French barley conditions pass four-year low: Franceagrimer

French barley rated in “good to excellent” condition lost another percentage point on the week, falling despite warmer and sunnier weather at the start of April, Franceagrimer data showed for the week ending April 8.

Barley rated “good to excellent” now stands at 73%, the lowest rating seen at this stage of the campaign in the last four years.

Wet and cold weather during February and March hampered French cereal conditions, with the three main crops all nearing four-year lows, causing concerns for achievable yields this campaign.

Durum wheat in France lost one percentage point on the week and stands at 78%, just above the four-year low of 77%.

French soft wheat rated “good to excellent” remained unchanged on the week at 78%, just above the four-year low of 77%.

France is expected to produce 36.6 million mt of soft wheat, 12.1 million mt of barley and 2.1 million mt of durum wheat during the 2017/18 season, according to Franceagrimer data.