France: Barley crop ratings fall after heatwave

The condition of French cereal crops declined in the week to July 1, farm office FranceAgriMer said on July 5, suggesting a negative impact from a record-breaking heatwave.

In a weekly crop report, FranceAgriMer estimated that 75% of soft wheat was in good or excellent condition by July 1, down from 80% a week earlier although still above a year-earlier score of 73%.

Spring barley saw the sharpest deterioration, with the good/excellent rating losing 10 points to 76%.

For winter barley, FranceAgriMer rated 73% of crops as good/excellent, down from 75% from a week earlier.

Some 22% of the winter barley area had been harvested, up from 1% a week earlier, FranceAgriMer said.