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The French harvest of wheat and barley continues at a rapid pace. Maize ratings continue to worsen

France's barley and wheat harvests are still well ahead of normal pace. However, maize conditions have declined after a hot summer start, according to FranceAgriMer, the farm office.

The rapid field work and strong yields reported have raised expectations for a rebound in wheat and barley production after the rain-damaged harvest of last year, which included the smallest crop of wheat since the 1980s.

FranceAgriMer reported in a report on cereals that French farmers had harvested 36 percent of the soft wheat harvest by 7 July, up from 11 percent a week before and exceeding the five-year median of 15 percent for the same period.

The soft wheat rating improved slightly. 68% of the crops were rated as being in excellent or good condition. This is up by one point compared to a week ago and significantly higher than last year's score of 57%.

The harvest of winter barley is almost complete. 94% of the crop was harvested on Monday compared to the average of 64% over the past five years.

France and other parts in Europe have been experiencing scorching temperatures for the last month.

The heat wave has accelerated the ripening process of wheat and barley, while only causing minimal stress to these cereals.

Benoit Pietrement is the head of Intercereales - a French grain industry association. He said: "Overall it has been a good year, especially for winter barley."

"Wheat is a little more mixed, but overall it's very good. It's much better than the last year."

Pietrement explained that crops with strong roots from autumn last year were better able to withstand the spring drought, and could draw from moisture reserves left over from heavy rains last year. Spring barley, he said, was more likely to be affected by recent hot, dry conditions.

FranceAgriMer reported that the harvest of spring barley had been completed by Monday at 30%, compared to a five-year median of 14%.

By July 7, 75% of maize crops had been rated as good or excellent, down from 78% one week earlier. This is the lowest score this time of the year since 2018.

The cooler temperatures and showers this week will help maize crops while slowing down the harvest of wheat and barley.

(source: Reuters)