HAMBURG/REUTERS
Wheat plants in top three European Union producers France, Germany and the U.K. face an increased danger of damage from a long spell of dry weather in all three countries, analysts said April 19.
“While millions of people will be hoping for a hot, sunny Easter holiday this weekend, tens of thousands of farmers will be hoping for lots of rain, clouds and horrible weather,” one German analyst said.
EU wheat prices rose April 19 and were supported last week by fears the prolonged dry period was stressing wheat plants at a critical time of development after winter dormancy.
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Damage is not yet seen as irreversible, and substantial rain within the next two weeks could change the picture. But dry weather is forecast for the next week in all three countries.
In top EU wheat producer France, plant development has been good so far this season, but crop experts said dryness was starting to curb yield potential in some areas.
“If it does not rain in the next 10 days, the situation is going to become critical,” a French trader said.
