The Ukrainian Ministry of Agriculture has indicated that the country's winter grain crops are set to mature at least two weeks earlier than usual due to unusually high temperatures in most regions during late May and early June. Winter wheat has long been at the forefront of wheat production in Ukraine, making up about 95% of the total harvest. Ukraine also cultivates a significant area of winter barley.
In a report, the ministry noted, "Winter wheat will begin to mature this year in mid-June and continue until early July, which is two to two and a half weeks earlier than average dates over the years." The ministry emphasized that the weather conditions for the growth of winter and spring grain crops at the end of May and early June are "generally satisfactory."
Ukraine experienced several cold snaps between May 1 and May 16. On Friday, Russia announced a federal state of emergency in 10 regions due to damage to crops from the cold snap that hit the country in May. Russia and Ukraine are the main grain producers in the Black Sea region.
The Ministry of Agriculture maintained its grain harvest forecast for this year at 52.4 million metric tons despite the poor weather conditions in May. According to the ministry's expectations, Ukraine can harvest 19 million tons of wheat this year compared to 22.5 million tons in 2023.
