DRV estimates German grain harvest at 45.5 million t - low rye, good corn crop The German Raiffeisenverband (DRV) has raised the German grain harvest to 45.5 million t in its final Nov. estimate. The result comes despite a 0.9% smaller area, but due to a higher yield per hectare averaging 72.6 dt / ha. Thus, the German grain harvest is almost at the same low level of the previous year. The previous peak harvest of 2014 with approx. 52 milliont can only be achieved again if average yields are at least 5 to 7% higher than in the current year. The acreage changes move comparatively within a narrow framework. There were clear differences between the different cereals. The wheat crop grown on half of the cereal area only improved by 0.5% compared to the previous year. Compared to the peak year, there is a lack of at least 7.5% higher area yield. At -14.5%, rye harvest was significantly worse than in previous years for the second year in succession.This is due to the significantly reduced acreage by approx. 5% and the weaker yields per hectare, which are down 8.6% on the previous year. The scarce rye harvest has led to above-average rye prices. The harvest of triticale has also been smaller. The reasons for this were the lower acreage as well as the weaker yields. Despite a smaller acreage for winter barley , the German barley harvest was +1.4% better than in 2016.The 4.1% increase in income contributed significantly to this. The summer barley does not show quite as high rates of increase. Contrary to previous expectations, the corn harvest is estimated to be 9% higher than in the previous year due to the late summer months. The harvested area is approx. 3% higher. However, the decision to grow by 5.5% is decisive. While the corn harvest in the south is 100% complete, there are still a few stocks in the north on hardly drivable wet fields. Some uncertainty regarding the final result remains.In view of the limited overlay stocks and harvest, grain supply in Germany is not overly lush . However, the need can be served at any time from France.
