This year’s French soft wheat crop, heavily impacted by rain, is expected to yield the smallest volume since the 1980s and is exhibiting mixed milling quality, according to FranceAgriMer. The ongoing heavy rainfall has affected both wheat planting and yields, presenting challenges for farmers facing lower prices and rising costs.
In its initial assessment, FranceAgriMer noted that test weights, which are crucial for determining milling suitability, varied significantly across regions. The eastern regions reported low averages, while the western areas showed satisfactory to good results. Sorting by grain handlers is anticipated to align test weight levels with market requirements.
The protein levels in the soft wheat crop also varied, but the national average is projected to be similar to last year’s figure of 11.6%. Other milling specifications, such as Hagberg falling numbers, were generally satisfactory.
While specific data on wheat quality was not released, traders highlighted that quality issues primarily revolved around test weights. Milling wheat buyers typically require a protein content of at least 11%, with some demanding 11.5% or higher. Wheat that does not meet these milling specifications may be redirected for livestock feed.
For durum wheat, used in pasta production, quality readings also varied, particularly in the southeast where yields were favorable. FranceAgriMer plans to publish detailed results on the 2024 wheat quality in the coming weeks.
Initial assessments for barley suggested satisfactory malting quality, especially for spring barley, despite some weak test weights. The overall quality for rapeseed was deemed satisfactory, although the oil content is expected to be slightly below the recent national average of 43.5%.