Ukraine. Abnormal June heat and its impact on the crop

High air temperatures of 30-37°C all over the main zone of grains and oilseed growing. Heavy downpours and hail occur from time to time.

Wheat is at milky and milky-wax ripeness. The hot weather leads to higher protein content. At the same time, wheat yield will not be affected substantially owing to available moisture reserves.

Winter barley. Farmers in the south have begun harvesting of winter barley. Its initial yield is a bit lower than last year, but the final one will be higher at a near-record level.

Rape plants are completing the ripening process. They are rated good to excellent.

Corn, soybeans and sunflower are in good condition in the vast majority of their areas. The hot weather hits late-sown crops.

Planting for 2019 in Ukraine is finished. According to current data, farmers had planted the following areas to late crops by June 14, 2019:

• corn area at 4809 Th ha, or 147 Th ha (3%) above the forecast 4662 Th ha;
• sunflower area at 5759 Th ha, or 45 Th ha (3%) above the forecast 5714 Th ha;
• soybean area at 1599 Th ha, or 223 Th ha (12%) below the forecast 1822 Th ha.

The valid production forecasts for sunflower and soybean remain cautious. At the same time, according to UkrAgroConsult’s estimates, the rapeseed crop will hit a record level.