Rapsradar

The imports of rapeseed to EU-27 significantly exceed year earlier levels – despite a considerably larger EU rapeseed harvest than last year. 4.6 million tonnes were already imported from non EU countries to member states in the timeline of July till February, 45% more then in the year before. Next to the abundant supply of EU rapeseed, the availability and the prices on the global market are the main reason for the large import volume.

Winter crop production in Australia is estimated at a new record of 67.3 million tonnes in 2022–23, surpassing the previous year's record by an additional 4 million tonnes.

This represents an upward revision of around 8.4% from the December 2022 edition of the Australian Crop Report. Production of wheat with 39,2 Mt and canola with 8,3 Mt  are estimated to have reached new records, while the third highest barley production is expected.

For 2022-23, Canada seeded 8.7 million hectares (Mha) to canola, and harvested 8.6 Mha, while yields returned to a more normal 2,11 t/ha following the previous year’s drought.

For 2023-24, canola area is forecasted to rise slightly,  to 8.8 Mha, as support from attractive prices is offset by similarly attractive prices for alternate crops such as wheat and peas. Production is forecast at 18.5 Mt, assuming normal abandonment of crop area and trend yields. Normal weather and growing conditions for the upcoming crop year are assumed.

In 2022, Uruguayan farmers have cultivated significantly higher acreage of Colza (OSR) up to 345 kha taking advantage of good sowing, growing conditions and competitive prices, supported by export opportunity (mainly to UK).

Figures from the National Customs Directorate indicate that foreign sales of rapeseed grain reached 225 thousand tons in the period November21-October22. The figure represents a substantial increase of 93% compared to the 117 thousand tons exported in the previous year.

Dual-purpose canola is tested in Australia since many years to see if grazing of sheeps could be helpful against diseases and pests. And surprisingly, they only had a minimal effect on the grain yield after grazing. Especially in areas with high and medium rainfalls, the dual purpose canola provided an excellent weed and disease break. On the other hand, in the areas with lower rainfalls the dual purpose of canola the farmers can reduce risk with the grazing income. This system can offer next to a winter forage for sheep also grain for harvest.

A warming El Niño event may develop in the coming months after three consecutive years of an unusually stubborn and protracted La Niña which influenced temperature and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world, according to a new Update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

In such case, some potential consequences may be: areas in the northern U.S. and Canada are dryer and warmer than usual more heat, drought and fires in Australia in northern Europe, winters become drier and colder.