Ukraine Crop Conditions

Posted by Nogger - a legend in his own mind at 12:50 | Categorized as

17/01/11 -- The Ukraine Ministry report significantly better crop conditions than twelve months ago, particularly for rapeseed.

As of the end of last week winter rapeseed was rated 54% in good condition (compared to only 39% a year ago), with a further 38% rated satisfactory (from 40%) and only 8% weak/thinned (from 21%).

Despite a fall in planted area, Ukraine's rapeseed crop could rebound close to 2 MMT this year if weather conditions play ball, according to UkrAgroConsult. A very hard 2009/10 winter saw high levels of abandonment last season, whereas so far in 2010/11 weather conditions have been relatively benign.

Other crops are also showing significant improvement on last year. Winter wheat is rated 57% good (from 46% last season), 36% satisfactory (44%) and 6% weak/thinned (10%).

Winter barley is rated 47% good (42%), 45% satisfactory (47%) and 9% weak/thinned (12%).

Note: any slight discrepancies are due to rounding.