Heat takes the edge off Europe’s fine crops

Drought and heat during May have especially caused a reduced yield in winter grains. That is the conclusion in the MARS report for June, prepared by the JRC on the basis of satellite images. All of Europe is struggling with drought and extreme temperatures. The researchers warn that this will not be without consequences for the spring crops. The JRC researchers are positive about the expected potato yields. These are estimated 1% higher than last month, at 37.7 tonnes per hectare in the EU countries. The biggest increase is in Romania (+5%) and Belgium (+4%). For the latter country, the forecast is now 42.8 tonnes per hectare. The expectation for the Netherlands has remained unchanged at 43.3 tonnes per hectare. That is still 6% less than was harvested last year according to the researchers. In Germany, a 2% higher yield is expected (45.3 tonnes/ha), which is the highest yield in the entire EU. France is also up 2% to 42.5 tonnes per hectare. The forecast for sugar beets has not changed. At 77.7 tonnes per hectare for the entire EU, the yield is 5% lower than last year. Hungary shows a remarkable increase, with 11% more yield than was thought in May. The 59.9 tonnes per hectare is even a fifth more than was harvested last year. Precipitation surplus In parts of France, Germany, Poland, Czechia and Ukraine, it has been very hot and dry for quite some time. That has a negative impact on the crops. In addition, frost in Central Europe, including in Poland, Romania and Czechia, also caused damage to the crops in May. In the Netherlands, eastern Belgium, the northern French coastal region and western Germany, there was a precipitation surplus in recent weeks. Because temperatures were also high at times, biomass was able to develop well in May and June in large parts of Europe. However, the satellites are seeing more and more heat stress in the crops. For example in parts of Spain and France. In the Benelux, biomass development has actually slowed somewhat, after a very good start, because it remained colder than average there. Large differences The JRC sees large regional differences per country. For example, the crops in northern France are doing well on average, while in central and southern France damage from drought and heat can be seen. With the current extreme heat in the country, this damage is expected to spread further. That mixed picture can also be seen in Germany. It is especially dry in the east and south. Nevertheless, the JRC remains positive about grain yields, which are 5% above average. For yields in the Benelux, the researchers are keeping a close eye on things. A period of colder weather and drought came right during the ear filling, which is why this period was shorter than usual. Spring crops started quickly, but suffered delays due to a water shortage. In June, that has been replenished, so the signals are now green again. Grain yields above average Due to the conditions, yield expectations for winter grains have been lowered by 1% to 2%. The expected wheat yield is 6% above the five-year average in the Netherlands and 4% in Belgium. For barley, that is 2% and 3% above the average respectively. For the EU as a whole, yield expectations remain unchanged. That means the wheat yield is 5% below last year. For barley, it is even 10%. The yields are still slightly above average.