Precipitations have been observed in the Southern and Eastern parts of Ukraine since September 20. Abundant rains were seen in Odessa region and in the western regions. According to meteorologists it will be raining this week as well and precipitations will replenish soil moisture stocks in the key winter wheat producing regions.
Dry weather conditions in August and September are the key risk factor for the successful sowing and good start for plants development. The expectations of rain cause farmers to increase winter crop sowing pace, even in the case of rapeseed. Sowing pace is behind 5-years average and the last year.
It should be noted that for crop 2017 the intended area is estimated at 7.374 million ha for grain crops and 724 thousand ha for rapeseed. As of September 23, grain crops had been sown at 24%, rapeseed – at 93%.
Moreover, optimal sowing terms for winter grain crops have already begun in Ukraine. In Forest Steppe zone, where 38% of the plan had been sown, favorable terms expire on October 10. In Steppe zone winter crops had been seeded at 22% of the planned area and recommended terms are finishing on October 25. So it is rather obvious that extensive areas winter sowing will be carried out later than the optimal terms. (UkrAgroConsult/Business World Magazine)