After the Rains, Farmers Rush to Harvest: What is Expected This Year

Photo: LETA

Favorable weather has allowed Latvian farmers to accelerate the harvest. According to experts, the harvest of winter crops this year promises to be good, although results vary significantly by region.

After prolonged rains that hindered agricultural work at the beginning of the season, the harvesting campaign has intensified in Latvia. In recent days, the weather has been favorable for fieldwork, and farmers are trying to make up for lost time, writes Latvijas Avīze.

According to the Latvian Rural Consultation and Education Center, the harvesting of winter barley is coming to an end across the country, and the threshing of winter rapeseed and wheat has begun.

Experts predict a good harvest of winter crops. This has been aided by the gradual onset of spring, sufficient warmth and moisture during the growing season, allowing the plants to develop well.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the average yield of winter wheat is 4.6 tons per hectare, rye — 4.2 t/ha, winter barley — 4.3 t/ha, and winter rapeseed — 2.3 t/ha. The yield of potatoes is estimated at about 27 tons per hectare.

However, the situation varies across regions. The highest yield potential remains in Zemgale, which is traditionally considered the main grain region of the country.

In Kurzeme, the results have been affected by weather contrasts. At the beginning of the season, the plants experienced a lack of moisture, and then heavy July rains in the northern part of the region flooded fields, complicating harvesting and potentially affecting grain quality.

In Latgale, an additional problem has been the consequences of several difficult years for agriculture. Due to financial difficulties, many farms have been forced to cut back on spending for fertilizers and crop care, leading to the spread of weeds and a decrease in yield potential. In some areas, heavy rains and winds have also caused lodging of cereal crops.

Good news is also coming from potato growers. Thanks to warm weather and sufficient soil moisture, the tubers are developing successfully, and in some farms, the harvesting of early varieties has already begun.

The weather in the coming weeks will play a key role. If conditions remain favorable, farmers will be able to complete the harvest without significant losses and maintain the quality of the crop.