As of July 11 this year, Russia harvested 11.0 million tons of wheat, while on the same date last year, 24.8 million tons were harvested. This means that the grain harvest is 56% below last year's level due to slow harvesting and low initial yield, according to Sovecon.
Experts noted that the pace of harvesting is slightly behind the average values, especially compared to last year. By July 11 this year, the harvest was gathered from 3.2 million hectares compared to 6.2 million hectares the previous year and an average of 4.1 million hectares. Last year's harvest started earlier than usual due to dry and hot weather," specialists emphasized.
It is also noted that the initial wheat yield is significantly lower than last year's, standing at 3.4 tons per hectare instead of 4 tons per hectare the previous year.
Analysts explained that the yield is decreasing because currently the harvesting is most active in the drought-affected regions of Southern Russia – Rostov Region and Krasnodar Territory. In the Stavropol Region, where weather conditions are more favorable, the yield is slightly higher than last year's.
Currently, dry and hot weather persists in the South, which may contribute to an increase in harvesting speeds in the near future. However, absolute temperatures can reach 40°C, increasing risks for crops.
"The wheat harvest is currently accelerating. As harvesting continues, an increase in yield is expected. Dry hot weather may have a negative impact on wheat in the European part of Russia. However, except for the South, prospects for the harvest as a whole remain favorable," experts concluded.
