Ukraine farmers harvested 24.3 mmt of wheat, 6% less yoy

Ukrainian farmers harvested 24.3 mmt of winter wheat
from an area of 6.4 mln ha, or 99.7% of total land sowed with this crop as of
Aug. 18, the Agrarian Ministry reported the same day. The total harvested volume
of winter wheat was 5.7% lower yoy. The average yield of winter wheat was 3.8
t/ha, or 9.7% lower yoy.

Andriy Perederey: The
unusually warm weather of May and June accelerated crop growth but unusually
wet weather in July hindered harvesting cmpaign and wheat quality, according to
the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center. For that reason, the winter wheat
yield and total harvest volumes were lower yoy. 

But the July weather conditions were favorable for
the spring crop, which are the key indicator for the season’s overall success.
We expect the spring crop harvest (especially corn and sunflower) will improve
yoy, which will contribute positively to 2018 economic growth and the 2H18
trade balance.