EU: Barley crop estimate down 0.1 mln tonnes on increased dryness in Spain

Weather has turned for the better with warmer temperatures and further rain aiding crop development in the EU. While the crop remains 2-3 weeks behind normal at this time of year, warmer temperatures are forecast and would help make up some of the delay, RMI Analytics reported on June 7.

Moisture levels are good but lighter soil regions could use further rain in the near term. The analysts’ production estimates are up slightly in Denmark, Sweden, France, & Germany but are offset by a reduction in Spain (due to increasing dryness). Overall, RMI’s crop estimate is down -0.1 mln tonnes at 59.9 mln tonnes.
Although French crop ratings declined slightly in May, warming temperatures are helpful, and soil moisture levels across western Europe are at near record levels. Further, RMI visited Denmark & Sweden last week in advance of their European Tour, and was pleased with the crop at this stage.

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