Quality of 2023 straw cereal, rapeseed and protein crop harvests
Quality of 2023 straw cereal, rapeseed and protein crop harvests
The straw cereal, rapeseed and protein crop harvests are drawing to a close in France, although part of the soft wheat harvest has been hampered by summer rains. According to the latest estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty's statistics and forecasting department (SSP), this summer's harvest is satisfactory in terms of quantity, above the average of the last five years, with the exception of durum wheat and spring barley, which are losing ground. In addition, FranceAgriMer, Arvalis and Terres Inovia are releasing the initial quality trends observed in the regions, which will be refined over the coming weeks as laboratory analyses continue.
Soft wheat: good volume, satisfactory quality
According to the SSP, soft wheat production should reach 35.6 Mt in 2023, up on 2022 and the average for the last five years.
In terms of quality, for most of the production harvested before the rainy spells that began in the third week of July, specific weights are variable, but remain at the levels expected by the markets in the majority of cases. Sorting and cleaning operations by collectors will help to improve this criterion. Despite the stormy weather at harvest time, Hagberg falling number values met milling requirements. Protein levels, averaging around 11.5%, are also satisfactory. Plots in the north-west of France, where harvesting was delayed due to repeated heavy rains, will see their specific weight deteriorate. In these situations, particular attention should be paid to the Hagberg falling number.
Durum wheat: quality varies according to production basin
Despite a slight increase in yield compared to last year, the SSP forecasts a durum wheat harvest of less than 1.3 Mt, down 17% on the five-year average due to a reduction in the area under cultivation.
Quality levels vary according to production basin:
- in the Ouest-Océan and Centre basins, quality was good, with high protein contents and satisfactory specific weights.
- in the South-West, storms at the end of the cycle reduced specific weights and caused mitadinage. However, protein contents were good and Hagberg falling numbers were generally maintained.
- in the South-East basin, protein levels are low.
Winter barley: protein levels in line with brewing requirements
With increased acreage and very good yields, winter barley production is expected to reach 9.4Mt (+16% on the 2018-2022 average), according to the SSP.
Most winter barleys meet brewing quality requirements. Protein levels are good, with regional averages fluctuating between 10 and 11%. Specific weights are fair to good, except in the South following stormy weather at the end of the cycle. Grades are heterogeneous, following an East-West gradient, with the highest values in the west of the malting barley production basin.
Spring barley: satisfactory protein content, heterogeneous sizing
As a result of the drop in acreage, spring barley production, estimated at 2.7 Mt, is down on 2022 (-7%) and even more so on the 2018-2022 average (-22%).
In terms of quality, protein levels met malting barley specifications in most cases. Grades varied from good to poor, depending on the sector.
Rapeseed: oil content in line with marketing standards
With acreage at its highest level for 5 years (1.36 Mha) and national yields close to the five-year average (32 q/ha), French rapeseed production is estimated at 4.3 Mt, up 10.5% on the 2018-2022 average. This will enable the downstream sector to be supplied at a good level. In terms of quality, oil content is expected to be slightly lower than in the excellent year 2022. Although the kernels are small, their quality meets marketing requirements, with an oil content of between 43 and 43.5% by standard, in line with the five-year average.
Protein crops: good protein content for peas
Protein crop acreage is up 11% on 2022. In pure crops, pea yields averaged around 32 q/ha, with performance varying according to soil and weather conditions. Spring pea yields were limited by high temperatures during flowering and filling, but are better than in 2022.
In terms of quality, pea protein levels are fair to high, ranging from 23.5 to 25.6% DM (dry matter).
French winter bean production rose by 30% this year, thanks to a combination of increased acreage and higher yields.
Data sources :
- SSP/Agreste for yields, surface areas and production (August 2023) : https://agreste.agriculture.gouv.fr/agreste-web/disaron/IraGcu2393/detail/
- FranceAgriMer, ARVALIS and Terres Inovia on the technological quality of cereals and oilseeds.