MARS: new climate data lead to further reduction in EU area yields In its most recent August issue, the EU Agricultural Meteorological Institute (MARS) has again reduced the yield per acre of the 2018 harvest. On the basis of the climate data analysis, the EU average results are about 5% below the 5-year average of 2013-2017 . Rye did the worst with a minus of 14%. The rapeseed yields are 13% below average. In the individual regions , however, larger differences have occurred.In particular, the northern and central regions of the EU were hit hardest by the dry and hot periods. These include the Scandinavian and Baltic countries with losses between -12 to -20%. Germany and the Czech Republic got it with -16 and -14 % respectively . Poland and Austria have to cope with lower yields of approx. -9% cope. In other regions of Southeastern Europe, there were just below average results. In contrast, due to favorable climatic conditions in the pre-harvest phase, above-average yield ratios of +15% were recorded on the Iberian peninsula . Italy is still on the positive side, while France held its own in midfield.In contrast, the United Kingdom falls significantly despite the sea-conditioned wet climate. The results for the corn yields are not final yet . Foreseeable, however, are stronger production losses, but again with regional differences. Even if the maize stocks in this country are anything but good, Romania and Bulgaria have very positive prospects under favorable climatic conditions. The previous evaluations are confirmed by the crop estimates using other methods. The yield assessments of the institute are included in the harvest estimates of the EU Commission.The grain prices on the stock exchanges seem to have their first flight of fancy behind them. In the post-harvest phase, prices start to crumble. On the buyer side, the demand coverage should be sufficient for a foreseeable future. Sufficient import goods ensures price calming. On the seller's side , the quantities safely stored in the warehouse are kept in the expectation of later price increases .
