DRV: German grain harvest 46.2 million t or 22% above the previous year - multi-year average The German Raiffeisenverband (DRV) estimates this year's grain harvest at a good average of 46.2 million t . Compared to the weak previous year, the result represents an increase of 22%, but compared to the 5-year average is good mediocrity. The estimate is based on the arable area of the Stat. Federal Office of 02 Aug 2019 and the earnings estimates of the DRV. At 23.8 million tonnes or more than 51%, wheat accounts for the largest share of German cereal crops. The wheat acreage increased this year by 2.9% over the previous year. The estimated yields are with 76.2 dt / ha only in the lower midfield. The wheat has suffered greatly during the dryness phase in the drought in June. However, there are major differences between the favored south of Germany and the disadvantaged north or east.The winter barley has weathered the dry period better, because the maturity was already well advanced. The area yields were above average at 74 dt / ha. On the other hand, the spring barley - depending on the location - has delivered a lot of small grains. The total barley harvest is still above average. The increased rye acreage contributes significantly to the good harvest result. The area yield is only estimated at 54.6 dt / ha, after all better than last year with only 42.1 dt / ha. The cultivation of triticale, on the other hand, has changed very little. Yields provide only narrow average results. The still growing corn fields are very different depending on the water conditions. Above-average harvests are expected in the south, while considerable losses are expected at the weak locations in the north and east. The DRV estimates an average yield of 91.4 dt / ha and a maize crop of 3.9 million t in the good midfield of the last 5 years.The total harvest is sufficient to cover the domestic consumption well. It is also enough for exports, but the competitive situation is not particularly favorable due to the high offers from the competing countries France, Russia and the Ukraine. Producer prices for cereals vary widely between the surplus and surplus areas. Forage wheat in the northeastern processing areas is between € 150 and € 173 / t, while in the surplus areas in the East, prices fluctuate between € 135 and € 145 / t. Feed barley quoted in a range of 135 to 163 € / t. Currently, the market is in a somewhat depressed mood, which will hardly be lasting, if one looks at the higher forward rates.
