At the end of March and beginning of April the Crop Tour team
travelled 4,893km across Ukraine and Russia.
The aim was to objectively record the condition
and yield potential of overwintered crops as spring growth recommenced.
The route took in the north, western and central regions of
Ukraine and central, southern and western regions of western Russia.
We used a rapid crop appraisal technique to make over 500
crop assessments and carried out 60 detailed in field studies to measure key
yield indicators.
In addition the team took photographs and video which was
made available during the tour and is now available on line.
The team held discussions with farmers and industry
personnel and collected anecdotal evidence on crop and soil conditions and counselled
opinion on the financial and political situation relevant to agri-businesses in
Ukraine and Russia.
The tour identified variations across Ukraine and Russia with
some regions scoring below satisfactory because of thin crops with small plants and higher than average levels of cold
damage.
Other regions visited were satisfactory in good condition
and showed no problems post winter.
Wheat
had reached early stem extension and farmers had started applying nitrogen
fertiliser.
Ukraine soils had been dry but late snows and rains
had provided moisture for early season growth and no farmers expressed concern
for soil moisture going in to April.
In Russia late snows and rain had improved soil moisture conditions
in central regions but there were still concerns over dry soils further south.
Finance from banks had stopped, credit from suppliers was
unavailable, they are requesting payment
on delivery.
Agri-businesses and farmers say they are trying to manage
resources by replacing higher cost crops such as corn and soya with lower cost
alternatives such as spring cereals, using cheaper domestic seeds and generic
chemicals, reducing nitrogen fertiliser rates and dropping out base fertiliser
altogether.
The report and data are now available at £75/€100/$115, email me your preferred currency and I will send you a copy on receipt.