Ukraine and Russia winter crop area: According to data from the State Statistical Committee of Ukraine, sown winter barley area for 2005/2006 went down to 0.48 million hectares, compared to 0.56 million hectares in 2004/2005 and 0.72 million hectares in 2003/2004. Sown winter all grain area for 2005/2006 increased by 9% to 7.45 million hectares.

In Russia, the Ministry of Agriculture reports sown winter barley crop area at 0.35 million hectares for 2005/2006. They reported sown winter all crop area at 14.4 million hectares, up 1.5 million from last year.

Warm weather in Ukraine and southern Russia since late November has resulted in the steady depletion of snow cover, which typically provides dormant winter grains with protective insulation against severe cold. Temperatures have been particularly high since December 25, with average daily temperatures consistently above the freezing mark. According to local reports, crops have broken dormancy in parts of southern Ukraine which leaves them vulnerable to damage in the event of a sudden and severe drop in temperatures. Minimum temperatures throughout Ukraine and southern Russia, however, have remained well above -16 degrees Celsius, the threshold temperature for damage to unprotected winter wheat, and no damage has occurred to date.

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