Due to the Association UCAB experts’ estimations 2016 grain yield expected to reach 59.8 M tons which less comparing to previous year by 0.3 M tons. Along with, 2016/17 MY grain export is projected to reach 35 M tons – 3.6 M tons less comparing to the past season.

In general, there is no markable difference in volumes within current and past seasons, but the structure of sowed cultures has changed. Wheat areas have narrowed by 12% to 6 M ha due to unfavorable weather conditions for winter crops’ sowing campaign. At the same time, corn areas have increased notably up to 4.5 M ha (+9% comparing to previous season). Barley sowing areas are expected to remain stable at the level of 2.8 M ha.

Corn is expected to grab a major stake in yielding results with gross yielding volume at the level of some 27.3 M tons. At the same time, due to narrowing of sowing areas, wheat gross yield is expected to decrease from 26.5 M tons in 2015 to 23 M tons in 2016. Barley gross yield estimated at 7.9 M tons (-5% to last year).

Oil crops harvesting yield is projected by UCAB experts to reach 18 M tons in 2016 (+5% to last year) recording highest results from 1991. As major reason of such growth, experts defines an increase in sunflower sowing areas (+7% to last year), and positive expectations on favorable weather factors during spring and summer seasons. In the structure of gross yield, sunflower expected to have the highest share – 65%, second place is soybeans – 24% and rapeseed – 10%.

“Despite unfavorable weather conditions during sowing of winter crops and increase of financial burden, grains and oil seeds yield expectations are positive. Sufficient moisture level and successful sowing campaign will support estimations of positive oilseeds and grains yields at the same level of passed year”, - said Vitalii Kordysh, UCAB’s expert for agro markets.