Roughly a third of the harvest is still in the field, because the weather will not allow it to be brought in, and a large share of the grain already threshed is of feed quality, so the question of the overall yield and of final prices remains the great unknown. Sowing is also running late – around 60% of the planned rapeseed area has been sown. What is clear at this point is that many farms will face the challenge of reducing their production costs, because the exchange price of grain is low.

Poorer quality grain with a lower specific weight

At present about one third of the spring crops and a small amount of the winter crops are still in the field. The wet weather has also encouraged weed growth, and we now have a second generation of weeds, which is not a usual occurrence and, unfortunately, means that harvesting the remaining crop will be even more difficult. Grain quality is not what it was in previous years either. One of the main quality indicators is specific weight – last year it was 781 g/l, but this year only 730 g/l. The grains are smaller, less well filled, with a thinner husk. Grain like this also has a reduced processing value. Because of the weather we are also having to harvest grain wetter than it should be, although in our case we are saved by having our own dryer. Even so, it is important here to dry gradually, at a low temperature and with a greater air flow, in order to preserve the germination capacity of the grain.

Only about 60% of the planned area sown

Since the crops have not been fully harvested, sowing has been delayed accordingly. Only about 60% of the planned winter rapeseed has been sown. Fortunately, the weather forecasts for the beginning of September are encouraging enough, so we hope we will manage to finish the threshing and sow the remaining areas.

Liming the soil to improve productivity

This is the first year in which we have multiplied wheat seed on the farm, in cooperation with “Dotnuva Seeds”. Despite the challenges brought by the weather, the high moisture and the lodging, the first year of multiplication could on the whole be judged a success. We are convinced that this new direction should be continued in the years ahead as well. Of course, at the same time we have to look for ways to reduce production costs. Many farms will face that challenge. One solution is liming the soil, which is a classic but very effective way of improving results. In acidic soils it is difficult for plant roots to take up nutrients, but liming raises the pH, making phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other elements more available to plants. In addition, calcium helps to build a granular structure – the soil becomes more aerated and retains water and air better, and that means better conditions for root development.

The importance of modernising machinery

We have also invested in modernising our machinery, which means greater precision in the use of both plant protection products and mineral fertilisers. Modernising machinery means not only more convenient work but also a strategic gain – efficiency in the use of resources, higher productivity and a lower impact on the environment. Given that the climate may well remain highly unpredictable in the future too, farms need to think about every possible aspect they can improve in order to be prepared for situations like this year's.

This season has been a serious test for farmers, revealing both weak points and opportunities for development. Despite the challenges created by the weather, investment in improving soil fertility and modernising machinery points clearly towards more efficient and more sustainable farming. That means that even if there is still a great deal of uncertainty today about the yield and the final price of grain, in the future these changes will help the farm to be more competitive and better prepared for unpredictable conditions.