PARIS: The condition of French soft wheat saw a slight improvement in the week leading up to June 9, while spring barley continued to decline for the fourth week in a row, as France heads into a dry spell expected to persist through the end of the month.
According to data released Friday by the farm office FranceAgriMer, 70% of soft wheat was rated in good or excellent condition, a modest increase from 69% the previous week. This follows a series of declines over the past month due to a dry spring that has left northern regions particularly dry.
Despite recent challenges, the current soft wheat rating remains above the 62% recorded at the same time in 2024. Soft wheat is the most widely grown cereal crop in France. Meanwhile, the condition of spring barley dropped to 71%, down from 73% the previous week and below last year’s 75%.
Winter barley improved slightly, rising by one percentage point to 65%, aligning with its 2024 rating. Durum wheat conditions held steady at 73%, a notable increase from 63% a year earlier. Grain maize remained stable at 85%, also above the 2024 figure of 80%, with sowing now complete.
Key Terms and Concepts
What is FranceAgriMer?
FranceAgriMer is the French national agricultural office that tracks crop conditions and market trends. It plays a crucial role in shaping farm policies and forecasting harvests. Its reports, like the weekly crop bulletins, guide decisions for farmers and grain traders. For instance, a downgrade in wheat ratings may influence futures prices.
Why is soft wheat important in France?
Soft wheat is a variety used mainly in bread, biscuits, and pastries, making it vital for food production. As France’s most cultivated cereal and top export grain, its health affects both domestic food supply and international trade. Countries like Algeria and Egypt are key importers of French soft wheat.
What does ‘rated good or excellent’ mean in crop reports?
Crop ratings indicate crop health based on visual and agronomic assessments, with “good or excellent” suggesting strong yield potential. These ratings are essential for market forecasting and farm planning. For example, a shift from 70% to 69% may trigger pricing changes on grain exchanges.
How does dry weather impact crops?
Dry spells reduce soil moisture, hindering nutrient uptake and growth, which leads to lower yields and poorer quality. This is especially harmful during flowering or grain-filling stages. In France’s 2025 spring, prolonged dryness in the north has already stressed soft wheat and barley crops.
What is spring barley and why is its condition declining?
Spring barley, planted in spring and harvested in summer, is used for animal feed, malt (beer), and food products. Its condition reflects current weather and soil health; in 2025, consecutive weekly declines highlight drought stress. A 2% drop in ratings could mean significant losses for brewers and farmers.
Why is grain maize condition important?
Grain maize, or corn, is essential for livestock feed, industrial uses like bioethanol, and some human foods (e.g., polenta, cornmeal). Its 85% good/excellent rating in France signals strong yield potential in 2025, offsetting declines in other crops. Maize also stabilizes rural economies through livestock-linked demand.
What does crop sowing completion indicate?
Crop sowing marks the start of the growing cycle; completion confirms the crop is established and weather is now the main variable. For maize in 2025, sowing is finished, giving clearer yield outlooks. Timely sowing improves growth stages alignment, especially in regions prone to late-spring droughts.
What is the significance of year-over-year comparisons in crop ratings?
These comparisons show whether crops are performing better or worse than the same time last year, aiding forecasting. In 2025, soft wheat at 70% beats 2024’s 62%, hinting at recovery or improved management. This context is vital for traders adjusting contracts or governments planning grain reserves.
How do European droughts affect global grain markets?
Europe, especially France, is a major grain exporter, so droughts there tighten global supply and raise prices. Reduced exports to regions like North Africa ripple across food-importing nations. In 2025, concerns over low rainfall have already spiked wheat futures and increased U.S. export competitiveness.
What role does climate change play in crop variability?
Climate change intensifies weather extremes—more droughts, floods, and heatwaves—making agriculture unpredictable. French farmers in 2025 face shifting planting dates and yields due to erratic rainfall. For example, dry springs followed by intense summer storms can devastate fields and infrastructure alike.
