French Rapeseed Needs Rain
Unusually dry weather finally gave way to increasing showers in Germany and Poland after a dry winter, but France rapeseed continues to struggle with drought, says Storm Exchange Weather.
Less than one inch of rain has been received in March, less than half the normal amount. Since December 1, the key rapeseed districts in central and northeastern France have received 30-45% below-normal precipitation. In fact, drought actually began last fall, while farmers were planting, they say.
Winters are usually rainy in Western Europe, bolstering field moisture for spring growth and development, but subsoil profiles are badly depleted in France and moderately dry in Germany and the United Kingdom, they add.
Less than one inch of rain has been received in March, less than half the normal amount. Since December 1, the key rapeseed districts in central and northeastern France have received 30-45% below-normal precipitation. In fact, drought actually began last fall, while farmers were planting, they say.
Winters are usually rainy in Western Europe, bolstering field moisture for spring growth and development, but subsoil profiles are badly depleted in France and moderately dry in Germany and the United Kingdom, they add.
