The weather remains the main concern across the industry this week. Crops are under continued moisture stress. Growers remain concerned about the overall viability of the crop given the reduced yields, additional costs associated with managing crops through the drought alongside already elevated production costs. The full impact of the weather on yields and market supply will become clearer as maincrop harvesting progresses. Reports to date indicate that yields could be reduced by 40% and some regional areas could be worse.
Across Europe, cumulative water deficits are now close to those of 1976 and 2018 and there is no sign of significant rainfall in the immediate future. Maincrop varieties have now entered a critical phase during August when maximum growth usually takes place. It is reported that on all crops combined the percentage of 50mm + is only 40% and on average 10.9t/ha. Dry matter levels are currently running at around 22.7%.
