Wheat |
Russia wheat production for 2016/17 is
estimated at a record 65.0 million
metric tons (mmt), up 1.0 mmt from
last month and up 4.0 mmt from last
year. The month-to-month increase is
based on outstanding conditions for
winter wheat in every major production
region, and favorable establishment
conditions for spring wheat in the
Volga, Siberian, and Ural Districts.
Harvested area is estimated at 26.0
million hectares (mha), unchanged
from last month and up 0.4 mha from
last year. The estimated yield is up slightly from last month at 2.50 tons per hectare, 4.7 percent
above last year and 12 percent above the 5-year average.
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| Jun 11 2016 | Russia Wheat: Spring Wheat Planting Complete, Excellent Conditions for Winter Wheat |
Russia wheat production for 2016/17 is forecast at a record 64.0 million metric tons (mmt), up
1.0 mmt from last month and up 3.0 mmt from last year. The month-to-month increase is based
chiefly on continued outstanding conditions for winter wheat in the Southern and North
Caucasus Districts and spring-wheat planting reports from the Ministry of Agriculture.
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| May 10 2016 | Russia Wheat: Excellent Conditions for 2016/17 Wheat in the Southern District |
Russia wheat production for 2016/17 is forecast at a near-record 63.0 million tons compared to
61.0 million for 2015/16. The estimate is based chiefly on outstanding early-season conditions
in the Southern District and North Caucasus District, which together produce about 40 percent of
the country’s total wheat output. The harvested area estimate of 25.5 million hectares is only 0.1
million below last year’s level, with a slight increase in winter wheat area offsetting a slight drop
in spring wheat area. Yield is forecast at 2.47 tons per hectare, 3.4 percent above last year and
11 percent above the 5-year average. Winter wheat, which is grown mainly in European Russia,
accounts for about 50 percent of Russia’s total wheat area and 70 percent of the country’s total
wheat production due to its higher yield. Persistently dry autumn weather hampered winter-crop
establishment in the Central and Volga Districts. Abundant spring rainfall has essentially erased
moisture deficits and above-average temperatures enabled crops to resume vegetative growth
earlier than usual and compensate for the poor start. The harvest of winter wheat will begin in
late June. Spring wheat planting is underway in the major production zones, including the
Siberian, Volga, and Ural Districts.
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| Feb 9 2016 | Russia Sunseed: Production Series Revised to Reflect Net Output |
USDA has revised estimated Russia sunflower seed
production for 2000/01 through 2015/16 to denote net
weight (the weight after cleaning and drying). The
changes are based on data published by Rosstat, the
official statistical agency of Russia. Prior to the
revisions, Rosstat and USDA reported Russia
sunflower seed output in terms of bunker weight (the
harvest weight prior to cleaning and drying), which
typically includes 6 to 7 percent moisture and trash.
Rosstat released data in late December citing bunker
and net weight for sunflower seed and other oilseed
crops for the past six seasons (marketing years
2010/11 through 2015/16). USDA extended the netweight
series to include 2000/01 through 2009/10,
based on average net-to-bunker ratio for the years
reported by Rosstat.
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| Jan 12 2016 | Russia Corn: Estimated Production Reduced but Still a Record |
Russia corn production for 2015/16 is
estimated at a record 13.0 million metric
tons, down 0.5 million tons from last month
but up 1.7 million tons from last year. The
month-to-month decrease is based on
analysis of harvest data from Rosstat, the
state statistical agency. Harvested area is
estimated at a record 2.65 million hectares,
down slightly from last month but slightly
surpassing last year’s record. Yield is
estimated at 4.91 tons per hectare, down 1.9
percent from last month, up 13 percent from
last year, and 17 percent above the 5-year
average.
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|
| Sep 11 2015 | Russia Barley: Harvest Reports Indicate Near-Record Yield |
Russia barley production for 2015/16 is estimated at 19.5 million tons (not including about 0.5
million tons from Crimea), up 2.5 million tons from last month but down 0.5 million tons from
last year. The increase is based on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture indicating
outstanding yield in the Volga District, which accounts for about one-quarter of the country’s
barley output. Overall barley yield for Russia is estimated at 2.44 tons per hectare, up 15 percent
from last month, up 7.1 percent from last year, and 23 percent above the 5-year average. Harvest
was about 75 percent complete as of September 7. Spring barley accounts for about 90 percent
of total output.
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|
| Aug 12 2015 | Russia Wheat: High Yields Reported for Winter Wheat |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2015/16 at 60.0 million tons, up 3.0 million tons
from last month and up 0.9 million tons from last year. Estimated harvested area is increased
from 25.5 million hectares to 25.7 million hectares, against 23.6 million last year, based on
preliminary sown-area data from Rosstat (the State Statistical Committee). Yield is estimated at
2.33 tons per hectare, up 4.4 percent from last month, down 6.6 percent from last year’s record,
and 9.4 percent above the 5-year average. The month-to-month increase is based on harvest
reports from the Ministry of Agriculture indicating outstanding winter wheat yields in the
Southern and North Caucasus Districts, and better-than-expected yield in the Central District.
Winter wheat harvest is largely complete except for in the Central District, where field work was
impeded by wet weather during July. Yield prospects for spring wheat are above average in the
Siberian and Ural Districts, where the growing season has been marked by consistently favorable
weather. The spring wheat harvest will begin in mid-August. (For more information, please
contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov)
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|
| Jul 10 2015 | Russia Wheat: Beneficial June Rainfall for Spring Wheat |
USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2015/16 at 57.0 million tons, up 2.0 million tons
from last month but down 2.1 million from last year. Harvested area is estimated to increase
from 25.2 to 25.5 million hectares, against 23.6 million hectares last year, based on preliminary
sown-area data from the Ministry of Agriculture. Yield is estimated at 2.24 tons per hectare, up 2.4 percent from last month, down 11 percent from last year, and 4.7 percent above the 5-year
average. The month-to-month increase is attributed to beneficial rainfall in the major springwheat
production zones, including the Siberian, Ural, and Volga Districts. Production prospects
remain high for winter wheat in the Southern and North Caucasus Districts, which together
account for about 60 percent of the country’s winter wheat output. Below-normal yields
however, are estimated for winter crops in the Central District, which never fully recovered from
severe fall dryness despite generally favorable spring weather. Winter wheat harvest is underway in the southernmost territories of European Russia. Spring wheat harvest will begin in
August. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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|
| Jun 10 2015 | Russia Corn: Production Forecast at a Record |
USDA forecasts Russia’s corn production for 2015/16 at a record 13.0 million tons, up 1.0
million tons from last month and up 1.7 million tons from last year. Harvested area is estimated
at 2.7 million hectares, up from 2.6 million hectares last month and surpassing last year’s record
by 0.1 million hectares. The month-to-month area increase is based on planting reports from the
Ministry of Agriculture. Yield is forecast at 4.81 tons per hectare, up 4.3 percent from last
month, up 10 percent from last year, and 15 percent above the 5-year average. The increased use
of imported hybrid seed has contributed to a nearly 40-percent increase in corn yield since 2003,
when imports of seed began to rise. Imports through March are down 13 percent from the same
date last year but already surpass the entire annual hybrid imports of any year prior to 2014.
Planting was nearly complete as of June 5, and harvest will begin in September. (For more
information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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| Jun 10 2015 | Russia Wheat: Rain Boosts Winter Wheat Yield Prospects but Delays Spring Wheat Planti |
USDA forecasts Russia wheat
production for 2015/16 at 55.0
million tons, up 1.5 million tons
from last month but down 4.1
million tons from last year.
Harvested area is estimated at
25.2 million hectares against
23.6 million last year, and yield
is forecast at 2.18 tons per
hectare, up 2.0 percent from last
month, down 13 percent from
last year, and 2.3 percent above
the 5-year average.
Winter wheat in the key
Southern District benefited
from precipitation in May and
early June, especially in the
northern half of the district
where winter crops were in
poor condition earlier in the
spring. Crop vigor remains
generally poor in the Central
District, where satellite-derived
vegetation indices indicate that
Winter wheat has not
satisfactorily recovered from
the severe fall dryness that
hampered crop emergence and
establishment. Conditions in the
Volga District are mixed; in the
southern territories Wintergrain
conditions have shown
modest improvement but are
still only fair, while in the more northern part of the district conditions are excellent. Winter wheat harvest typically begins in
late June in the southernmost territories of European Russia.
Persistently wet weather contributed to significant spring wheat planting delays in parts of the
Volga and Ural Districts during the second half of April and most of May. Planting accelerated
in late May following the arrival of drier weather, and by June 5 the sown area of spring wheat
had reached the same level as last year, with planting complete on 97 percent of the forecast
area. (For more information, please contact Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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| May 12 2015 | Russia Wheat: 2015/16 Winter Wheat Improving, Spring Wheat Planting Underway |
USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2015/16 at 53.5 million tons, down 5.6 million
from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 25.0 million hectares against 23.6 million last year,
and yield is forecast at 2.14 tons per hectare, down 14 percent from last year’s record but
essentially matching the 5-year average.
The area sown to winter wheat last autumn was about 12 percent higher than the previous year,
but due to remarkably dry weather during fall crop establishment, the surviving area is estimated
to increase by only 4 to 5 percent. The poor establishment conditions were reflected in satellitederived
vegetation indices (NDVI), which indicated that winter-crop vigor at the end of April
was substantially worse than normal in nearly every major winter-wheat territory in European Russia, with the exception of Krasnodar and Stavropol in the south. Winter crops benefited from
generous April precipitation, however, and early May NDVI reflect substantial improvement in
many territories in the Central District and Volga Valley. Potential yields will depend in large
part on May and June weather. Winter wheat accounts for about two-thirds of Russia’s total
wheat output.
Spring-wheat planting was about 12 percent complete as of May 8 and is just underway in the
Siberian and Ural Districts, which together account for about two-thirds of Russia’s spring wheat
area. Soil-moisture conditions are favorable for planting in the main spring-wheat zone. Sown
area is forecast to match last year’s level but harvested area is likely to increase from last year,
when early snow in the Siberian and Ural Districts curtailed harvest.
Sharp increases in the prices of fertilizer and imported agrichemicals will induce some farmers to
reduce fertilizer application rates and switch to cheaper but less effective domestic chemicals.
Many enterprises, however, enjoyed high profits from last year’s bumper harvest, which enabled
them to purchase inputs last fall. Most independent commodity analysts do not envision a large
year-to-year drop in the use of these materials. (For more information, please contact
Mark.Lindeman@fas.usda.gov.)
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| Oct 10 2014 | Russia Corn: Record Area Contributes to Near-Record Crop |
Russia corn production for 2014/15 is estimated by USDA at 12.0 million tons, down 0.5 million
tons or 4.0 percent from last month, but up 0.4 million or 3.1 percent from last year’s record
crop. Estimated harvested area is increased by 0.1 million hectares, to a record 2.6 million,
based on preliminary harvest data from the Ministry of Agriculture. Yield is estimated at 4.62
tons per hectare, down 7.7 percent from both last month and last year but 14.6 percent above the
5-year average.
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| Nov 10 2014 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Harvest Updates Indicating Lower Yields |
USDA estimates Russia sunseed production for 2014/15 at 9.0 million tons, down 0.5 million
tons or 5.3 percent from last month and down 1.6 million or 15 percent from last year. Area is
estimated at 6.5 million hectares against 6.8 million last year. Yield is estimated at 1.38 tons per hectare, down 5.3 percent from last month, down 11 percent from last year, but 8.5 percent
above the 5-year average. The month-to-month decrease in estimated output is based on harvest
reports from the Ministry of Agriculture citing lower yield than earlier forecast by USDA.
According to Ministry data, harvest was 85 percent complete by the end of October with yield
reported at 1.43 tons per hectare, down 13 percent from the same date last year. Cumulative
yield typically declines throughout the course of the harvest campaign as the harvest progresses
from the higher- to the lower-yielding territories. The year-to-year drop in yield is attributed
chiefly to excessive summer heat in the Central and Volga Districts, which together accounted
for over 60 percent of last year’s output.
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| Sep 12 2013 | Russia Wheat: As Harvest Begins, Good Conditions for Spring Wheat in Siberia |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat
production for 2013/14 at 54.0 million
tons, unchanged from last month but
up 16.3 million or 43 percent from last
year. Estimated area is unchanged at
24.0 million hectares and yield is
estimated at 2.25 tons per hectare, 5.1
percent above the 5-year average.
Winter-wheat harvest was essentially
complete in European Russia by mid-
August with reports from the Ministry
of Agriculture suggesting net output of
34 to 35 million tons, an increase
roughly 9 million tons from last year. The potential yield for spring wheat in western Siberia is
high, although late planting and cool early-season weather delayed crop development by two to
three weeks, increasing the risk of weather-related harvest losses. Early-September weather,
however, has been favorably warm and dry in Siberia and harvest operations are progressing at a
rapid pace.
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| Nov 8 2013 | Russia Corn: Harvest Reports Indicate a Record-Breaking Crop |
Russia corn production for 2013/14 is
estimated at a record 11.5 million tons, up
2.5 million or 28 percent from September’s
estimate and up 3.3 million or 40 percent
from last year. The estimated harvested
area is increased from 2.15 million hectares
to a record 2.25 million. Yield is estimated
at a record 5.11 tons per hectare, up 22
percent from September’s estimate, up 21
percent from last year, and 35 percent
above the 5-year average.
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|
| Nov 8 2013 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Complete With Yields Slightly Above Average |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2013/14 at 51.5 million tons, down 2.5 million
from the September estimate, but up 13.8 million or 37 percent from last year. Estimated
harvested area is reduced from 24.0 to 23.5 million hectares and yield is estimated at 2.19 tons
per hectare, down 2.6 percent from the September estimate, but up 24 percent from last year and
2.4 percent above the 5-year average.
The reduction in estimated output is
attributed largely to weather-related harvest
difficulties. Due to persistently wet
weather during August and September,
farmers were unable to harvest about 15
percent of the sown wheat area in the
Volga and Ural Districts. In the Siberian
District, however, over 97 percent of the
planted wheat area was harvested despite
late planting and delayed development
during the growing season.
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| Sep 11 2014 | Ukraine and Russia Corn: Estimated Production Reduced Based on Lower Reported Area |
USDA has reduced estimated corn production for Ukraine and Russia based on official plantedarea
for both countries and on the potential impact of hot, dry weather in some of the important
production regions. Harvested area for Ukraine is estimated by USDA at 4.6 million hectares,
down 0.1 million from last month and down 0.2 million from last year. Harvested area for Russia
is estimated at a record 2.5 million hectares, down 0.1 million from last month but up 0.2 million
from last year.
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| Aug 12 2014 | Russia Sunseed: Year-to-Year Reduction in Sown Area |
USDA estimates Russia sunseed production at 9.8 million tons, down 0.4 million or 3.9 percent
from last month and down 0.8 million or 7.1 percent from last year. The month-to-month
decrease is based on preliminary sown-area data released by Rosstat, the government statistical
agency. Planted area was reported by Rosstat at 6.8 million hectares, against 7.3 million last
year. USDA forecasts harvested area at 6.5 million hectares, down 0.3 million from last year.
Conditions have been generally favorable for sunflowers in most key growing regions, and yield
will also benefit from a 15-percent increase in the import of hybrid sunflower seed. Hybrid-seed
imports have doubled in only four years, and the increased use of hybrid seed and other technical
improvements have fueled a 50-percent increase in yield between 2004 and 2013. The forecast
yield for 2014/15 is essentially unchanged at 1.51 tons per hectare, down 2.9 percent from last
year but 20 percent above the 5-year average. Harvest will begin in September.
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| Aug 12 2014 | Russia Wheat: Outstanding Winter-Wheat Yields Boost Estimated Output |
Russia Wheat: Outstanding Winter-Wheat Yields Boost Estimated Output
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|
| Apr 9 2014 | Russia Corn: Production Estimate Revised Higher |
USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2013/14 at a record 11.6 million tons, up nearly 1.0 million or 8.9 percent from last month and up 3.4 million or 42 percent from last year. The revision is based on final data from Rosstat (the State Statistical Committee of Russia). Preliminary data released in January indicated a corn harvest of 10.7 million tons, but the final data released in March report production at 11.6 million. Harvested area is estimated at 2.3 million hectares against 1.9 million last year. Yield is estimated at a record 5.01 tons per hectare, up 18 percent from last year and 32 percent above the 5-year average.
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| May 13 2013 | Russia Wheat: Output Forecast to Rebound by Almost 50 Percent from Last Year |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2013/14 at 56.0 million tons, up 18.3 million or 48 percent from last year, when severe drought sharply reduced output in five of the country’s six main grain-producing regions. Harvested area is estimated at 25.0 million hectares against 21.3 million last year. Winter wheat usually accounts for about half of Russia’s total wheat area, and for about two-thirdsof the output due to inherently higher yield. Total wheat yield is forecast at 2.24 tons per hectare, up 26 percent from last year and 5 percent above the five-year average.
Satellite-derived vegetation indices indicate generally above-average conditions for winter crops in European Russia as of April 30. Persistent dryness in parts of the Southern District (Russia’s top winter-wheat territory) raised alarms about winter-wheat conditions in the Southern District beginning in the late fall but surface moisture was adequate for good emergence and establishment. Subsurface moisture remains unusually low in the Southern District. It should be noted, however, that moisture reserves were similarly low on this date in 2008 but generous May rain resulted in record winter-wheat yields. The Normalized Difference Vegetative Indices (NDVI) suggest localized winter-grain losses in Volgograd territory which likely resulted from an episode of bitterly cold weather in mid-December when many fields were devoid of protective snow cover. Losses are not expected to be widespread. Temperatures have been high enough to enable winter wheat to resume vegetative growth throughout European Russia. The planting of spring wheat was about 7 percent complete as of May 6, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Nearly all of the planting has occurred in the Volga District. Planting in the Siberian, Ural, and Far East Districts will begin later in May and conclude in mid-June. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Dec 11 2012 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Reported Area Drops Sharply in the Volga District |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2012/13 at 7.5 million tons, up 0.8 million from last month but down 2.1 million from last year. The month-to-month increase in output is based chiefly on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture. Harvested area is estimated at 6.0 million hectares, unchanged from last month and down 1.2 million hectares from last year, and yield is estimated at 1.25 tons per hectare, up 12 percent from last month but down 7 percent from last year. Planted area dropped this year by about 20 percent in both the Southern and Volga Districts, which together accounted for 70 percent of the country’s sunflower area last year. Data from Rosstat (Russia’s statistical agency) indicate that in 2012 sunflowers were replaced largely by corn in the Southern District and spring barley in the Volga District. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Dec 11 2012 | Russia Corn: Record Production for 2012/13 |
The USDA forecasts Russia corn production for 2012/13 at a record 8.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 13 percent from last month and 27 percent higher than the previous record crop of 6.7 million tons harvested last year. Yield is estimated at 4.47 tons per hectare, up 4 percent from last year and 27 percent higher than the 5-year average. Reports from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that corn harvest was about 90 percent complete by November 21. Harvested area is estimated at 1.90 million hectares, unchanged from last month and up 23 percent from last year. The sharp year-to-year increase in area stems from a combination of factors, including higher domestic feed-corn consumption by the poultry sector, increased processing of value-added products like gluten and corn syrup, and unusually high losses of 2012/13 winter crops in southern Russia. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Oct 11 2012 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Reports Suggest Remarkably Low Spring Wheat Harvest |
Russia wheat production for 2012/13 is forecast at 38.0 million tons, down 1.0 million or 3 percent from last month and down 18.2 million or 32 percent from last year. The month-to-month decrease attributed to an increase in the estimated amount of abandoned area in the country’s spring-wheat region. Harvested area is estimated at 21.8 million hectares, down 0.7 million from last month and down 3.1 million from last year. Total-wheat yield is forecast at 1.74 tons per hectare, nearly unchanged from last month but down 23 percent from last year, and 21 percent below the 5-year average. Winter wheat accounts for about one-half of the total wheat area but about two-thirds of production due to inherently higher yield.
The wheat harvest was nearing completion by late September although only slightly more than 80 percent of the planted area had been harvested by that time. A significant portion of the remaining area was likely destroyed by drought and could remain unharvested. Moreover, the drought contributed to a sharp year-to-year drop in reported yield and a likely high rate of abandonment. According to September 25 data from the Ministry of Agriculture, wheat yield is down 22 percent from last year in the Southern District, down 41 percent in the North Caucasus District, down 28 percent in the Volga District, down 48 percent in the Ural District and down 32 percent in the Siberian District. Only in the Central District has reported wheat yield increased from last year, by 8 percent. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 12 2012 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Reports Suggest Remarkably Low Spring Wheat Harvest |
Russia wheat production for 2012/13 is forecast at 39.0 million tons, down 4.0 million or 9 percent from last month and down 17.2 million or 31 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 22.5 million hectares, down 0.5 million from last month and down 2.4 million from last year. Total-wheat yield is forecast at 1.73 tons per hectare, down 7 percent from last month, down 23 percent from last year, and 21 percent below the 5-year average. Winter wheat accounts for about one-half of the total wheat area but about two-thirds of production due to inherently higher yield.The harvest of winter wheat was essentially complete by the end of August, with yield down 30 percent from last year, according to harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture. As of August 28, yields were down by 23 percent from last year in the Southern District (the country’s top winter-wheat region), down 41 percent in the North Caucasus District, and down 36 percent in the Volga District. Only in the Central District was the reported yield higher than last year, but by only 3 percent. The spring-wheat harvest is in progress in the Volga, Ural, and Siberian Districts, with early yields down significantly from last year.The poor harvest is attributed to excessive and persistent heat and dryness in almost every major wheat-production region. In terms of the overall impact on wheat production, the 2012 drought has been more destructive than the drought of 2010. Although the heat and dryness were more severe in the areas where the 2010 drought prevailed (chiefly the Central, Volga, and Ural Districts), the 2012 drought has been more widespread and has sharply reduced yields in the Southern, North Caucasus, Volga, Ural, and Siberian Districts. Estimated wheat production for 2012/13 is 6 percent below the reported 2010/11 harvest of 41.5 million tons. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 10 2012 | Russia Wheat: Prospects Continue to Deteriorate |
Russia wheat production for 2012/13 is forecast at 43.0 million tons, down 6.0 million or 12 percent from last month and down 13.2 million or 24 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 23.0 million hectares, down 1.5 million from last month and down 1.9 million from last year. Total-wheat yield is forecast at 1.87 tons per hectare, down 7 percent from last month, down 17 percent from last year, and 15 percent below the 5-year average. Winter wheat accounts for about one-half of the total wheat area but about two-thirds of production due to inherently higher yield.Excessive heat and persistent dryness prevailed throughout most of Russia’s spring-wheat zone during July following similarly unfavorable weather in June. Satellite-derived vegetative indices indicate extremely poor conditions for spring grains in the Siberian, Ural, and Volga Districts, which together account for nearly all of the country’s spring wheat. The internal USDA spring-wheat production estimate of 14.5 million tons would mark the fourth-lowest output in over forty years. Harvest will begin in August.Winter wheat harvest was approximately 80 percent complete as of July 31, with reported yield down nearly 30 percent from last year. Only in the Central District (which typically accounts for about 25 percent of Russia’s winter wheat), are yields up from last year. In the Southern District (42 percent of winter wheat), yield is down 23 percent with harvest 90 percent complete; in the North Caucasus District (20 percent), yield is down 43 percent with harvest 87 percent complete; and in the Volga District (15 percent), yield is down 17 percent with harvest 29 percent complete. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jul 11 2012 | Russia Grains: Deteriorating Conditions for Wheat and Barley |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2012/13 at 49.0 million tons, down 4.0 million from last month and down 7.2 million from last year. The month-to-month decrease is attributed to a 4-percent reduction in the estimated harvested area and deteriorating crop conditions in both the winter-wheat and spring-wheat zones. Harvested area is estimated at 24.5 million hectares, down 1.0 million from last month and down 0.4 million from last year. Yield is forecast at 2.0 tons per hectare, down 4 percent from last month, down 11 percent from last year, and 10 percent below the 5-year average. Winter wheat typically accounts for 60 to 65 percent of total wheat output and is grown in European Russia, in the Southern, North Caucasus, Central, and Volga Districts. Winter wheat in some of the key production territories was damaged by a combination of excessive April heat and persistent dryness. Spring wheat is grown in the Siberian and Ural Districts, and in the Volga District as well. Dryness has prevailed in several important production regions although some areas have benefited marginally from timely precipitation. Barley output is estimated at 15.5 million tons, down 1.0 million from last month and down 1.4 million from last year. Barley is grown throughout Russia’s agricultural zone, including parts of the Central District that have enjoyed generally favorable weather for both winter and spring crops. Yield prospects for barley are poor, however, in the areas where heat and dryness have reduced the forecast yields for wheat. Barley area is estimated at 8.1 million hectares, up 0.4 million from last year, and yield is forecast at 1.91 tons per hectare against 2.20 tons last year and the 5-year average of 2.10 tons. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jul 11 2012 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Reported Area Drops Sharply in the Volga District |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2012/13 at 7.0 million tons, down 1.5 million from last month and down 2.6 million from last year. The month-to-month reduction is based chiefly on a 13-percent decrease in estimated harvested area. Preliminary planting data from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate a 1.0-million-hectare year-to-year decrease in the planted area of sunflowers, including a 20-percent drop in the Volga District, which has become the country’s top sunseed region in terms of planted area. The harvested area is forecasted at 6.1 million hectares, down 0.9 million from last month and down 1.1 million from last year. Hot, dry weather in some of Russia’s most important sunseed territories has likely reduced overall yield prospects by an estimated 5 percent. Yield is forecast at 1.15 tons per hectare against 1.21 tons last month and last year’s yield of 1.34 tons per hectare, which was the highest in over 20 years. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jun 12 2012 | Russia Wheat: Dryness Reduces Wheat Prospects in Southern Russia |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2012/13 at 53.0 million tons, down 3.0 million or 5 percent from last month and down 3.2 million or 6 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 25.5 million hectares, unchanged from last month and up 0.6 million from last year. Yield is forecast at 2.08 tons per hectare, down 8 percent from last year and 6 percent below the 5-year average. The month-to-month decrease in estimated production is attributed to hot and dry weather in European Russia. Persistent dryness and excessive heat during April and most of May hampered vegetative growth for winter wheat in Russia’s Southern District, which accounts for about half of the country’s winter wheat output. The April heat was likely more detrimental to potential yield than was the extended dryness, because the high temperatures essentially brought an end to the development of additional productive tillers (stems) and secondary roots. Conditions have been poor in parts of the southern Central District as well, although yield prospects could improve with favorable weather.In the Volga District, winter crops have benefited from adequate precipitation in most areas and winter-grain conditions are generally good. The Central and Volga Districts each produce about 25 percent of Russia’s winter wheat. Meanwhile, spring-wheat planting in the Siberian, Ural, and Volga Districts is nearing completion. Early-June surface moisture levels were considerably lower than normal in the Siberian and Ural Districts (which account for about 50 and 15 percent of Russia’s spring-wheat output respectively) but about average in the Volga District (25 percent). Yield prospects for spring wheat will hinge chiefly on subsequent weather. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jun 12 2012 | Russia Corn: Record Production Forecast |
The USDA forecasts Russia corn production for 2012/13 at 7.8 million tons, up 0.8 million or 11 percent from last month and up 1.1 million or 17 percent from last year. The estimated output shatters the previous record of 6.7 million, set in 2008/09 and matched in 2011/12. The increase is attributed to a 23-percent year-to-year jump in estimated area, as indicated by planting progress reports from the Ministry of Agriculture. Harvested area is estimated at 1.90 million hectares against 1.55 million last year. The sharp increase in area stems from a combination of factors, including higher domestic feed-corn consumption by the poultry sector, increased processing of value-added products like gluten and corn syrup, and high frost-related losses of winter rape and barley in southern Russia. Corn yield is forecast at 4.11 tons per hectare, down from last year’s record 4.31 tons. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 10 2012 | Russia Grain: Historical Area Estimates Revised |
USDA has revised its series of grain area estimates, beginning with 1990/91, to reflect harvested area. Previous estimates were based on sown-area data from Rosstat, the State Statistical Committee of Russia. Although Rosstat does not publish comprehensive data explicitly detailing the harvested area of individual crops, the official yield data is calculated on the basis of harvested area. This enables the harvested area to be derived from official production and yield data. The average ratio of harvested area to planted area of total grains for Russia is 92 percent, but the ratio varies considerably for individual districts and grains. Abandonment rates tend to be higher in the Volga District, for example, because this area is subject to frequent drought. (For more information, please contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jan 12 2012 | Russia Sunseed: Production Estimate Continues to Climb |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2011/12 at a record 9.6 million tons, up 0.8 million or 9 percent from last month and up 4.3 million or 79 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 7.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 1.7 million from last year, when severe drought resulted in an unusually high rate of abandonment. Yield is estimated at 1.32 tons per hectare, up 38 percent from last year and up 18 percent from the 5-year average. The estimated yield, while not actually a record for Russia, is the highest of the post-Soviet era. (Official data indicates sunseed yield at 1.48 tons per hectare in 1989/90.) The month-to-month increase is based on a December 28 report from the Ministry of Agriculture citing sunseed output at 9.6 million tons. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Oct 12 2011 | Russia Sunseed: Record Production Forecast from Record Area |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2011/12 at a record 8.8 million tons, up 0.5 million or 6 percent from last month and up 3.5 million or 64 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at a record 7.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 1.8 million from last year, when severe drought resulted in an unusually high rate of abandonment. Yield is estimated at 1.21 tons per hectare, up 6 percent from last month, up 25 percent from last year, and up 7 percent from the five year average. The estimated yield, while not actually a record, is the highest of the post-Soviet era.The Southern District typically accounts for about half of Russia’s sunseed output, and the Central and Volga Districts for about 20 percent each. Although yields in the Southern and Central Districts are about twice as high as in the Volga District, area has been increasing sharply in the Volga District since 2007. The rapid expansion, however, has come at the expense of yield. Many farmers either ignore suggested crop rotations or do not have access to proper seeding equipment, and Volga sunseed yield has actually declined over the past five years. The 32 percent year-to-year increase in harvested area is somewhat misleading because of unusually high abandonment in 2010 following severe drought in the Volga District and neighboring regions. Sunflowers are a consistently profitable crop, and planted area for 2010/11 actually reached a then-record level of 7.2 million hectares (which was surpassed by 6 percent this year). This year’s increase in planted area was linked to the same drought that caused the high abandonment last year: sunflower area for 2011/12 jumped by 0.7 million hectares in the Volga District following a sharp drop in the area sown to winter wheat last fall, when the dryness prevented farmers from planting winter crops. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 12 2011 | Russia Wheat: High Winter-Wheat Yields and Favorable Spring-Wheat Prospects |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2011/12 at 56.0 million tons, up 3.0 million or 6 percent from last month and up 14.5 million or 35 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 26.0 million hectares, unchanged from last month but down 0.6 million from last year. Winter wheat accounts for less than half of total wheat area but for over 60 percent of production due to inherently higher yield. Total-wheat yield is forecast at 2.15 tons per hectare against the 5-year average of 2.01 tons per hectare.Weekly harvest-progress reports from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that yield is up 35 percent from the same date last year. Wheat harvest is in the final stages in the Southern and North Caucasus Districts, which together produce about half of the country’s winter wheat. Harvest is about half complete in the Central District and in the early stages in the Volga District; these districts account for the remainder of the winter wheat and reported yields are up substantially from last year. Harvest has not yet begun in the Ural and Siberian Districts, where the majority of Russia’s spring wheat is grown. Weather has been generally favorable for spring wheat throughout the country with the exception of Altai Krai in the western part of the Siberian District. Dryness has prevailed in Altai, which typically produces about 15 percent of Russia’s spring wheat (or 6 percent of the total wheat). (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 11 2011 | Russia Wheat: Production Forecast to Rebound From Last Season |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2011/12 at 53.0 million tons, up 11.5 million or 28 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 26.0 million hectares, down 0.6 million or 2 percent from last year. Winter wheat accounts for less than half of total wheat area but for over 60 percent of production due to inherently higher yield. Yield is forecast at 2.04 tons per hectare, up 31 percent from last year and slightly above the 5-year average. Sown winter-grain area dropped by a reported 2.7 million hectares from last season due chiefly to excessive dryness in the Volga Valley throughout most of the usual fall planting window. Wheat typically comprises about 80 percent of Russia’s winter-grain area. Winterkill, however, is likely to be considerably lower than last year which will mitigate the impact of the sharp reduction in planted area. Winter crops have resumed vegetative growth throughout European Russia, and satellite-derived vegetative indices indicate that conditions are generally above average in the south and below average farther north.Spring wheat planting is underway but still in the early stages. As of May 4, spring grains (including wheat, barley, and oats) were planted on 4.7 million hectares compared to about 5.0 million last year and the 5-year average of 7.2 million. Final area will hinge on several factors, including weather during the sowing campaign and the relative profitability of competing spring crops. Wheat remains the dominant spring crop in the Siberian and Ural Districts (which together plant about two-thirds of Russia’s spring wheat area). In the Volga District, (which accounts for most of the remainder), farmers have a variety of spring-crop options including sunflowers, Russia’s most consistently profitable crop. This year’s late start to the spring sowing campaign could favor the later-planted crops like sunflowers and corn. Final yields of both winter and spring wheat will depend mostly on late-spring and early-summer weather. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 11 2011 | Russia Barley: Modest Area Increase is Forecast for 2011/12 Following Last Year's Drop |
The USDA estimates Russia barley production for 2011/12 at 13.5 million tons, up 5.2 million or 62 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 7.6 million hectares, up 0.4 million or 5 percent from last year, and yield is forecast at 1.78 tons per hectare compared to only 1.16 tons per hectare last year and matching the 5-year average.Barley area last year plunged to the lowest level since 1961 due to several factors, including unattractive prices compared to wheat and other alternative crops, and an overproduction of malting barley. Area is forecast to increase slightly this year but will remain substantially below the level of the ten years prior to 2010 as many producers in the Central and Volga Districts will likely elect to plant sunflowers, which is the most consistently profitable spring-planted crop in Russia. A slow start to spring planting in European Russia could also favor the planting of latersown crops like corn and sunflowers.Severe and persistent drought in 2010 sharply reduced the yield of barley and other crops in European Russia. Yield is forecast to rebound to an average level for 2011/12, but final yield will depend largely on weather during the late spring and early summer. About 80 percent of Russia’s barley is grown in European Russia, and about 95 percent is spring barley. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Nov 10 2010 | Russia: Coarse Grain Output Down 46 Percent from Last Year |
A combination of lower area and sharply reduced yield caused Russian coarse-grain production to plunge this year. The combined output of barley, corn, rye, and oats for 2010/11 dropped to an estimated 17.3 million tons, from 31.8 million tons last year. Coarse-grain area decreased by 12 percent, from 15.9 to 14.0 million hectares, and yield fell by 38 percent, from 2.00 to 1.24 tons per hectare. Barley production is estimated at 8.5 million tons (against 17.9 million last year), corn at 3.0 (4.0) million, rye at 2.1 (4.3) million, and oats at 3.5 (5.4) million. Area and production estimates for individual coarse grains and other crops can be viewed at PSD Online.Most coarse-grain output is used for feed, including 70 to 90 percent of barley, corn, and oats (but only 15 to 30 percent of rye). Coarse-grain area has decreased by about 60 percent since 1987/88, concurrent with a similar contraction in livestock inventories and a resultant decrease in demand for feed grains. Although inventories have begun to recover in recent years (especially for poultry and pigs) and feed-grain consumption has stabilized somewhat, unfavorable prices for barley prior to the 2010/11 spring sowing campaign contributed to a 20-percent drop in barley area this year.The chief reason for the year-to-year reduction in 2010/11 coarse-grain output was the extreme dryness and excessive heat that prevailed in the Volga Valley and neighboring regions throughout most of the growing season. Because of the remarkable drought, 13.3 million hectares of cropland were destroyed including nearly half of the grain area in the Volga District. According to harvest data from the Ministry of Agriculture, barley yield in the Volga District is down 55 percent from last year. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Oct 8 2010 | Russia Barley: Estimated Yield Continues to Slide |
The USDA estimates Russia barley production for 2010/11 at 8.5 million tons, down 0.5 million or 6 percent from last month and down 9.4 million or 53 percent from last year. Estimated area remains unchanged at 7.2 million hectares, compared to 9.1 million last year. Yield is estimated at 1.18 tons per hectare, down 38 percent from the 5-year average. The month-to-month reduction is based largely on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture. Both area and estimated production for 2010/11 have fallen to the lowest levels in nearly 50 years. Sown area dropped sharply this year due to several factors, including unattractive prices compared to wheat and other alternative crops, and an overproduction of malting barley last year. Yield plunged to an 11-year low following the worst drought in living memory in the Volga and Central Districts in European Russia.Spring barley comprises about 93 percent of the country's total barley area, and almost two-thirds of the spring barley is grown in the Central and Volga Districts. Winter barley is grown almost exclusively in the southernmost cropping areas of Russia and escaped extensive damage, due largely to the fact that the crop was already approaching maturity when the drought was still in its early stages. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Oct 8 2010 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Lowest Yield in Almost Ten Years |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2010/11 at 5.8 million tons, down 0.7 million or 11 percent from last month and down 0.6 million or 10 percent from last year. The estimated harvested area remains unchanged at 6.1 million hectares, compared to 5.6 million last year. Yield is estimated at 0.95 tons per hectare, down 19 percent from the 5-year average. The month-to-month reduction is based largely on harvest reports from the Ministry of Agriculture, which suggest more severe drought-related damage than previously forecast. According to data from Rosstat (the Federal Statistical Service), planted sunflower area soared to 7.1 million hectares in 2010, surpassing the previous record (set two years ago) by 16 percent. A significant portion of the planted area, however, has likely already been chopped for forage or will simply be abandoned due to severe drought that prevailed throughout the growing season in European Russia. Weekly harvest reports indicate that yields in the Volga District, which accounts for 35 percent of the sown area, have dropped by more than 30 percent from the same date last year, marking the second consecutive year of drought-related yield reduction in the Volga District. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 13 2010 | Russia Wheat: Harvest Data Reveal Impact of Volga Drought |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2010/11 at 42.5 million tons, down 2.5 million or 6 percent from last month and down 19.2 million or 31 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 26.7 million hectares, unchanged from last month and down 2.0 million from last year. Winter wheat accounts for slightly less than half of total wheat area but almost two-thirds of production due to inherently higher yields than spring wheat. Yield is estimated at 1.59 tons per hectare, down 6 percent from last month, down 26 percent from last year, and down 23 percent from the 5-year average.Reports from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that the wheat harvest in European Russia is almost complete. Combining is complete in the Southern and North Caucasus Districts, which together typically produce about half of Russia's winter wheat. Yield data indicate lower output than last year due in part to continuing drought in the northernmost part of the Southern District. In the Central and Volga Districts - where the drought was most severe - yields are reportedly down 40 and 54 percent from last year, respectively. Harvest in the Central District is complete, but harvest in the Volga District, which produces both winter and spring wheat, will likely continue until mid-September.Harvest has just begun in the Ural and Siberian Districts, which produce most of the country's spring wheat. The persistent drought that reduced yields in western Russia extended throughout the Ural District, and into western Siberia as well. Although conditions were relatively favorable in a significant portion of Siberia's wheat-production region, overall spring wheat yield in Russia is almost certain to fall substantially from last year. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 12 2010 | Russia Wheat: Drought Has Reduced Yield by 40 Percent in Key Production Regions |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2010/11 at 45.0 million tons, down 8.0 million or 15 percent from last month and down 16.7 million or 27 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 26.7 million hectares, down 0.1 million from last month due to a slight reduction in estimated winter wheat area. Winter wheat accounts for slightly less than half of the total wheat area but almost two-thirds of production due to higher yields. Yield is estimated at 1.69 tons per hectare, down 15 percent from last month, and down 19 percent from the five-year average. Severe and persistent drought has sharply reduced yield prospects in Russia's Central, Volga, and Ural Districts. The Central District produces mostly winter wheat, and the Volga and Ural Districts produce mostly spring wheat. Ministry of Agriculture harvest data from August 4 indicates that wheat yield is down 39 percent from last year in the Volga District, with harvest about 40 percent complete, and down 37 percent in the Central District, with harvest about 80 percent complete. The drought has extended into the western regions of Siberia, but conditions in Altai Krai, Siberia's top wheat-producing territory, are reasonably good. Wheat harvest has not yet begun in the Ural or Siberian Districts.Wheat in the Southern and North Caucasus Districts largely escaped significant drought-related damage. These two districts are located in southern European Russia and typically produce about half of Russia's winter wheat. Harvest reports show yields up 6 percent in the Southern District and up 8 percent in the North Caucasus District with harvest about 80 to 90 percent complete. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 12 2010 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Persistent Drought in Northern Sunflower Zone |
The USDA forecasts Russia sunflowerseed production for 2010/11 at 6.5 million tons, down 1.0 million or 13 percent from last month but up 1 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 6.1 million hectares, unchanged from last month. Yield is forecast at 1.07 tons per hectare, down 13 percent from last month, and down 9 percent from the five-year average. The northern portion of Russia's main sunflower zone has been affected by the severe drought that has damaged the country's wheat crop. Nearly one-third of the country's sunflower area is located in the Volga District, where the heat and dryness have been most intense. The Southern and North Caucasus Districts together account for about 40 percent of sunflower area. Although the crop in this region largely dodged earlier drought damage, recent excessive temperatures will likely reduce yield prospects in these districts as well. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jul 12 2010 | Russia Wheat: Severe Drought Reduces Production Prospects |
The USDA forecasts Russia wheat production for 2010/11 at 53.0 million tons, down 4.5 million or 8 percent from last month and down 8.7 million or 14 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 26.8 million hectares, down 0.6 million from last month and down 1.9 million from last year. The decline in area is primarily due to higher estimated winterkill and lower reported spring wheat area. Yield is estimated at 1.98 tons per hectare, down 6 percent from last month and down 8 percent from last year. The reduction in estimated yield is attributed chiefly to withering drought in the Volga, Ural, and Siberian Districts, which together produce most of Russia's spring wheat.Winter wheat accounts for slightly less than half of the total wheat area but almost two-thirds of the total production due to inherently higher yields. The sown area of winter wheat was about the same as last year, but winter losses were higher due to autumn dryness, January frost, and ice crusting. The Southern and North Caucasus Districts together typically produce about 60 percent of Russia's winter wheat, the Central District 25 percent, and the Volga District 15 percent. Yield prospects vary by region. The yields are better than last year in the Southern District but worse in the Central and Volga Districts. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates winterkill at 19 percent in the Central District (against 2 percent last year) and at 25 percent (compared to 8 percent last year) in the Volga District. Winter wheat likely escaped significant drought damage in the Southern District but suffered from persistent dryness in the Volga District and southeastern portion of the Central District.The Ministry of Agriculture reports indicate that spring wheat was planted on 13.7 million hectares against 14.6 million last year. All of the major spring-wheat production districts (Siberia, Ural, and Volga) have been subject to severe and persistent drought. Throughout the spring-wheat zone, late-June MODIS satellite-sensor-derived vegetative indices show the lowest values since 2000 (i.e., the lowest on record). (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 11 2010 | Russia Wheat: Output Forecast Down Due to Lower Estimated Area and Yield |
The USDA forecasts Russian wheat production for 2010/11 at 58.0 million tons, down 3.7 million or 6 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 27.7 million hectares, down 1.0 million or 3 percent from last year due to a combination of higher winterkill and a reduction in estimated spring wheat area. Yield is forecast at 2.09 tons per hectares, down 3 percent from last year. Winter wheat accounts for about half of total wheat area but almost two-thirds of the total wheat production due to inherently higher yield.The sown area of 2010/11 winter wheat was about the same as last year, but winterkill losses were higher due to localized damage caused by fall dryness, January frost, and ice crusting. Winter wheat is grown in European Russia, and current crop conditions vary by region: good in the Southern District but worse in the Central and Volga Districts.As of April 27, only 3 percent of the planned spring wheat area had been sown. The planting campaign in Siberia, the main spring-wheat region, typically does not begin until mid-May. Planting has just begun in the Volga District, which produces about 30 percent of Russia's spring wheat, and current low surface-moisture conditions are unfavorably low for spring crop establishment in some areas. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Nov 10 2009 | Russia Wheat: Record Yields in Siberia Boost Total Output |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2009/10 at 59.5 million tons, up 2.0 million or 3 percent from last month but down 4.2 million or 7 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 28.8 million hectares, unchanged from last month but up 2.1 million from last year. Winter wheat comprises nearly half of total wheat area but nearly two-thirds of the output. Estimated wheat area for 2009/10 is the highest in nearly 30 years. Winter-wheat area reached a record 13.8 million hectares (surpassing last year's record), and spring-wheat area increased by 1.0 million hectares. Winter grains benefited from the third consecutive year of below-normal winterkill. Despite generally favorable early-season weather, harvest reports indicate a 5-million-ton drop in wheat production in the Southern District, which typically accounts for about half of the country's winter wheat. The low yields are due in part to hot, dry weather during June when the crop was progressing through the grain-fill stage. Output was down by about 2.5 million tons in the Volga District, where both winter and spring wheat are grown. Persistent drought destroyed a reported 3.2 million hectares of grain area, but yields from the harvested area were remarkably high considering the drought. An outstanding spring-wheat harvest in the Siberian District compensated for low output in European Russia. Yield soared to a record level and favorable October weather enabled producers to gather 98 percent of the planted area despite a slow start to the harvest campaign. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at (202) 690-0143 or lindeman@fas.usda.gov).
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| Oct 13 2009 | Russia Wheat and Barley: Outstanding Yields in Siberia Compensate for Volga |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2009/10 at 57.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 2 percent from last month but down 6.2 million or 10 percent from last year's record crop. Barley production is estimated at 18.0 million tons, up 2.0 million or 13 percent from last month but down 5.1 million or 22 percent from last year. The revised production estimates are based chiefly on harvest-progress data released by Rosstat (the State Statistical Committee of Russia) and the Ministry of Agriculture. Wheat area is estimated at 28.8 million hectares and barley at 9.1 million, both unchanged from last month. Spring wheat accounts for slightly over half of total Russian wheat area, and spring barley for nearly 95 percent of the barley.As of October 6, according to Ministry of Agriculture data, total-grain harvest was approximately 85 percent complete throughout the country. Wheat and barley harvest is finished in the Southern and Central Districts, and winding down in the Volga and Ural Districts. In the Siberian District, total-grain harvest is lagging behind last year (72 percent complete compared to 83 percent by the same date last year), but output to date is nearly 15 percent above last year due to a 28-percent year-to-year increase in cumulative yield. The Siberian District accounts for about 25 percent of the country's wheat area and 15 percent of the barley area. Harvest data suggest that as much as 20 percent of the sown grain area in the Volga District will not be harvested due to excessive summer drought. The Volga and Ural Districts together account for 35 percent of the wheat area and over 40 percent of the barley area. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 11 2009 | Russia: Wheat Production Estimated Higher and Barley Lower |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2009/10 at 56.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or2 percent from last month but down 7.2 million or 11 percent from last year's record crop.Barley production is estimated at 16.0 million tons, down 1.0 million or 6 percent from last yearand down 7.1 million or 31 percent from last year. The revised production estimates are basedon data released by Rosstat (the State Statistical Committee of Russia). Wheat area is estimatedat 28.8 million hectares, up 2.1 million from last year, and barley area is down 0.5 millionhectares, to 9.1 million. Spring wheat accounts for slightly over half of total Russian wheat area,and spring barley for nearly 95 percent of the barley. Estimated yields for both wheat and barleyare virtually unchanged from last month but down substantially from last year's record levels.Wheat yield is estimated at 1.97 tons per hectare, down 18 percent, and barley at 1.76 tons perhectare, down 27 percent. Outstanding conditions for spring grains in the Siberian District willcompensate in part for drought in the Volga and Ural Districts. Rosstat reported in mid-Augustthat estimated grain losses, due chiefly to drought, stand at 1.86 million hectares compared to0.15 million last year. Satellite-derived vegetative indices indicate that crop conditions in thedrought-affected regions have been significantly worse than normal throughout the growing'season while spring grains in Siberia have benefited from excellent weather for the secondconsecutive year. The Siberian District accounts for about 25 percent of the country's wheat and15 percent of the barley. The Volga and Ural Districts together account for 35 percent of thewheat and over 40 percent of the barley. Harvest reports from Rosstat indicate that wheat outputin the Southern District was essentially complete by mid-August, with output down over 15percent from last year. The Southern District produces nearly two-thirds of Russia's winterwheat and about 40 percent of total wheat output. The grain harvest in Siberia is underway butthe pace is considerably behind average. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture,only 15 percent of the sown area had been harvested by September 8, compared to the average of40 percent. Late harvest can increase the likelihood of harvest losses in the event of unfavorableweather, especially in the Siberian District. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 19 2009 | Russia: Drought Significantly Reduces Wheat Yield Prospects |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2009/10 at 55.5 million tons, down 4.5 million or 8 percent from last month and down 8.2 million or 13 percent from last year's record crop. Estimated wheat yield is down 6 percent from last month and 17 percent from last year, to 1.98 tons per hectare. The decline in wheat production is based on official government reports indicating sharply reduced winter wheat output in the Southern, Central, and Volga Districts, and on deteriorating spring wheat growing conditions in the Volga District. The Ministry of Agriculture indicates that over 3 million hectares of grain crops have been negatively affected by excessive dryness in European Russia. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jul 10 2009 | Russia: Higher Estimated Area for 2009/10 Wheat and Barley Boosts Productio |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2009/10 at 60.0 million tons, up 1.0 million or2 percent from last month but down 3.7 million or 6 percent from last year's record crop. Barley production is estimated at 17.0 million tons, up 0.5 million or 3 percent from last year but down 6.1 million or 26 percent from last year. The production increases for both crops are based on revised estimates of sown area. Planting-progress reports from the State Statistical Committee indicate a 1.0-million-hectare year-to-year increase in spring wheat area on agricultural enterprises, which account for about 75 percent of the country's spring wheat. Russia's total wheat area is estimated at 28.6 million hectares, up 1.2 million from last month, and up 1.9 million from last year due to higher estimated area for both winter and spring wheat. Specialists attribute the increased wheat area in part to high prices for government intervention purchases of milling-quality wheat. Barley area is estimated at 9.7 million hectares, matching last year's level but up 0.3 million from last month. Wheat yield for 2009/10 is estimated at 2.10 tons per hectare, second only to last year's record 2.39 tons per hectare. Conditions have been generally favorable for winter wheat in European Russia and winter losses were low. June precipitation was substantially below normal in some key spring-wheat production regions, including parts of the Volga Valley, but temperatures were not excessively high and the crop has not yet suffered irreversible damage. Conditions in the Siberian District, the top spring wheat region, are generally good. Spring barley accounts for about 95 percent of Russia's total barley area, and is grown in all of the country's main grain-production regions. Total barley yield is estimated at 1.75 tons per hectare, down from last year's record 2.38 tons per hectare but reasonably typical for a normal year. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 19 2009 | World 2009/10 Crop Area and Production Forecasts |
The initial USDA country-level area and production estimates for 2009/10 grains, oilseeds, andcotton are provided this month. In previous years, only the initial grain estimates were releasedin May, but this year estimates for oilseeds and cotton are provided as well.World wheat area for 2009/10 is estimated at 224 million hectares, down less than 1 percentfrom last year. International prices in September 2008, when many Northern Hemisphere wheatproducers were deciding if they would plant, had declined from a year earlier while prices forcorn and soybeans were stronger. Wheat production is forecast at 658 million metric tons, down25 million tons from 2008/09, when excellent growing conditions occurred in many of the majorproducers.World corn area is forecast at 156 million hectares for 2009/10, unchanged from the previousyear. Reports of farmers foregoing corn planting because of high input costs have been receivedfrom many countries. Corn area is not increasing even though corn prices were high relative towheat, and to a lesser extent soybean, during December to February when many farmers weremaking their corn planting decisions. Corn production is forecast virtually unchanged at 788million tons as corn planting in the Northern Hemisphere is underway.World soybean area is forecast at 99 million hectares up 2 million. Production is forecast at 242million tons, up 29 million from 2008/09. Much of the increase results from an expectation ofrecovery in Argentina and Brazil which suffered from extreme drought in major producing areas.World international soybean/corn price ratios from October through December favored corn, buthigher production costs have favored soybeans, which require fewer inputs. (For moreinformation, contact Paul Provance 202-720-0873.)
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| Nov 10 2008 | Russia Corn: Record-High Levels for Yield and Production |
The USDA estimates Russian corn production for 2008/09 at a record 6.5 million tons, up 0.7million or 12 percent from last month and up 2.6 million or 65 percent from last year. Estimatedarea is unchanged at 1.6 million hectares, against 1.3 million last year, and yield is estimated at arecord 4.06 tons per hectare. A narrow band of persistent dryness in the central Southern Districtwas the only negative note in an otherwise outstanding season for corn. Most regions benefitedfrom generous precipitation and moderate temperatures. With harvest roughly two-thirdscomplete as of October 28, reported yields are up 32 percent from last year. Harvest typicallyconcludes in mid-November.Corn was planted on 1.87 million hectares in 2008, the highest level since 1963. The finalharvest percentage of planted area can drop below 70 percent in years of severe drought, but theharvested area typically ranges between 85 and 95 percent of planted area. Excessive Augustheat reduced harvested area in 2007, but the generally favorable weather during the 2008growing season will likely contribute to an above-average harvest percentage. The expanded useof hybrids has boosted overall corn yield in recent years and likely helped reduce yield lossesduring the past two seasons, when hot, dry weather during July and August placed summer cropsunder considerable stress. Despite early-season reports of shortages of hybrid seed for the 2008planting season and forecasts of likely yield reduction due to area expansion into non-traditionalcorn areas, harvest reports indicate record yields. (For more information, contact MarkLindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Nov 10 2008 | Russia Wheat: Record Estimated Production for 2008/09 |
The USDA estimates Russian wheat production for 2008/09 at 63.0 million tons, up 2.0 millionor 3 percent from last month and up 13.6 million or 28 percent from last year. The month-tomonthincrease in estimated production is based on harvest progress reports from the StateStatistical Committee indicating higher-than-expected wheat yields in Siberia. Total wheat areais estimated at 26.7 million hectares against 24.5 million last year. Outstanding yields in theSouthern, Central, and Volga Districts (which account for virtually all of the country's winterwheat) compensated for localized drought-related yield losses of spring wheat in parts of theSiberian and Ural Districts. The estimated 2008/09 total-wheat yield of 2.36 tons per hectareexceeds the previous record (set in 1990) by 15 percent. The estimated 63.0-million-ton crop for2008/09 also sets a new record for production. The previous record of 61.5 million tons wasachieved in 1978/79, when planted area was about 20 percent higher and yield was about 30percent lower. Official reports indicate that the wheat harvest was nearly complete by October28, with threshing complete on about 97 percent of the sown area.Modest but steady improvements in agricultural technology have supported a positive trend inwinter wheat yields over the past ten years. The use of certified planting seed has increased'significantly. Although machinery inventories are declining, overall fleet efficiency isimproving as Soviet-era tractors and harvesters are replaced by new units, both domestic andimported. Below-optimum fertilizer application remains the main obstacle to more rapid yieldgrowth. Many Russian farmers are unable to afford the prices that Russian fertilizer producerscan command from exports, which account for over 90 percent of Russia's fertilizer output. (Formore information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 12 2008 | Russia: Estimated Wheat Production for 2008/09 Continues to Climb |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2008/09 at 60.0 million tons, up 3.0 million or5 percent from last month and up 10.6 million or 21 percent from last year. The month-to-monthincrease in estimated production is based on harvest progress reports from the State StatisticalCommittee indicating remarkably high yields in European Russia. The estimated yield of 2.26tons per hectare exceeds the previous record (set in 1990) by 10 percent. Total wheat area isestimated at 26.6 million hectares against 24.5 million last year. Winter wheat is grown inEuropean Russia and typically comprises about 40 percent of Russia's total wheat area and 60percent of production, although the share of winter wheat is likely to be higher than average this'season due to a year-to-year increase in planted area combined with outstanding yields.Localized dryness has reduced yields in parts of the Siberian and Ural Districts, which accountfor a large share of Russia's spring wheat production. Drought was most severe in the Altaiterritory of western Siberia, which typically accounts for nearly 15 percent of the country's'spring wheat output. The Siberian harvest was roughly 40 percent complete as of September 9.Russia's barley crop benefited as well from the favorable weather in European Russia.Production for 2008/09 is estimated at 21.0 million tons, up 3.0 million from last month and up5.4 million from last year. Area is estimated at 9.6 million hectares, down 0.2 million from lastyear, and yield is estimated at a record 2.19 tons per hectare. With harvest about 80 percentcomplete, reports indicate a 34-percent year-to-year increase in yield, including an astonishing57-percent jump in the Central District, which produces 25 to 30 percent of Russia's barley.(For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 12 2008 | Russia: Bumper Wheat Crop Forecast for 2008/09 |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2008/09 at 57.0 million tons, up 3.0 million or 6 percent from last month and up 7.6 million or 15 percent from last year. The month-to-month increase in estimated production is based chiefly on an increase in estimated area from preliminary data from the State Statistical Committee. Total wheat area is estimated at 26.1 million hectares, up 0.6 million from last month and up 1.6 million from last year. Yield is estimated at a record 2.18 tons per hectare, surpassing the previous record (achieved in 1990) by 6 percent. Winter wheat typically comprises about 40 percent of Russia's total wheat area and 60 percent of production, although the share of winter wheat is likely to be higher than average this season due to a year-to-year increase in planted area combined with outstanding yields. The Southern District accounts for roughly two-thirds of the winter wheat output, and virtually all of the country's winter wheat is grown in European Russia. The wheat harvest in European Russia was roughly half complete by the end of July with yields in the Southern District up substantially from last year. In the main spring wheat region, which includes the Siberian, Ural, and Volga districts, yield and production are likely to decrease from last year due to excessive dryness in the Altai territory of western Siberia. Altai is Russia's largest spring wheat producer and typically accounts for nearly 15 percent of the country's spring wheat output. Harvest will begin in late August. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jul 11 2008 | Russia: Estimated Corn Production Reduced by 1.0 Million Tons |
The USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2008/09 at 5.8 million tons, down 1.0 million or15 percent from last month but up 1.9 million or 47 percent from last year. Harvested area isestimated at 1.6 million hectares, down 0.2 million from last month but up 0.3 million from lastyear. The area revision is based on planting-progress data released by the Ministry ofAgriculture. The forecast yield of 3.63 tons per hectare is down by 4 percent from last monthdue to localized dryness in parts of the southern Central and central Southern Districts. Althoughtimely rainfall during the first week of July partially alleviated the dryness and weather dataindicate that corn has suffered only minor damage, the crop would benefit from additionalrainfall as it advances toward the heat- and moisture-sensitive reproductive stage.According to information from the U.S. agricultural attaché in Moscow, two additional factorscould hamper corn output this year. Following a steady increase in the use of hybrid planting'seed in Russia in recent years, producers this season have reported shortages of high-qualityplanting seed. While difficult to quantify, a reduction in the use of hybrid seed would almostcertainly have a negative effect on yield. Furthermore, local reports indicate that some farmersin the Central District and Siberia who have started new dairy projects will likely considerharvesting corn at the milking or soft-grain stage for high quality forage, rather than harvestingthe crop for grain. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jun 10 2008 | Russia: Bumper Wheat Crop Forecast for 2008/09 |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2008/09 at 54.0 million tons, up 2.0 million or4 percent from last month and up 4.6 million or 9 percent from last year. The month-to-monthincrease in estimated production is based on analysis of satellite-derived vegetative indices thatindicate outstanding winter-crop conditions in the Southern District.Winter wheat typically comprises about 60 percent of Russia's totalwheat production, and the Southern District accounts for roughly twothirdsof the winter wheat output. Weather has been favorable in theremainder of the winter-wheat zone as well. Virtually all of thecountry's winter wheat is grown in European Russia. Total wheat areais estimated at 25.5 million hectares, down 0.5 million from last monthand up 1.0 million from last year. Total-wheat yield is forecast at a record 2.12 tons per hectare. Although the USDA does notestimate individual winter- and spring-wheat yields, data from the State Statistical Committee ofRussia indicate that winter-wheat yields have been generally improving over the past ten years.(Yields plunged between 1990 and 1998 following the breakup of the Soviet Union and the lossof massive State subsidies for agriculture.) Furthermore, yields in recent years have rivaled orexceeded yields achieved during the peak ""intensive technology"" years of the Soviet era, whenfertilizer and pesticide use was high. Although fertilizer application rates are substantially lowernow than during Soviet times, yields have benefited from steady improvement in other areas ofagricultural technology including improved wheat varieties, the increased use of certifiedplanting seed, and increased efficiency of agricultural machinery.Spring wheat sowing is typically nearing completion by early June, and area for 2008/09 isexpected to remain fairly stable from last year. Although sub-surface moisture reserves arebelow normal in parts of the spring-wheat region (chiefly the Volga, Ural, and SiberianDistricts), yields for spring wheat hinge chiefly on subsequent summer precipitation (For moreinformation, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 9 2008 | Russia: Estimated Corn Production Up 1.4 Million Tons from Last Year |
The USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2008/09 at 5.3 million tons, up 1.4 million or 34 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 1.4 million hectares, up slightly from last year. The year-to-year increase in estimated output is attributed to a forecast rebound in yield from last year, when July temperatures soared as the corn crop was advancing through the heatsensitive reproductive stage of development. Weather-related yield reductions notwithstanding, the use of hybrid planting seed has contributed a steady increase in potential corn yield since 2001. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 9 2008 | Russia: Wheat Forecast Up 5 Percent, Barley Up 9 Percent |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2008/09 at 52.0 million tons, up 2.6 million from last year, and barley production at 17.0 million tons, up 1.4 million. The forecast increase in wheat is attributed chiefly to a 14-percent year-to-year increase in sown winter wheat area combined with low winter losses. Winter wheat typically comprises about 40 percent of total wheat area and about 60 percent of total production. Spring wheat area is expected to remain fairly stable from last year, and total wheat area is estimated at 26.0 million hectares, against 24.5 million for 2007/08. Barley area is estimated at 9.6 million hectares, down 0.2 million from last year, but yield is forecast to rebound from last year's below-average level. The planting of spring barley, which accounts for 95 percent of total barley area, is in full swing with sowing progress considerably ahead of last year's pace. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jan 11 2008 | Russia: State Statistical Committee Reports Wheat and Barley Output |
The USDA estimates Russian wheat production for 2007/08 at 49.4 million tons, up 1.4 million or 3 percent from last month and up 10 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 24.5 million hectares against 23.7 million last year. Barley production is estimated at 15.6 million tons, down 5 percent from last month and down 14 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 9.8 million hectares, down 0.2 million from last year. The revisions are based on preliminary data from the State Statistical Committee as reported by SovEcon, an independent Moscow-based commodity analysis group. Wheat yields have been remarkably stable in recent years, and have benefited from generally favorable weather and a modest but steady improvement in technology. Average wheat yield for the past seven years (2001/02 through 2007/08) is 1.88 tons per hectare compared to 1.38 tons per hectare for the previous seven years, when Russian agricultural enterprises were struggling to recover from the sudden loss of State subsidies following the collapse of the Soviet Union. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Oct 12 2007 | Russia Wheat: High Spring Wheat Yields Boost Harvest |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat output for 2007/08 at 48.0 million tons, up 1.0 million fromlast month and up 3.1 million from last year. Area is estimated at 24.5 million hectares,unchanged from last month and up 0.8 million from last year. The month-to-month increase inestimated production is based in part on outstanding yields in Siberia, where the wheat cropbenefited from favorable weather throughout the growing season followed by a rapid harvest.With harvest over 90 percent complete, official data indicate a 20-percent year-to-year increasein wheat yield in the Siberian District. Wheat output increased in the Volga and Central Districtsas well, but production in the Southern District failed to reach last years level due to persistentdrought in Rostov oblast. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 13 2007 | Russia Wheat: Wheat Production to Surpass Last Year Despite Drought |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2007/08 at 47.0 million tons, up 1.5 millionfrom last month and up 2.1 million from last year. Area is estimated at 24.5 million hectares, up0.5 million from last month and 0.8 million from last year. The month-to-month increase in areais based on preliminary official data published by SovEcon, an independent commodity-analysisgroup in Moscow. The USDA estimates wheat yield at 1.92 tons per hectare, essentiallyunchanged from last month. Winter wheat comprises roughly 40 percent of total wheat area and60 percent of production.
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| Aug 13 2007 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Sharp Drop in Planted Area |
Russia sunflowerseed production for 2007/08 is estimated at 5.7 million tons, against 6.7 millionlast month and 6.75 million last year. The reduction is based chiefly on data from Rosstat,Russias official statistical agency, citing final planted area for 2007/08 at 5.3 million hectares(compared to 6.1 million last year). The USDA forecasts harvested area at 5.1 million hectaresdown from 5.9 million last year. Typically, between 4 and 10 percent of the planted area is notharvested, although the percentage of harvested area has been unusually high over the past 3years due in large part to favorable harvest weather. Estimated yield was reduced by 3 percentthis month, to 1.12 tons per hectare, due to persistent dryness and excessive July temperatures inthe Southern District, the countrys key sunflowerseed production region. A sharp increase inthe use of hybrid planting seed in recent years has benefited the drought and disease resistance ofRussias sunflowerseed crops. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 13 2007 | Russia Corn: Persistent Drought Reduces Yield Forecast |
Russia corn production for 2007/08 is estimated at 3.5 million tons, down 1.0 million from lastmonth and down 0.1 million from last year. Excessive heat and dryness in Krasnodar andRostov, the countrys top two corn-producing territories, has sharply reduced both estimatedyield and the estimated harvested area. Planted corn area for 2007/08 increased by 0.4 millionhectares from last year, to 1.48 million hectares, but severe drought will likely result in a'significant portion of the planted area being cut for silage in August rather than harvested forgrain in the fall. The USDA forecasts harvested area at 1.25 million hectares (against 1.0 millionlast year), and yield at 2.80 (3.60 last year) tons per hectare. (For more information, contactMark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 13 2007 | Russia Wheat: Favorable Conditions in Spring-Wheat Region Boosts Yield |
Russia wheat production for 2007/08 is estimated at 45.5 million tons, up 0.5 million from lastmonth and up 0.6 million from last year. The increase is based on excellent weather in Russias'spring-wheat zone, including the Western Siberian, Ural, and Volga Districts. Precipitation hasbeen above-average throughout the growing season to date, and the weather has been warm butwithout excessive temperatures. Spring wheat typically accounts for roughly 60 percent ofRussias total wheat area, but only 40 percent of total wheat output due to its inherently loweryield than winter wheat.
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| Jun 11 2007 | Russia: Estimated Wheat Production Down Following Localized Dryness in |
Drought has reduced yield prospects for winter wheat in parts of Russias Southern District, thecountrys key winter wheat zone, but vegetative indices indicate that crop conditions in mostother parts of the winter wheat zone remained reasonably favorable as of May 24 despite recentdryness. The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2007/08 at 45.0 million tons, down 7percent from last month but up less than 1 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 24.3million hectares, down 2 percent from last month but up or 3 percent from last year.
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| Jan 12 2007 | Russia: State Statistical Committee Releases Preliminary Wheat Harvest Data |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2006/07 at 44.9 million tons, up 1.4 millionor 3 percent from last month but down 2.8 million or 6 percent from last year. Area is estimatedat 23.7 million hectares, unchanged from last month and down 1.7 million or 7 percent from lastyear. Winter wheat comprises roughly 40 percent of total wheat area and 60 percent ofproduction. The increase in estimated production is based on preliminary harvest data releasedby the State Statistical Committee of Russia. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at202-690-0143.)
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| Dec 12 2006 | Russia: Corn Yields Higher Than Expected, Output Up From Last Year |
USDA estimates Russia corn production for 2006/07 at 3.7 million tons, up 0.5 million or 16 percent from both last month and last year. Estimated area is unchanged at 1.0 million hectares against 0.85 million last year. According to the most recent official data, approximately 3.05 million tons had been harvested by November 7, from 75 percent of planted area. Yield is estimated at 3.70 tons per hectares, down only slightly from last year despite excessive August heat in the Southern District, the country's key corn-producing region. As in Ukraine, corn yields in Russia have shown steady improvement over the past five years, likely due in large part to an increase in the use of hybrid planting seed. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143
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| Nov 9 2006 | Russia: Strong Finish to Harvest Campaign Boosts Wheat Output |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2006/07 at 43.5 million tons, up 2.0 million or 5 percent from last month, but down 4.2 million or 9 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 23.7 million hectares, unchanged from last month but down 1.7 million or 7 percent from last year. Winter wheat comprises roughly 40 percent of total wheat area and 60 percent of production. As of October 31, the Russian wheat harvest was essentially complete. Bunker-weight output, prior to cleaning and drying, was reported at 47.3 million tons (roughly 43.5 million net weight) against 50.8 (47.7) million last year. Generally favorable September and early October weather in the Ural and Siberian Districts enabled farmers to make up for earlier delays in European Russia. Farmers were able to harvest 96 percent of the total sown wheat area, nearly the same percentage as last year. Total wheat yield was reported at 2.08 tons per hectare against 2.06 tons per hectare last year.Yields were lower than last year in the winter wheat region, chiefly European Russia, and higher than last year in the spring-wheat region, including the Volga, Ural, and Siberian Districts. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 11 2006 | Russia: Harvest Reports Indicate Average Yield for Wheat and Barley |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2006/07 at 42.0 million tons, up 0.5 million or 1 percent from last month and down 5.7 million or 12 percent from last year. Barley production is estimated at 19.0 million tons, up 1.0 million or 6 percent from last month and up 3.2 million or 20 percent from last year. Favorable conditions for spring wheat in the Ural and Siberian Districts will likely compensate in part for lower-than expected winter wheat yields in European Russia. Meanwhile, conditions have been extremely favorable for spring barley, which is grown in virtually every grain-producing region in the country and which accounts for about 90 percent of the countrys total barley output. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jun 9 2006 | Russia Sunflowerseed Output For 2006/07 Forecast Lower |
The USDA forecasts Russia sunflowerseed production for 2006/07 at 6.0 million tons, down 7 percent from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 5.3 million hectares, down 0.1 million from last year. Although planted area is forecast to match or surpass last year's level, abandonment is forecast to return to a more normal 7 percent, compared to last year when only 2 percent was abandoned due to remarkably dry harvest weather. Yield is estimated at 1.13 tons per hectare, down 5 percent from last year's unusually high level but higher than average due in part to continued gradual improvement in sunseed hybrids. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jun 9 2006 | Russia Barley Production for 2006/07 Forecast Up Due To Favorable Weather |
The USDA estimates Russia barley production for 2006/07 at 17.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 6 percent from last month and up 1.7 million or 11 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 9.7 million hectares, up 0.2 million or 2 percent from last month and up 0.6 million or 6 percent from last year. The increase in area is due in part to above-average spring reseeding of destroyed winter grains following severe January frost damage in the Volga and Central Districts in European Russia. Yield is forecast at a near-average 1.8 tons per hectare, up 6 percent from last month. Forecast yield was increased due to favorable May weather in European Russia. Spring barley accounts for approximately 95 percent of total barley output in Russia. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 12 2006 | Russian wheat production for 2006/07 |
Russian wheat production for 2006/07 is estimated at 42.0 million tons, down 5.7 million from last year. Area is estimated at 24.2 million hectares, down 1.2 million from last year due to above-average winter losses in the Central and Volga Districts. Winter wheat comprises an estimated 40 percent of total wheat area and 60 percent of production. Satellite-derived vegetative indices (NDVI) from early May indicate generally good winter wheat conditions in the Southern District, the country's main production region. In the Volga and Central Districts, however, NDVI indicate that conditions are generally worse than average. Spring sowing in European Russia has gotten off to a slow start, but the planting delays are more likely to affect barley area than wheat area. In Siberia, where roughly half of Russia's spring wheat is grown, planting typically does not begin until mid-May.
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| Jan 1 2006 | Russia Sunflowerseed: Output Shatters Previous Record |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2005/06 at a record 6.4 million tons, up 10 percent from last month and up 35 percent from last year, surpassing the previous record of 4.85 million tons harvested in 2003. Harvested area is estimated at 5.3 million hectares, unchanged from last month and up 14 percent from last year. According to official harvest reports, yield jumped by 19 percent from last year to 1.21 tons per hectare, the highest level since 1990. Beneficially dry fall weather enabled farmers to harvest 97 percent of the planted area, against the average of 92 percent. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Nov 1 2005 | Russia: Sunflowerseed Crop Surpasses Previous Record by 20 Percent |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2005/06 at a record 5.8 million tons, up 9 percent from last month, up 22 percent from last year, and exceeding the previous record output of 4.85 million tons harvested in 2003/04. Harvested area is estimated at 5.3 million hectares, up 4 percent from last month and up 14 percent from last year. By the end of October 5.9 million tons of sunflowerseed -- bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying -- had been harvested from 5.1 million hectares, or 93 percent of the planted area. (Net weight is typically about 7 percent lower than bunker weight.) Ministry of Agriculture reports indicate a 10-percent increase in yield over last year, and unusually dry weather has contributed to an early and rapid harvest. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 1 2005 | Russia: High Yields in Southern Russia Boost Wheat Output |
Russia wheat production for 2005/06 is estimated at 48.5 million tons, up 1.5 million from last
month and up 3.2 million from last year. As of August 30, with harvest nearly 70 percent
complete, farmers had threshed 60.3 million tons of grain (against 59.6 million by the same date
last year), including 36.3 (34.0) million tons of wheat. Wheat yield is estimated at 1.90 tons per
hectare, only slightly higher than last years level. A 5-percent increase in estimated area, to
25.5 million hectares, is the principal cause of the increase in output from last year. The harvest
of winter wheat, which accounts for roughly 40 percent of total wheat area and 60 percent of
production, is essentially complete. Spring- wheat harvest is underway and will likely continue
into October. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.
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| Aug 1 2005 | Russia: Sunflowerseed Production Forecast at Record Level |
The USDA estimates Russia sunflowerseed production for 2005/06 at a record 5.1 million tons, up 6 percent from last month and up 6 percent from last year. Harvested area is estimated at 5.1 million hectares, up 6 percent from last month and up 10 percent from last year. According to preliminary data from the State Statistical Committee, farmers planted sunflowers on 5.5 million hectares this year. In a typical season, 5 to 10 percent of the planted area is abandoned due to low potential yield or unfavorable harvest weather. Weather has been generally favorable for sunflowers in southern European Russia, where most of the countrys sunflowers are grown, and yield is estimated at 1.0 ton per hectare, nearly matching last years 10-year high. The sunflowerseed harvest usually begins in late September and continues until early November. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Dec 1 1996 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Ural Mountains, unusually mild weather prevailed in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltics, and Moldova during November. Temperatures in these areas averaged 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal, providing generally favorable conditions for winter grains but causing a lack of snow cover. Although temperatures in November were low enough to keep winter grains dormant in northern Russia, the mild weather caused winter grains to enter dormancy some 4 to 5 weeks later than usual in Belarus, the Baltics, western and northern Ukraine, and most of southern Russia. Furthermore, winter wheat in southern Ukraine and the western portion of the North Caucasus region in Russia continued to develop during the month. Above-normal precipitation in November helped to recharge soil moisture in Moldova, central Ukraine, most of Belarus, Latvia, and Estonia. Most of the moisture fell as rain during the period November 22-30, 1996. Elsewhere, below-normal precipitation occurred in western and eastern Ukraine and adjacent areas in Russia.
Since early-December, unseasonably mild weather continued over winter grain areas in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics, providing favorable overwintering conditions. Winter grains were in or entering dormancy as far south as southern Ukraine. Most winter grain areas continued to lack a protective snow cover, leaving crops vulnerable to potential extreme cold. Widespread precipitation, mainly rain, continued to replenish soil moisture from Moldova, northward through western Ukraine and Belarus, into the Baltics. Elsewhere, dry weather prevailed over most of Russia and eastern Ukraine.
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| May 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In April, weather conditions favored crop development over most of the former Soviet Union west of the Urals. Above-normal precipitation fell over Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics. Well-above-normal precipitation occurred in eastern Ukraine and parts of Russia (North Caucasus Region, Volga Valley, and Volga Vyatsk Regions), providing ample soil moisture for early spring crop growth. However, cool, damp weather in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia slowed spring grain planting. Unseasonably cool weather persisted in most areas during April, slowing development of winter grains. By month's end, crop progress for winter grains ranged from greening in northern areas to jointing in southern Ukraine and southern Russia. Crop development for winter grains ranged from 1 to 3 weeks behind normal in most areas. Since early May, a warming trend and generally dry weather in Ukraine and Russia promoted winter grain development and favored spring grain planting. Reports as of May 5 indicated spring grain planting was progressing ahead of last year's delayed pace in Ukraine and Russia. However, corn and sunflower planting was progressing slowly.
In crop areas east of the Urals, spring grain planting usually begins in May. In April, unusually warm weather accompanied periodic dryness, helping early season fieldwork. Moisture accumulations since last fall have been near-normal in the Urals (Russia) and western Kazakstan, and below normal in most of Western Siberia (Russia) and both central and eastern Kazakstan. Tom Puterbaugh 720-2012 (May 1997).
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| Jun 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Urals, weather conditions in May continued mostly favorable for crop development. Above-normal precipitation fell in Russia, northern Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics, providing favorable moisture for winter grain and spring-planted crop development. Two to four times the normal amount of rain fell in the Volga Valley, a key spring grain producing region. Although the rain boosted soil moisture, it likely caused some delays in spring grain planting. In southern Ukraine, there was a period of hot, dry weather during the first 3 weeks in May which reduced topsoil moisture for emerging spring grains and summer crops. However, showers and cooler weather at month's end improved growing conditions. Since early June, soaking rain in traditional winter wheat producing areas of Ukraine and southern Russia (Central Black Soils Region, lower Volga Valley, and North Caucasus) was timely for the crop which is typically advancing through reproduction.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, the bulk of spring grains (spring wheat, spring barley, and oats) are typically planted in May. In Russia, weather conditions in Western Siberia favored spring grain planting while cool, wet weather in the Urals caused some planting delays. In Kazakstan, abundant pre-planting moisture in early May was followed by a drying trend that began around May 18 and continued until month's end, allowing planting to occur on schedule. Since early June, showers continued to hamper final spring grain planting efforts in the Urals while planting advanced to completion in Kazakstan. Moisture conditions were favorable for spring grain emergence and early crop development in most of Russia and Kazakstan. However, the drying trend in eastern Kazakstan was accompanied by periodic heat, which rapidly reduced topsoil moisture needed for emergence and early establishment. Tom Puterbaugh 720-2012 (June 1997)
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| Jul 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In western crop areas, above-normal precipitation and mild weather in June benefitted crops in Russia, most of Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics. In June, winter grains were filling in Ukraine, Moldova, and southern Russia (southern portion of the central Black Soils Region, lower Volga Valley, and North Caucasus), while farther north, crops advanced through reproduction in northern Russia (Northwest Region, Central Region, Volga Vyatsk and the middle and upper Volga Valley), Belarus, and the Baltics. Spring grains likely advanced through reproduction in Ukraine and southern Russia and by month's end approached the heading stage in areas farther north. Corn, sunflowers, and sugar beets were in the vegetative stage. Although temperatures in June averaged near normal in Ukraine, southern Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics, there was a period of unseasonably warm weather from June 9-11 when temperatures were 3 to 6 degrees C above normal. Highest temperatures (32 - 35 degrees C) occurred in the Volga Valley, where soil moisture was adequate to ensure normal crop development. Since early July, frequent showers and mild weather maintained favorable moisture conditions for crops in most areas. Locally heavy rain in southern Ukraine and North Caucasus likely interrupted early winter grain harvesting and caused some crop lodging.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, near- to above-normal precipitation in June in most of Russia maintained favorable moisture for spring grains in the vegetative stage. The exception was in the Altay Kray region in Western Siberia where below-normal precipitation and periodic hot weather lowered soil moisture. In Kazakstan, above- normal precipitation favored spring grains in primary growing areas in the north-central portion of the country. However, below-normal precipitation and periodic heat prevailed over western and eastern areas, increasing stress on crops in the vegetative stage. Since early July, soaking rain in primary spring grain areas in Kazakstan was timely for spring grains, in or nearing reproduction. In Russia, light showers in the Urals and Western Siberia maintained favorable moisture conditions for spring grains, approaching the heading stage. The exception was in the Altay Kray region in Western Siberia, where lingering dryness and hot weather increased stress on crops. Tom Puterbaugh 720-2012 (July 1997).
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| Aug 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In western crop regions, well-above-normal rainfall in July drenched crops in Ukraine and southern Russia (North Caucasus, southern Black Soils Region, the middle and lower Volga Valley), delaying winter grain harvesting and threatening crop quality. The precipitation (100 - 200 millimeters with locally scattered amounts in excess of 200 millimeters) fell frequently during the month and followed above-normal rainfall in June, keeping soils saturated. Although the rain provided abundant to excessive moisture for summer crops, unseasonably cool weather slowed crop development. Farther north, below- normal precipitation in northern Russia (Northwest Region, Central Region, and Volga Vyatsk) along with near-normal temperatures favored winter grain maturation and early harvesting. Since early August, widespread showers continued in western and southern Ukraine, causing further delays in harvesting. Warm, dry weather in central and northern Russia helped harvest activities.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, near- to above-normal precipitation in July in most of Russia and Kazakstan favored spring grains which advanced through the reproductive phase of development. However, patchy areas of dryness remained in the Altay Kray region in Russia as well as in eastern Kazakstan. Unseasonably cool weather persisted throughout July in Russia and Kazakstan, slowing crop development. Monthly temperatures averaged more than 4 degrees Celsius below normal in northernmost areas in Russia and 1 to 3 degrees below normal in remaining areas. Since early August, heavy precipitation in Russian spring grain areas in the northern Urals and extreme western areas in Siberia likely caused localized flooding and some crop lodging. Spring grain areas farther east in Russia received light rain, benefitting crops in the filling stage. In Kazakstan, light showers fell over most spring grain areas, benefitting immature crops. However, a brief spell of hot weather prevailed over the eastern half of Kazakstan and adjacent areas in Russia (Altay Kray) from August 6-8, hastening maturity in spring grains. Tom Puterbaugh 720-2012 (August 1997).
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| Sep 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Ural mountains, precipitation in August was below normal in most of northern Russia (Central Region, Volga Vyatsk, Central Black Soils Region, and the middle and upper Volga Valley), Belarus, and the Baltics. The dry weather in these areas favored fieldwork for spring grain harvesting, and winter grain planting, which typically begins in late-August. However, topsoil moisture was becoming limited by month's end and rain was needed for winter grain germination. Farther south, above-normal precipitation continued July's wet weather pattern in Ukraine and North Caucasus, Russia, hampering small grain harvesting and lowering crop quality, but providing generous moisture for filling summer crops. Furthermore, the rains boosted topsoil moisture for upcoming winter grain planting. September is the optimum month for planting winter wheat in Ukraine and southern Russia. Since early September, widespread light showers in northern Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics moistened topsoils for winter grain emergence and establishment, and caused only brief delays in spring grain harvesting. In Russia, reports as of September 8 indicated that harvesting of small grains and pulses, excluding corn, was 69 percent completed. On September 1, the first sub-freezing temperatures of the season (-1 to -4 degrees C) occurred in extreme northern areas of Russia (northernmost areas in the Central Region, northern Volga Vyatsk, and the upper Volga Valley). Although the freeze occurred about 10 days earlier than average, it had little, if any, impact on maturing crops. Farther south, precipitation diminished in Ukraine and North Caucasus, Russia, allowing field preparation for upcoming winter grain planting. However, unseasonably cool weather slowed summer crop development.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, crop progress for spring grains ranged from filling to maturing during August. In Russia, frequent showers during August produced above-normal precipitation in the northern Urals and Western and Eastern Siberia, benefitting spring grains in the filling stage. In Kazakstan, periodic showers in early August were followed by a drying trend that began on August 11 and persisted until month's end, benefitting early spring grain harvesting but limiting moisture for immature crops. Since early September, dry weather over Kazakstan and the southern Urals, Russia, allowed rapid spring grain harvesting. Farther north, frequent showers and cool weather continued in the northern Urals and northern areas of Western and Eastern Siberia, benefitting immature spring grains but slowing crop development.
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| Oct 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Ural mountains, summer crops (corn, sunflowers, sugar beets) were being harvested in September, while winter grain planting advanced southward. September is the optimum month for planting winter grains in Ukraine and southern Russia (southern Black Soils Region, lower Volga Valley, and North Caucasus). In September, above-normal precipitation fell over most of Russia and the eastern half of Ukraine. Most of the rain fell after September 24, delaying summer crop harvesting but providing favorable topsoil moisture for winter grain emergence and establishment. Below-normal temperatures prevailed over most of Ukraine and Russia during September, slowing summer crop maturation. Cool, showery weather continued to prevail over Ukraine and Russia from October 1-6, hampering summer crop harvesting but maintaining favorable moisture conditions for winter wheat emergence and establishment. From October 1-2, the first occurrence of frost so far this season extended as far south as central Ukraine. Minimum temperatures ranging from 0 to -2 Celsius were scattered throughout northern and central Ukraine. The freeze occurred around typical dates and had minimal impact on mature crops. Recently, dry weather accompanied a warming trend in Ukraine and southern Russia, improving conditions for fieldwork.
In spring grain areas east of the Volga Valley, the bulk of spring grains is harvested in September. In Russia and Kazakstan, below-normal precipitation was accompanied by unseasonably warm weather, favoring spring grain maturation and rapid harvesting. Since early October, scattered showers in the Urals region in Russia slowed late season harvest efforts while dry weather in Siberia allowed spring harvesting to progress rapidly toward completion. In Kazakstan, continually warm, dry weather from October 1-7, helped final harvest efforts.
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| Nov 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In spring grain areas east of the Ural mountains, unseasonably dry weather
prevailed over most of Russia and Kazakstan during the period October 1-7,
helping late spring grain harvesting.
In crop areas west of the Ural mountains, wet weather continued in Russia,
Ukraine, the Baltics and Belarus in October. The precipitation in northern
Russia, the Baltics, and Belarus fell frequently during the month. More than
twice the normal amount of rain fell over the eastern half of Ukraine and
southern Russia (Central Black Soils Region, lower Volga Valley, and North
Caucasus), hampering corn, sunflower, and sugar beet harvesting and late
winter grain planting. About October 18, a drying trend began in Ukraine that
continued until month's end, improving conditions for fieldwork. Near-normal
temperatures prevailed over northern areas of Russia in October, allowing
further winter grain establishment prior to dormancy. By late October, winter
grains in northern Russia were in or entering dormancy with sufficient
hardening. In Ukraine and southern Russia, well below-normal temperatures
halted further vegetative growth of winter grains.
Since early November, light snow has fallen over winter grain areas from the
Baltic States and Belarus eastward through northern Russia. In Ukraine and
southern Russia, a mixture of light rain and snow was accompanied by continued
unseasonably cold weather, slowing late harvest activities and prompting
winter grains to begin entering dormancy. The continued cold weather in these
areas limited the establishment of late-planted crops.
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| Dec 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Ural Mountains, weather conditions in November favored winter grains. Near- to above-normal temperatures prevailed over most crop areas in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltics, and Moldova. Temperatures in November were low enough to keep winter grains dormant in northern Russia. Winter wheat in major growing areas in Ukraine and southern Russia entered dormancy during the month with sufficient hardening. Near- to above-normal precipitation in November helped recharge soil moisture in Ukraine, northern Russia, most of Belarus, Latvia, and Estonia. Elsewhere, below-normal precipitation occurred in the lower Volga Valley and the North Caucasus regions in Russia.
Since early December, overwintering conditions favored dormant winter grains. Light to moderate snowfall increased snow cover in northern and eastern winter grain areas in Russia, western Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics. Rain fell over winter grain areas in central and eastern Ukraine, and the North Caucasus region in Russia. Crops in these areas lack protective snow cover, leaving them vulnerable to potential extreme cold.
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| Dec 1 1997 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: SUNFLOWER CROP DAMAGED BY HARVEST RAINS |
Sunflowerseed production in Russia for 1997/98 is estimated at 2.6 million tons, down 13 percent from last month and 7 percent from below last year's 2.8 million. Harvest reports from late November, when the harvest campaign was virtually complete, indicate a substantial drop in output. Above-normal rainfall throughout the growing season likely had a negative impact on yield, and unusually heavy rain during October hampered harvest activity. Ukraine, like Russia, also experienced above-normal rainfall throughout the growing season (especially during July and August) and unwelcome rain during the harvest season. Sunflowerseed production in Ukraine for 1997/98 is estimated at 2.3 million tons, down 18 percent from last month, but up 10 percent from last year when severe drought in southeastern Ukraine suppressed summer-crop yields.
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| Feb 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In January, overwintering conditions were favorable for winter grains throughout most of the former USSR. Temperatures in January averaged 3 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal in the western half of Ukraine, western areas in Russia (Northwest Region, Central Region, and western Black Soils Region), the Baltics, and Belarus. Monthly temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees above normal in eastern Ukraine and eastern winter grain areas in Russia (Volga Vyatsk Region, eastern Black Soils Region, Volga Valley, and North Caucasus). Snow cover in winter grain areas of the Baltics, Belarus, southern Ukraine, and adjacent areas in the North Caucasus region of Russia was patchy or nonexistent during January. However, temperatures in these areas were not low enough for a sufficient amount of time to threaten exposed crops. A moderate-to-deep snow cover persisted in winter grain areas of northern and central Russia during the month, protecting winter grains from periods of bitterly cold weather. Above-normal precipitation fell in Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics during January, boosting potential moisture reserves. Winter grain areas in Ukraine received below-normal precipitation in January. In early February, unseasonably cold weather returned to most winter grain areas, preceded by light to moderate snow. However, on February 9, mild weather returned to winter grain areas in the Baltics, Belarus, and western Ukraine, melting some protective snow cover.
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| Mar 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In February, overwintering conditions continued mostly favorable for winter grains in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics. In early February, bitterly cold weather was accompanied by light to moderate snow in most areas. Minimum temperatures ranged from -15 to -30 degrees Celsius 8 as far south as southern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia. A fresh snow cover in most areas protected winter grains from potential widespread damage. On February 9, a warming trend began in winter grain areas in Ukraine, the North Caucasus region in Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics and continued until month's end. The warmer weather improved overwintering conditions for winter grains, but melted protective snow cover. In most of Russia, although temperatures fluctuated widely during February, a moderate too deep snow cover protected winter grains from potential damage. Above-normal precipitation fell in Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics in February, boosting potential moisture reserves. More than twice the normal amount of moisture fell in the North Caucasus region in Russia. Winter grain areas in Ukraine continued to receive below-normal precipitation in February. The lack of snow cover and generally dry weather in Ukraine favored early season fieldwork, including early spring fertilizer applications. In early March, unusually mild weather prevailed over most of the region, causing a further loss of protective snow cover. Furthermore, the mild weather caused winter grains to lose cold hardiness, leaving them highly susceptible to potential extreme cold. Recently, cooler weather prevailed in the western Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics, accompanied by light snow. Rain in central and eastern Ukraine boosted moisture reserves.
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| Apr 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In March, unseasonably mild weather early in the month in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltics, and Belarus was followed by a pattern of unusually cold weather that began around March 10 and persisted until month's end. The colder weather pattern was accompanied by snow, producing an unusually late snow cover as far south as the Black Sea Coast and keeping winter grains dormant in most areas. Above-normal precipitation occurred in most areas in March, with over twice the normal amount of moisture falling in the eastern half of Ukraine and a large portion of Russia. The cold, wet weather pattern halted early-spring grain planting in southern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia. Last year (1997), a similar cold spell occurred in March in Ukraine and Russia, interrupting spring grain planting.
Since April 1, a warming trend occurred over Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics, melting the unusually late snow cover. By April 8, most of Ukraine, southern Russia (North Caucasus, southern Black Soils Region, and lower Volga Valley), the Baltics, and Belarus were snow-free. The warming trend likely promoted greening of winter grains in the southern half of Ukraine and the western North Caucasus region. Elsewhere, winter grains remained dormant. Spring grain planting is likely off to a slow start in Ukraine and Russia due to persistent cold weather. However, substantial time remains for planting which typically occurs in April and May.
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| May 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In April, above-normal precipitation fell in Belarus, western and northern Ukraine, and central and eastern Russia (Central Region, Central Black Soils Region, and the Volga Valley). Most of this precipitation occurred from April 1-20, hampering planting operations of spring grain and early sugar beet. Planting, helped by generally dry weather, likely began on schedule in southern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia. Unseasonably mild weather in April favored greening of winter grains in Ukraine, extreme southern areas in Russia, Belarus, and the Baltics. However, during the first 20 days of the month, unseasonably cold weather prevailed in central and northern Russia, delaying greening in winter grains and spring planting. During the last 10 days in April, mild and generally dry weather in most areas favored winter grain development and spring planting. By month's end, crop progress for winter grains ranged from jointing in Ukraine to greening in northern Russia. Since early May, continued mild and generally dry weather in Ukraine allowed spring grain and summer crop planting to progress without delays and promoted winter grain development. In Russia, light showers accompanied a warming trend, maintaining favorable conditions for winter grains and spring sown crops in the south and increasing soil temperatures for spring grain planting in the north.
In crop areas east of the Urals, spring grain planting usually begins in May. In April, unusually cold, wet weather prevailed over major spring wheat producing areas in Kazakstan and Russia, preventing early season fieldwork. Moisture accumulations since last fall have been near to above normal in Russia and Kazakstan, providing adequate to abundant soil moisture conditions for the upcoming growing season. Recently, although a rapid warming trend increased soil temperatures for upcoming spring grain planting, widespread showers hampered early fieldwork.
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| Jun 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Urals, weather conditions in May were generally favorable for winter grain development and spring crop planting. Near- to above-normal precipitation maintained adequate moisture for crops in Ukraine, most of Russia, the Baltics, Belarus, and Moldova. The precipitation that fell during the month was interrupted by periods of dry weather, helping spring grain and summer crop planting. Well-below-normal precipitation in southeastern Russia (extreme eastern North Caucasus and the lower Volga Valley) in May caused a reduction in soil moisture. Monthly temperatures averaged near normal during May in most areas, allowing crops to grow and develop at a normal rate. Winter grains entered the heading stage in Ukraine and southern Russia during the month, and were progressing through the jointing stage farther north in the Baltics, Belarus, and northern Russia. There was a brief episode of unusual cold that occurred in most areas from May 24-26. Lowest temperatures were observed in Lithuania, where minimum temperatures fell at or below freezing (0 to -1 C) on May 25. Overall, the freeze was not severe enough to threaten grain crops but may have hurt tender vegetables. Since early June, scattered showers and mild weather maintained generally favorable growing conditions for crops in Ukraine, the Baltics, Belarus, and most of Russia. However, continued below normal rainfall along with hot weather in the Volga Valley stressed winter grains advancing through reproduction and lowered topsoil moisture needed for germination and early establishment of spring-sown crops.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, the bulk of spring grains (spring wheat, spring barley, and oats) are typically planted in May. A late arrival of spring warmth along with widespread rain the first half of May caused significant planting delays in both Russia and Kazakstan. By May 20, the progress of spring grain planting in Russia was the slowest in a decade, with reports indicating that spring grains and pulses, excluding corn, were about 40 percent planted. This compares with 60 percent on the same date the previous year. On May 20, rapid warming along with drier weather began in Russia and Kazakstan and continued throughout the rest of the month, helping spring grain planting to swiftly advance. Maximum temperatures rose into the low 30's in most of Kazakstan and adjacent areas in Russia, promoting rapid germination but reducing topsoil moisture. Since early June, warm and generally dry weather allowed spring grain sowing to progress to completion in Russia and Kazakstan. Although scattered showers recently provided some topsoil moisture for germination in these areas, additional moisture will be needed in upcoming weeks to ensure a favorable start to this year's growing season.
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| Jul 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Urals, a large area of high pressure was centered over the Volga Valley region of Russia during most of June, bringing unfavorably hot, dry weather to most areas of Russia and eastern Ukraine. Drought conditions developed in the Volga Valley, where well-below-normal precipitation continued May's insufficient rainfall pattern in the region. Unfavorable dryness also spread into major winter wheat producing areas of the North Caucasus, the eastern portion of the Central Black Soils Region, and the Volga Vyatsk. In Ukraine, light, if any, precipitation fell in northeastern areas during June, worsening conditions for crop development. The dryness in Russia and eastern Ukraine was accompanied by a heat wave which began around June 10 and persisted through June 22. Highest temperatures were observed in the Volga Valley, reaching 40 degrees C. The adverse heat and dryness in Russia, and to a lesser extent Ukraine, occurred at critical stages of crop development for both winter grains and spring grains. Winter grains were in the reproductive to filling stages of development, while spring grains were in or nearing reproduction. Summer crops such as corn, sugar beets, and sunflowers were in the vegetative stage. Irreversible damage likely occurred to winter grains which were most advanced in development. Furthermore, these unfavorable weather conditions reduced yield prospects for spring grains (oats, spring barley, and spring wheat) and summer crops (corn, sugar beets, and sunflowers). On June 23, a cold front edged slowly eastward across Ukraine and Russia, bringing much cooler weather and some rain to heat-stressed crops in Russia and eastern Ukraine. Little, if any precipitation fell on parched areas of the Volga Valley. Elsewhere, wet weather prevailed over the western and southern Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics in June, favoring crop development. However, some of the rain in western Ukraine was locally heavy, creating the potential for some crop lodging. Since early July, cooler weather and scattered showers continued to bring some relief to drought-stressed crops in Russia. However, these showers caused only brief delays in winter wheat harvesting. In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, hot and generally dry weather prevailed in western Kazakstan and the southern Urals region of Russia in June, adversely affecting spring grain (spring wheat, spring barley, and oats) development. On most days during the month, maximum temperatures ranged from 30 to 35 degrees C, with temperatures on some days ranging from the upper 30's degrees C to 40 degrees C. The hot weather was accompanied by very low humidity, causing rapid drying of topsoils. Farther east, near- to above-normal precipitation fell in major spring grain producing areas of Kazakstan and Russia (northern Urals, Western Siberia, and Eastern Siberia), maintaining generally favorable growing conditions for vegetative crops. Temperatures in June averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal in these areas, spurring crop growth. Since early July, cooler weather and scattered showers brought some relief to crops in western Kazakstan and the southern Urals. However, unfavorably hot and dry weather spread eastward into central and eastern Kazakstan and Western Siberia, increasing stress on spring grains in or nearing reproduction. Cooler weather and rain are needed soon in these areas to prevent substantial declines in crop-yield potential.
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| Aug 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In July, unfavorable weather adversely affected spring grain and summer crop development in both Russia and Ukraine. Drought conditions worsened in the Volga Valley region in Russia, where well-below-normal precipitation continued an insufficient moisture pattern that has prevailed over the region during the entire growing season. Elsewhere in Russia, unfavorable dryness continued in the eastern portion of the Black Soils Region and North Caucasus. Although the dryness in Russia favored rapid winter grain harvesting, it reduced prospects for corn and sunflowers which advanced through the reproductive phase of development during the month. In Ukraine, below-normal precipitation continued in eastern areas, with a drying trend developing in the south. The dryness in Russia and eastern and southern Ukraine was accompanied by a heat wave that began around July 21 and persisted through August 5, placing moderate to severe stress on summer crops. On most days during the period, maximum temperatures ranged from the middle 30's degrees C to 40 degrees C. From August 6-7, a frontal system pushed through Ukraine and Russia, bringing cooler weather along with scattered showers, helping to stabilize conditions for summer crops. Reports as of August 8 indicated that the harvest of spring grains and pulses, excluding corn, was about 20 percent complete in Russia and about 85 percent complete in Ukraine.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, spring grains advanced through the highly weather-sensitive reproductive phase of development during July. Drought continued in the southern Urals and western Kazakstan, causing further declines in yield prospects for spring grains (spring wheat, spring barley, and oats). The unfavorable heat and dryness spread eastward into major grain producing areas of central Kazakstan and adjacent areas in Western Siberia, accelerating spring grain development and lowering yield prospects. On most days during July, maximum temperatures ranged from 30 to 35 degrees C, with temperatures on some days ranging from 35 to 40 degrees C. Since early August, unfavorably hot, dry weather continued in Kazakstan, the southern Urals, and central areas in Western Siberia, hastening early maturity in crops.
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| Sep 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Ural mountains, spring grain harvesting was well underway in August and planting of the 1999 winter grain crop began in northern areas. The combination of frequent showers and unseasonably cool weather in the Baltics, Belarus, and most of northern Russia (Northwest Region, Central Region, Volga Vyatsk, and northern Central Black Soils Region) slowed crop development and harvesting. In southern Russia (North Caucasus, lower Volga Valley, and the southern portion of the Central Black Soils Region), well-below-normal precipitation in August further reduced prospects for corn, sunflowers, and sugar beets in the filling stage of development. In Ukraine, unseasonably warm, dry weather from August 1-22 favored rapid small grain harvest activities but worsened conditions for corn and sunflower development. Light to moderate rain began over Ukraine on August 23 and lasted until months' end, preventing further deterioration in conditions for corn and sunflowers. Since early September, light to moderate showers continued to hamper small grain harvesting and winter grain planting in northern Russia. Although the first freeze of the season (0 to -2 degrees C) was observed in extreme northern areas of Russia, it had little, if any, impact on maturing crops. Reports as of September 7 indicated the harvest of spring grains and pulses, excluding corn, was about 52 percent complete compared to about 64 percent last year. Farther south, light showers (3-19 mm, with local amounts in excess of 20 mm) and cool weather prevailed from Ukraine eastward into southern Russia, slowing summer crop maturation but boosting topsoil moisture for winter wheat planting. Additional rain will be needed in these areas in upcoming weeks for proper seed germination and plant establishment.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, unfavorably hot, dry weather prevailed in Kazakstan and adjacent areas in Western Siberia, hastening maturity in spring grains and further reducing yield prospects. Since early September, several days of unseasonably warm, dry weather favored spring grain maturation and harvesting in Kazakstan and southern areas in Russia (southern Urals and the Altay Kray region). Farther north in Russia, cool showery weather slowed spring grain maturation and harvesting.
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| Oct 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In crop areas west of the Ural mountains, near- to above-normal precipitation continued in northern Russia, maintaining adequate to excessive moisture conditions for winter grain development. Farther south, drought persisted in southern Russia (North Caucasus, lower Volga Valley, and the central Black Soils Region) and eastern Ukraine, helping corn, sunflower and sugar beet harvesting. However, winter wheat planting likely progressed slowly in these areas as growers waited for rain to improve emergence prospects. In most years, late planting reduces the likelihood that winter wheat will become well established prior to entering dormancy, making the crop more susceptible to potential winterkill. Elsewhere, above-normal precipitation fell in Belarus and western Ukraine, slowing summer crop harvesting but providing abundant moisture for winter grain planting. Since early October, unseasonably cold weather pushed southward over most of Russia and Ukraine, slowing the vegetative growth of winter grains. Furthermore, sub-freezing temperatures were observed as far south as northern Ukraine, prompting cold-hardening in winter grains. Light, scattered showers fell in winter wheat areas of eastern Ukraine and southern Russia, bringing some relief from unfavorable dryness.
In crop areas east of the Volga Valley, the bulk of spring grains are harvested in September. In Russia, cool, showery weather in September slowed spring grain harvesting, especially during the last 10 days of the month. Since early October, wet weather, including some wet snow, caused further harvest delays. In Kazakstan, below-normal precipitation in September allowed rapid spring grain harvesting. Scattered showers since early October likely caused only brief delays in late-harvest activities.
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| Oct 1 1998 | RUSSIA: GRAIN PRODUCTION DOWN BASED ON HARVEST PROGRESS REPORTS |
Russia's grain production for 1998/99 is forecast to fall to its lowest level since 1953. Severe drought in the Volga Valley and Urals, combined with a 3.5-million-hectare drop in sown area and continued economic difficulties, have reduced estimated output to 52.0 million tons (including approximately 1.7 million of pulses and miscellaneous grains), down from 87.7 million last year. Wheat production is estimated at 28.5 million tons, down from 32.0 million last month and down from 44.2 million last year. Barley output is estimated at 10.0 million tons, down from 11.5 million from last month and down from 20.8 million last season. As of September 28, the 1998 harvest campaign was nearing completion. Of the estimated 47.7 million hectares of grain sown on State enterprises, 30.6 million had been threshed, yielding 47.2 million tons. An additional 10.9 million hectares-mostly in the Volga Valley and Urals-reportedly had been destroyed by persistent summer drought, and only 3.7 million hectares remained to be harvested on State farms. Private-sector output is forecast at roughly 5.0 to 6.0 million tons. Russian corn production is estimated at 1.2 million tons, down from 1.4 million last month and down from 2.7 million last year.
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| Nov 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In Russian spring grain areas east of the Ural mountains, wet weather, including some wet snow delayed final harvest efforts. In crop areas west of the Ural mountains, drought persisted through the middle of October in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia (southern Black Soils Region, North Caucasus, and the lower Volga Valley), delaying winter wheat planting well beyond optimum dates and adversely affecting crop development. In contrast, above-normal precipitation and mild weather in western Ukraine and northern Russia (Northwest Region, Central Region, northern Black Soils Region, Volga Vyatsk, and the upper Volga Valley) favored winter grain establishment. Since October 20, light to moderate showers brought much-needed moisture to drought-stricken winter wheat areas in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia. However, time is running out for further crop establishment in these areas since winter wheat typically enters dormancy by mid-November. Recently, colder weather spread southward over Russia and Ukraine. The cold weather in northern Russia ended a period of unseasonable warmth, prompting winter grains to begin entering dormancy about 3 weeks later than usual. Farther south, the cold weather in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia slowed or halted winter wheat growth. If early growth is stunted or crops are minimally established as they are now, the crop's ability to withstand low temperatures is reduced, and vulnerability to potential winterkill conditions increases. Thus, the weather during the remainder of the fall and over the winter will play a major role in determining prospects for next year's crop.
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| Nov 1 1998 | RUSSIA: GRAINS OUTPUT LOWERED BASED ON HARVEST PROGRESS |
Wheat production for 1998/99 is estimated at 28.0 million tons, down 0.5 million from last month and down 16.2 million from last year. Barley output is estimated at 9.5 million tons, down 0.5 million from last month and down 11.3 million from last year. Harvest reports indicate that total grain production for 1998/99 is estimated to reach 49.3 million tons (not including roughly 1.5 million tons of pulses and miscellaneous grains) against nearly 85.3 million for 1997/98. Total-grain area is estimated at 47.9 million hectares--a drop of 3.6 million hectares from last year, including a 2.6-million-hectare reduction in barley area. Estimated total-grain yield is down approximately 40 percent from last year because of severe drought. According to Russian agricultural officials, 11.0 - 12.0 million hectares of grain perished as a result of persistent dryness and extreme heat in the Volga Valley and adjacent regions.
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| Dec 1 1998 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In early November, unseasonably cold, snowy weather spread rapidly south over winter grain areas in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics, ending a period of unseasonable warmth that had persisted over these areas for several weeks. The wintry weather halted further growth of poorly established winter grains in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia and induced crops into dormancy. As a result of fall drought and the sharp drop in temperatures in early November, winter wheat in primary growing areas of eastern Ukraine and southern Russia (southern Black Soils region, lower Volga Valley, and the North Caucasus region) entered dormancy poorly established, making the crop more susceptible to potential winterkill conditions. However, above-normal precipitation in November eased chronic dryness in eastern Ukraine and southern Russia, improving soil moisture levels. In the Baltics, Belarus, and northern Russia (Central Region, Volga Vyatsk, northern Black Soils region, and the upper Volga Valley) the cold weather was accompanied by moderate to heavy snow. The snow protected winter grains from bitterly cold weather (extreme minimum temperatures ranging from -15 to -29 degrees C) that occurred during the month. However, the snow fell on mostly unfrozen soils, increasing the risk of fungal development and plant rotting if the snow were to persist for a sufficient amount of time.
Since early December, unseasonably cold weather continued over Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics, maintaining a protective snow cover as far south as southern Ukraine and the northern tip of the North Caucasus region in Russia. Although winter wheat areas in the extreme southern Ukraine and the southern half of the North Caucasus remained snow-free, temperatures did not fall low enough to threaten dormant crops.
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| Dec 1 1998 | RUSSIA: SUNSEED OUTPUT DOWN DUE TO DROUGHT, INPUT PROBLEMS |
Russia's sunflowerseed production for 1998/99 is estimated at 2.8 million tons, down 0.5 million from last month and down marginally from last year. Despite a 15-percent increase in sown area, to a record-matching 4.1 million hectares, output did not surpass last year's level. Persistent drought in key sunflower regions, combined with a continued reduction in the application of fertilizers and plant-protection chemicals, drove yield to the lowest level in over 35 years.
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| Dec 1 1998 | RUSSIA: WHEAT AND CORN OUTPUT LOWERED BASED ON HARVEST PROGRESS |
Wheat production for 1998/99 is estimated at 27.0 million tons, down 1.0 million from last month and down 17.2 million from last year. Harvest reports and official forecasts indicate that total net-weight grain production for 1998/99 is unlikely to exceed 50.0 million tons, compared to over 87.0 million for 1997/98. Estimated total-grain yield is down approximately 40 percent from last year because of severe drought that had a significant negative impact on both winter and spring wheat plantings in the Volga Valley and adjacent regions. Corn production is estimated at 1.0 million tons, down 0.2 million from last month and down 1.7 million from last year. Estimated yield is down due to persistent drought in parts of the North Caucasus region.
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| Jan 1 1999 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In December, above-normal precipitation fell in Russia, increasing moisture reserves. The combination of mild weather and abundant moisture in key winter wheat producing areas of the North Caucasus region improved conditions for dormant crops, following unfavorable dryness in the fall. Elsewhere in Russia, winter grains remained under a moderate to deep snow cover during the month. In Ukraine, below-normal precipitation was observed in most of the country, except in the extreme east, where precipitation was above-normal. A protective snow cover persisted in the northern half of Ukraine during December. Snow cover in southern Ukraine gradually diminished during the month. Elsewhere, below-normal precipitation was observed in southern Belarus, with above-normal precipitation falling in northern Belarus and the Baltics. Overwintering conditions in December were mostly favorable for winter grains in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics. However, there was a brief cold snap from December 23 to 26, with minimum temperatures ranging from -17 to -30 degrees C in most areas. The exceptions were in extreme southern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia, where temperatures ranged from -8 to -15 degrees C. Snow cover was adequate to protect winter grains from widespread damage in areas experiencing the lowest temperatures. Since early January, mild weather provided favorable overwintering conditions for winter grains in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics. However, daytime high temperatures rose above freezing in most areas, melting protective snow cover.
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| Feb 1 1999 | FORMER SOVIET UNION: WEATHER AND CROP DEVELOPMENTS |
In January, overwintering conditions continued favorable for winter grains throughout most of the former USSR. Temperatures in January averaged 3 to 6 degrees C above normal in Ukraine, most of Russia, and Belarus. Monthly temperatures averaged 1 to 3 degrees C above normal in the Baltics. Snow cover in winter grain areas of the Ukraine and southern Russia (North Caucasus and lower Volga Valley) was patchy or nonexistent during January. However, temperatures in these areas were not low enough for a sufficient amount of time to threaten exposed crops. A moderate to deep snow cover persisted in winter grain areas of northern and central Russia during the month, protecting winter grains from periods of very cold weather. Above-normal precipitation fell in northern Russia, the Baltics, and central Ukraine during January, boosting potential moisture reserves. Winter grain areas in the remainder of Ukraine and southern Russia received below-normal precipitation in January. Since early February, unseasonably mild weather in Ukraine and southern Russia continued to provide favorable overwintering conditions for winter wheat. However, winter wheat areas in eastern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia lacked a protective snow cover, leaving them vulnerable to potential extreme cold. Although bitterly cold weather (minimum temperatures ranging from -20 to -35 degrees C) was observed in northern Russia, the Baltics, and Belarus, a moderate to deep snow cover protected winter grains from widespread winterkill.
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| Feb 1 1999 | RUSSIA: GRAIN ESTIMATES REVISED LOWER |
Wheat and coarse grain production estimates for 1998/99 have been revised based on the release of preliminary harvest results by the Russian State Statistical Committee. Wheat production is estimated at 26.9 million tons, down 0.1 million from last month and down 17.3 million from last year. Barley production is estimated at 9.8 million tons, up 0.3 million from last month and down 11.0 million from last year. Rye production is estimated at 3.3 million tons, down 1.2 million from last month and down 4.2 million from last year. Oats production is estimated at 4.6 million tons, down 0.9 million from last month and down 4.8 million from last year. Corn production is estimated at 0.8 million tons, down 0.2 million from last month and down 1.9 million from last year. The sharp year-to-year drop in output is attributable chiefly to two factors: wheat and coarse grain yields suffered from severe drought in the Volga Valley and the Urals and coarse grain area is down 3.1 million hectares (12 percent) from last year.
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| Mar 1 1999 | Former Soviet Union: Weather and Crop Developments |
In February, overwintering conditions continued mostly favorable for winter grains in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics. Above-normal precipitation fell in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and the Baltics in February, boosting potential moisture reserves. More than twice the normal amount of moisture fell in the Volga Valley region in Russia. In early February, bitter cold extended from the Baltics and Belarus eastward across northern Russia. Although minimum temperatures (-17 to -40 degrees C) exceeded the threshold for potential winterkill, a sufficient snow cover protected winter grains from widespread damage. During February 4-5, the bitterly cold air briefly edged southward into major winter wheat producing areas of eastern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia. In areas that lacked a protective snow cover, extreme cold was of short duration, minimizing the potential for crop damage. On February 13, a warming trend began in most areas and continued until month's end, improving overwintering conditions for winter grains. During the latter half of February, a series of storms spread moderate to heavy snow over western Ukraine, the Baltics, Belarus, and northern Russia, further increasing the deep snow cover. The snow cover in northern Russia has persisted over unfrozen soils during the entire winter, increasing the likelihood for fungal development. Since early March, unseasonably warm weather continued to prevail over most areas. A lack of snow cover and generally dry weather in southern Ukraine and the North Caucasus region in Russia favored early season fieldwork, including early spring planting and fertilizer applications. However, the mild weather caused winter grains to lose cold hardiness, leaving them highly susceptible to potential extreme cold.
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| Feb 1 2000 | Russia: State Statistical Committee Announces Harvest Results |
According to preliminary 1999/2000 harvest results published by the State Statistical Committee of Russia, production of wheat and coarse grains recovered from last years 40-year low levels. Wheat production is estimated at 31.0 million tons, up 0.5 million from last month and up 4.1 million from last year. Coarse-grain production is estimated at 21.8 million tons, down 0.6 million from last month, but up 2.9 million from last year. Estimated output increased for most coarse grains: barley (from 9.8 million tons last year to10.6 million in 1999/2000), rye (from 3.3 to 4.8 million), millet (from 0.5 to 0.9 million), and corn (from 0.8 to 1.1 million). Estimated production of oats decreased slightly, from 4.6 million tons in 1998/99 to 4.4 million in 1999/2000. According to Russias grain-inspection agency, grain quality is lower only 63 percent of the wheat met food-quality standards, compared to 76 percent last year. Despite a 15-percent increase in total wheat production, the amount of food-quality wheat is down slightly from 1998/99.
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| May 1 2000 | Russia and Ukraine Grain Forecast Higher, Kazakstan Lower |
Russias production of all major grains for 2000/01 is projected to increase from last year, based on slight increases in forecast area and yield. Wheat output is estimated at 33.0 million tons (up from 31.0 million last year), barley at 13.0 (10.6) million, rye at 5.5 (4.8) million, oats at 5.0 (4.4) million, and corn at 2.0 (1.1) million. Winter grains benefitted from favorable establishment and over-wintering conditions. Despite alarms expressed by agricultural officials regarding potential fuel shortages, spring planting is proceeding at a normal pace. Reports from the U.S. agricultural office in Moscow indicate that supplies of fertilizers and plant-protection chemicals are up from last year.
Ukraines production prospects for 2000/01 are only slightly better than last season. Ukraine wheat production is forecast at 14.0 million tons, up only 0.5 million from last year, when production fell to the lowest level in nearly thirty years. Because of persistent dryness during winter-grain establishment last fall, a significant portion of the wheat required replanting, and another year of inadequate application of fertilizers and pesticides will hamper yield potential. Barley production is forecast to fall to 5.5 million tons, from 6.4 million last year, because of drops in sown area and estimated yield. Corn production is estimated to increase to 2.5 million tons from 1.7 million last year, when severe drought drove corn output to a 5-year low.
Kazakstans weather was nearly ideal for grains last year, and wheat production skyrocketed to an estimated 11.2 million tons. Output for 2000/01 is forecast at 7.0 million, with area up 3 percent to 9.0 million hectares. Yield is forecast at 0.78 tons per hectare, slightly above the average of the past five years but down sharply from last years near-record 1.28 tons per hectare. Barley production is estimated at 1.6 million tons, down from 2.3 million last year. Estimated area is up 0.1 million hectares, to 1.8 million.
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| Jul 1 2000 | Russia: Winter Wheat Yield Prospects Rise, but Decline for Spring Wheat |
Russias 2000/01 wheat production is estimated at 34.0 million tons, up 1.0 million or 3 percent from last month, and up 3 million or 10 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 23.6 million hectares, up 0.1 million (less than one percent) from last month, and up 0.6 million or 3 percent from last year. Yield prospects improved in the winter-wheat region of European Russia because of continued favorable weather. However, in the spring-wheat region east of the Volga Valley, weather-related planting delays could have a negative impact on yield potential.
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| Sep 1 2000 | Russia: Harvest Reports Indicate a Larger Wheat Crop |
Russia wheat production for 2000/01 is estimated at 36.5 million tons, up 2.5 million or 7 percent from last month and up 5.5 million or 18 percent from last year. Harvest-progress reports through early September show that yield is up 16 percent from the same time last year. The crop has benefitted from generally favorable weather throughout the country. Higher fertilizer use has been reported and may have contributed to the better yield which is estimated at 1.6 tons per hectare, second highest in 7 years.
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| Jan 1 2001 | Russia: State Statistical Committee Preliminary Data Lowers Wheat Crop |
Russia wheat production for 2000/01 is estimated at 34.4 million tons, down 2.1 million or 6 percent from last month but up 3.4 million or 11 percent from last year. Total coarse grain production is estimated at 28.0 million tons, up 2.0 million or 8 percent from last month and up 6.2 million or 28 percent from last year. Among coarse grains, barley production is estimated at 14.0 million tons (up 3.4 million from last year), rye at 5.4 million (up 0.6 million), oats at 6.0 million (up 1.6 million), millet at 1.1 million (up 0.2 million), and corn at 1.5 million (up 0.4 million). The revisions are based on preliminary harvest data released by the State Statistical Committee of Russia. After a cool, wet early spring marked by significant planting delays, weather was generally favorable for crops throughout the remainder of the growing season. Total grain yield is estimated at 1.43 tons per hectares, up 21 percent from last year and 15 percent above the average of the past five years
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| May 1 2001 | Russia: Wheat and Coarse Grains Projected to Increase |
Production of wheat and coarse grains for 2001/02 is projected to increase from last year, due chiefly to increased area. Wheat output is estimated at 37.0 million tons (up from 34.5 million last year), barley at 14.5 (14.1) million, rye at 5.2 (5.5) million, oats at 5.5 (6.0) million, millet at 1.0 (1.1) million, and corn at 1.5 (1.6) million. Estimated total-grain area increased by 2.1 million hectares to 47.6 million (including roughly 3.0 million hectares of pulses and miscellaneous grains). Estimated wheat area increased from 23.2 to 24.3 million hectares, and estimated barley area from 9.2 to 10.5 million. Winter grains benefitted from generally favorable weather during the winter and spring, except for persistent dryness in parts of the North Caucasus. Spring planting is underway with officials forecasting a slight increase over last years area. The U.S. Agricultural Minister-Counselor in Moscow reports marginal improvements in the availability of most agricultural inputs compared to recent years, but warns that inadequate machinery, low-quality seed, and a lack of credit will hamper significant gains in grain output.
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| Aug 1 2001 | Russia: Harvest Reports Describe Bumper Winter Wheat Crop |
Russian wheat production for 2001/02 is estimated at 38.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 3 percent from last month and up 4.0 million or 12 percent from last year. The increase is based chiefly on harvest reports indicating outstanding yields in southern Russias winter-wheat region. Estimated corn production was reduced this month following extremely high temperatures throughout July which placed considerable stress on corn as it advanced through the tasselling and silking stages. Output is estimated at 1.0 million tons, down 0.5 million or 33 percent from last month and down 0.6 million or 35 percent from last year. Estimated oat production was increased to 6.0 million tons, up 0.5 million or 9 percent from last month and unchanged from last year. The change was based on a revision in estimated area.
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| Sep 1 2001 | Russia: Harvest Reports Indicate Highest Grain Yield in Recent Years |
Russian wheat production for 2001/02 is estimated at 41.5 million tons, up 3.0 million or 8 percent from last month and up 7.1 million or 20 percent from last year. Barley production is estimated at 16.0 million tons, up 1.5 million or 10 percent from last month and up 1.9 million or 13 percent from last year. Rye production is estimated at 6.5 million tons, up 0.8 million or 14 percent from last month and up 1.1 million or 19 percent from last year. The increases are based on harvest reports indicating continued high yields in European Russia. The grain harvest is roughly 60 percent complete and is now underway in the Urals and Western Siberia, where most of the countrys spring wheat is grown. Estimated corn production was reduced for the second consecutive month following high temperatures and persistent dryness in southern Russia. Output is estimated at 0.8 million tons, down 0.2 million or 20 percent from last month and down 0.8 million or 48 percent from last year.
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| Nov 1 2001 | Russia: Harvest Totals Continue to Climb |
Wheat production for 2001/02 is estimated at 44.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 2 percent from last month and up 10.1 million or 29 percent from last year. Barley production is estimated at 19.5 million tons, up 2.0 million or 11 percent from last month and up 5.4 million or 38 percent from last year. Rye production is estimated at 6.5 million tons, unchanged from last month, but up 1.1 million or 19 percent from last year. Oat production is estimated at 7.0 million tons, unchanged from last month and up 1.0 million or 17 percent from last year. Corn production is estimated at 0.8 million tons, unchanged from last month and down 0.8 million or 48 percent from last year. According to harvest results released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Russian farms harvested over 90 million tons of grain this year (bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying), and final net output is forecast at roughly 83.5 million tons, versus 65.5 million last year. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the 2001/02 Russian grain harvest is virtually complete, with total grain yield up 25 percent from last year.
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| Dec 1 2001 | Russia: Preliminary Harvest Data Indicate Bumper Wheat Crop |
Russian wheat production for 2001/02 is estimated at 45.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 2 percent from last month and up 11.1 million or 32 percent from last year. Estimated yield and production are the highest in almost ten years. Barley production is estimated at 19.5 million tons, unchanged from last month, but up 5.4 million or 38 percent from last year. Rye production is estimated at 7.0 million tons, up 0.5 million or 8 percent from last month and up 1.6 million or 28 percent from last year. Oat production is estimated at 7.0 million tons, unchanged from last month, but up 1.0 million or 17 percent from last year. Corn production is estimated at 0.8 million tons, unchanged from last month, but down 0.8 million or 48 percent from last year. According to harvest results released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Russian farms harvested more than 91 million tons of grain this year (bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying), and total net output is forecast to surpass 83 million. The 2001/02 grain crop benefited from generally favorable weather in almost all growing regions, although corn output was negatively affected by excessive summer heat.
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| Jan 1 2002 | Russia: Harvest Data Indicate Bumper Wheat Crop |
Russian wheat production for 2001/02 is estimated at 47.0 million tons, up 1.5 million or 3 percent from last month and up 12.6 million or 36 percent from last year. Wheat yield is estimated at 1.97 tons per hectare, the second highest on record. The revision is based on preliminary data from the State Statistical Committee. Barley production is estimated at 19.5 million tons, unchanged from last month and up 5.4 million or 38 percent from last year. Rye production is estimated at 7.0 million tons, unchanged from last month, but up 1.6 million or 28 percent from last year. Oat production is estimated at 7.0 million, unchanged from last month, but up 1.0 million or 17 percent from last year. Corn production is estimated at 0.8 million tons, unchanged from last month but down 0.8 million or 48 percent from last year. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Russian farms harvested over 91 million tons of grain this year (bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying), and total net output is estimated at roughly 85 million. The 2001/02 grain crop benefited from generally favorable weather in almost all growing regions.
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| May 1 2002 | Russia: Grain Yield Forecast Lower than Last Year, But Above Average |
Russian wheat production for 2002/03 is forecast at 41.0 million tons, down 5.9 million or 13 percent from last year. Estimated wheat area dropped slightly from last season, from 23.8 to 23.5 million hectares, with an increase in winter wheat area partially compensating for a forecast reduction in spring wheat area. Wheat yield is estimated at 1.74 tons per hectare, down from the exceptional 1.97 tons per hectare last year, but 15 percent above the average of the past five years. Barley production for 2002/03 is forecast at 16.0 million tons, down 3.5 million or 18 percent from last year, with area forecast to increase from 10.2 million hectares to 10.5 million. Yield is estimated at 1.52 tons per hectare, versus 1.91 tons per hectare last year and an average of 1.41 tons per hectare. The U.S. agricultural attaché in Moscow reports that supplies of fertilizer and chemicals have improved from last year, but it is unlikely that there will be a repeat of last seasons nearly ideal weather which resulted in bumper yields for both wheat and barley.
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| Jun 1 1999 | RUSSIA: GRAIN CROPS HIT HARD BY COLD WEATHER |
According to a report by the U.S. agricultural counselor in Moscow, wheat and coarse-grain production potential was reduced as a result of sub-freezing temperatures in southern European Russia during early May. Barley production suffered most and is estimated at 13.5 million tons, down 2.5 million from last month, but up 3.7 million from last year. Damage to wheat was less severe, with production estimated at 33.5 million tons, down 0.5 million from last month, but up 6.6 million from last year. Corn production is estimated at 1.8 million tons, down 0.2 million from last month, but up 1.0 million from last year. Damage was particularly severe in the Central Black Earth region, where grain yields are expected to fall by as much as 30 percent.
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| Jul 1 1999 | RUSSIA: COARSE GRAINS REDUCED BY DROUGHT |
For the second consecutive month, the Russian grain crop suffered from extreme weather. The sub-freezing temperatures that damaged winter wheat and spring barley in early May were followed by persistent dryness with occasional scorching temperatures during June. The drought was centered in the lower Volga Valley and adjacent regions, but was neither as extensive nor as severe as last year's drought. Coarse grains output is forecast at 23.7 million tons, down 2.5 million from last month (19.0 million last year); barley is reduced from 13.5 to 12.0 million (9.8 million last year); rye from 5.0 to 4.5 million (3.3 million last year); and oats from 5.5 to 5.0 million (4.6 million last year).
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| Nov 1 1999 | RUSSIA: HARVEST NEARLY COMPLETE - WHEAT AND BARLEY HIGHER |
Russias 1999/2000 wheat production is estimated at 32.0 million tons, up 1.0 million from last month and 5.1 million from last year. Barley production is estimated at 12.5 million tons, up 1.0 million from last month and 2.7 million from last year. Harvest was virtually complete by late October, except for corn and minor late-seeded grains and reported yield is up approximately 12 percent from last year.
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| Dec 1 1999 | RUSSIA: GRAIN HARVEST COMPLETE, WHEAT LOWERED |
Wheat production is estimated at 30.5 million tons, down 1.5 million from last month, but up 3.6 million from last year. Barley production is estimated at 12.0 million tons, down 0.5 million from last month but up 2.2 million from last year. According to preliminary harvest results released by the State Statistical Agency and other government agencies, total grain production will reach approximately 54.8 million tons, against 47.9 million last year. Grain quality, however, is down: only 63 percent of the wheat harvest met food-quality standards, compared to 76 percent last year.
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| Jun 1 2005 | Russia: Estimated Wheat Production for 2005/06 Up Due to Excellent Winter Conditions |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2005/06 at 47.0 million tons, up 2.0 million from last month and up 1.7 million from last year. Area is estimated at 25.0 million hectares, up 0.3 million from last month and up 0.8 million from last year. The increase is based chiefly on outstanding crop conditions in the Southern District, Russias key winter-wheat region, and sharply improved conditions in the southern Central District. Meanwhile, sowing is progressing well in the Siberian and Ural Districts, where about 60 percent of the countrys spring wheat is grown. In the Volga Valley, however, planting is running considerably behind last year; unusually cool weather delayed the launch of the spring sowing campaign, and a chronic shortage of tractors and other planting equipment has prevented farmers from compensating for the late start. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Sep 1 2002 | Russia: Harvest Reports Indicate Second Consecutive Bumper Wheat Crop |
Russian wheat production for 2002/03 is estimated at 48.0 million tons, up 7.0 million or 16 percent from last month and up 1.1 million from last year. Roughly 60 percent of the estimated total grain area of 48.1 million hectares was threshed as of September 2, and the harvest of winter grains is complete. Output was high in the Southern District, which comprises a large part of the countrys prime winter wheat zone, due to a combination of increased sown area and high yield. Yield was high in the Volga District also, despite persistent dryness during the growing season that caused concern among farmers in the region. By early September, the harvest campaign had advanced into the spring wheat region of Western Siberia, where crop development has been delayed due to cool, wet weather.
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| Oct 1 2002 | Russia's Favorable Weather Extends Harvest Window, Boosting Wheat and Barley |
Russian wheat production for 2002/03 is estimated at 49.0 million tons, up 1.0 million or 2 percent from last month and up 2.1 million or 4 percent from last year. Barley production is estimated at 18.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 6 percent from last month but down 1.0 million or 5 percent from last year. The harvest campaign in Russias spring wheat region has benefited from excellent weather. In Western Siberia, cool, wet weather during the growing season boosted yield potential but delayed crop development. Dry weather in September and early October extended the harvest season and enabled farmers to gather a large portion of the standing crop. The overall grain harvest was over 90 percent complete as of October 5.
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| Nov 1 2002 | Russian Wheat Harvest Surpasses Last Years Bumper Crop |
Russia wheat production for 2002/03 is estimated at 49.5 million tons, up 0.5 million or 1
percent from last month and up 2.6 million or 6 percent from last year. Barley production is
estimated at 19.0 million tons, up 0.5 million or 3 percent from last month but down 0.5 million
or 3 percent from last year. Grain harvest is virtually complete, except for corn, and favorable
harvest weather in the Siberian spring wheat region enabled farmers to gather a large portion of
the standing crop. By the end of October, farms had gathered over 93 million tons of grain
(bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying), including nearly 53 million tons of wheat.
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| Feb 1 2003 | Russia: Wheat Crop Highest in Over 20 Years |
Russian wheat production for 2002/03 is estimated at 50.6 million tons, up 1.1 million or 2 percent from last month and up 3.7 million or 8 percent from last year. Estimated area is unchanged at 25.7 million hectares. The revised production estimate is based on preliminary harvest data from the Russian State Statistical Committee (Goskomstat). Output reached the highest level since 1978/79, when an estimated 61.5 million tons of wheat were harvested from 34.5 million hectares. Timely June rains in the Volga Valley reversed persistent dryness that had threatened grain yield potential, and spring wheat output in Siberia benefited from relatively dry weather during the harvest campaign.
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| Jul 1 2003 | Russia: 2003/04 Wheat Production Drops Further While Barley Increases |
Russia wheat production for 2003/04 is estimated at 34.0 million tons, down 2.0 million or 6
percent from last month and down 16.6 million or 33 percent from last year. Unfavorable winter and early spring weather resulted in unusually high winterkill to 2003/04 winter grains. Estimated wheat area was reduced by 1.0 million hectares to 21.5 million. Final damage assessments indicate 30 percent of sown winter grain area was destroyed. Hot, dry weather in the Southern District, the countrys prime winter wheat zone, further reduced yield potential. Conditions for spring wheat are favorable, and the crop has gotten off to a good start in the Urals and Western Siberia. Spring wheat comprises two-thirds of Russias total wheat area. Russian barley production is estimated at 15.5 million tons, up 0.5 million or 3 percent from last month, but down 3.2 million or 17 percent from last year. Growing conditions for spring barley in European Russia improved considerably during June and compensated in part for late planting caused by cold April weather. Spring barley, which comprises about 95 percent of Russias estimated total barley area of 10.5 million hectares, is grown in almost all major grain production regions. Therefore, the persistent heat and dryness in the Southern District will likely have a minor impact on the countrys overall barley output. For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at (202) 690-0143
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| Aug 1 2003 | Russia: Abandoned Grain Area Replanted to Sunflowers in 2003/04 |
Russia sunflowerseed production for 2003/04 is estimated at 4.1 million tons, up 0.3 million or 8 percent from last month and up 0.4 million or 11 percent from last year. Estimated area jumped to 4.8 million hectares, from 3.8 million hectares in 2002/03, following unusually high damage to winter grains in southern Russia and replanting with spring crops. While the State Statistical Committee reported planted area at 5.3 million hectares, the second-highest sown area on record, roughly 10 percent of sown area typically is not harvested. Weather to date has been generally favorable for sunflowers, and yield is estimated at 0.85 ton per hectare against a 5-year average of 0.80 ton per hectare. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143)
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| Jan 1 2004 | Russia: Barley Output Down from Last Year, but Above Average |
Russias barley production for 2003/04 is estimated at 17.9 million tons, up 2.4 million or 15 percent from last month, but down 0.8 million or 4 percent from last year. The revised estimate is based on preliminary harvest data released by the State Statistical Committee. This marks the third consecutive above-average barley harvest. Spring barley which comprises roughly 90 percent of the total barley crop benefited from generally favorable conditions and good harvest weather following weather-related planting delays. Wheat production is estimated at 34.0 million tons, unchanged from last month but down 16.6 million or 33 percent from last year. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Feb 1 2004 | Russia: Sunflowerseed Production Reaches Record Level |
Russia sunflowerseed production for 2003/04 is estimated at a record 4.85 million tons, surpassing the previous record of 4.20 million set in 1995/96. Output is up 0.45 million tons or 10 percent from last month and up 1.17 million or 32 percent from last year. Sunflowerseed was harvested from an estimated 4.8 million hectares, up 26 percent from last year. Yield reached 1.01 tons per hectares, the highest since 1995/96. The sharp year-to-year jump in area was due in part to the crops continued profitability and in part to massive damage to winter crops. In Russias Southern District, a key region for the production of both winter wheat and sunflowerseed, over 20 percent of the sown winter grains were destroyed by severe weather. Many farmers elected to replant with sunflowers, and 2003/04 sunflower area in the Southern District increased by nearly 40 percent. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 1 2004 | Although sown winter grain area for 2004/05 dropped by about 9 percent |
Although sown winter grain area for 2004/05 dropped by about 9 percent from last year to 13.6 million hectares, due in part to rainy fall weather, harvested area is likely to increase by nearly 2 million hectares following a relatively mild winter and below-normal winterkill. Wheat comprises about 65 percent of Russias winter grain area, rye about 30 percent, and barley 5 percent. Except for a brief cold snap in early April that caused minor damage to crops in the key winter-wheat region of southern Russia, weather to date has been generally favorable. Although the U.S. agricultural attaché in Moscow reports access to essential inputs remains limited, there has been modest improvement in the financial status of grain farms, and early yield prospects are about average.
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| Jun 1 2004 | Russia: Good Conditions for Winter Wheat, Slow Planting Progress for Spring Wheat |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2004/05 at 42.0 million tons, up 2.0 million or 5 percent from last month and up 7.9 million or 23 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 24.0 million hectares, unchanged from last month, but up 1.9 million or 8 percent from last year. Winter wheat typically comprises about one-third of total wheat area but one-half of production since yield for winter wheat is frequently double that of spring wheat. Satellite imagery and local reports indicate that crop conditions are good in European Russia, where virtually all of the countrys winter wheat is grown. Winterkill was below average this season, and down sharply from last year, when severe weather destroyed roughly 25 percent of Russias winter grains. Meanwhile, spring wheat area is forecast to match last years 10-year low, based on reported planting delays in Siberia. Spring wheat planting typically concludes in early June, and yields hinge largely on summer precipitation. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jul 1 2004 | Russia: Higher Area and Generous Rainfall Boost Estimated Barley Output |
The USDA estimates Russian barley production for 2004/05 at 18.5 million tons, up 1.5 million or 9 percent from last month and up 0.5 million or 3 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 10.6 million hectares against 10.1 million last year. The month-to-month increase in estimated production is based on favorable weather for spring grains in European Russia coupled with a 5-percent increase in the estimated area of spring barley, which comprises 95 percent of total barley area. Meanwhile, a slight increase in estimated area increased estimated wheat production to 42.5 million tons, up 0.5 million or 1 percent from last month and up 8.4 million or 25 percent from last year. With spring sowing in its final stages, planting reports as of early June indicate that spring-wheat area will slightly surpass last years level. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Aug 1 2004 | Russia: High Yields Reported in Key Winter Wheat Region |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2004/05 at 43.5 million tons, up 1.0 million or 2 percent from last month and up 9.4 million or 28 percent from last year. Area is estimated at 24.2 million hectares, against 22.2 million last year. The month-to-month increase in estimated production is based on reports of outstanding winter wheat yields in southern Russia, where harvest is largely complete, and high yield potential in the Volga Valley and Central region, where harvest is still in progress. Prospects for spring wheat are mixed. Conditions have improved since last month in Western Siberia, the main production zone, but local officials are forecasting low yields in parts of the Ural region due to persistent hot, dry weather during June and July. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Nov 1 2004 | Russia: Wheat Harvest Up 30 Percent From Last Year |
The USDA estimates Russia wheat production for 2004/05 at 44.5 million tons, up 1.0 million from last month and up 10.4 million from last year. According to official harvest data, 48.1 million tons of wheat was harvested by November 2 (bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying) from over 95 percent of the sown area. Outstanding winter wheat yields in the Southern District boosted overall wheat production, and generally favorable harvest weather in the spring wheat region of Siberia has enabled farmers to gather an above-average share of planted area. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Dec 1 2004 | Russia: Lower Estimated Yield for Barley |
Russian barley production for 2004/05 is estimated at 17.5 million tons, down 1.0 million from last month and down 0.5 million from last year. The revision is based on a slight reduction in estimated yield. Area is estimated at 10.0 million hectares against 10.0 million last year. The grain harvest is virtually complete; according to official harvest data, 83.7 million tons of grain (bunker weight, prior to cleaning and drying) was harvested by November 16 from over 95 percent of the sown area. Wheat production is estimated at 44.5 million tons, unchanged from last month, but up 10.4 million from last year. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| Jan 1 2005 | Russia: Sunflowerseed Harvest Nearly Surpasses Record |
The USDA estimates Russian sunflowerseed production at 4.8 million tons, up 0.4 million from last month, but down 50,000 tons from last years record output. The estimated yield of 1.0 ton per hectare matches last years level. Although planted area fell by nearly 10 percent from last year to just over 4.8 million hectares, favorable weather enabled farmers to harvest virtually all of the planted area. In a typical year, nearly 10 percent of planted area remains unharvested. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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| May 1 2005 | Russias grain production for 2005/06 is forecast at 77.2 million tons |
Russias grain production for 2005/06 is forecast at 77.2 million tons (against 77.9 million last year), including 45.0 (45.3) million wheat and 17.0 (17.2) million barley. Grain area is forecast to increase slightly, from 44.0 to 44.7 million hectares, due to an increase in sown winter grain area. Wheat area is estimated at 24.7 (24.2) million hectares, and barley area at 9.8 (10.0) million. Early prospects for winter grain yields are generally favorable, but a late spring has delayed both the resumption of vegetative growth of winter grains and the planting of early spring grains. Yields for both winter and spring grains, however, depend largely on late-spring and early-summer weather.
Winter grains were sown on 14.8 million hectares, about 1.0 million more than last year. Steady improvement in fertilizer use and other crop-management practices have contributed along with good weather to three bumper winter wheat crops in the past 4 years, and modest improvement is forecast to continue for this season. Winter-grain conditions were relatively favorable as of early March, although March weather was relatively cool and snow cover in key winter wheat regions has lingered slightly later than usual. According to a late-March assessment from the Hydromet Center, winter grains were in poor conditions on 7 to 9 percent of the sown area, which is lower than the average of the past 7 years. In the key winter-wheat zone, only 3 to 5 percent are in poor condition. In general, winter crop conditions to date are similar to last year when final winterkill totaled 8 percent. (Average winterkill is about 13 percent.)
Spring grain planting usually begins in late March but typically is not in full swing until early or mid-April, depending on the weather. Officials forecast that spring grain area will reach roughly 33.0 million hectares (against 32.3 million last year), but most observers forecast area closer to 32.0 million. In European Russia, planting is off to an unusually late start: by May 3, only 4.5 million hectares of spring grains had been sown compared to 9.6 million by the same date last year and 6.2 million in 2003, another year marked by weather-related planting delays. Planting in the spring wheat region (chiefly Siberia) begins in May. Spring grain yield depends chiefly on weather from May through July. Yields for wheat and barley, the two major spring grains, are forecast near the 5-year average. (For more information, contact Mark Lindeman at 202-690-0143.)
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