Global Crop Watch

Global Crop Watch Summary - July 16, 2004 - Recent rainfall patterns have been favorable for the wheat crop in western Australia and summer crops in China, U.S., western Europe, and Russia.  Showers in parts of Europe and Russia may have affected wheat harvesting.  Unseasonably cool and wet weather in the Canadian Prairies slowed crop development. 

Europe Total Precipitation - July 4 - 10, 2004.  Widespread rain aided summer crop development in northern and western Europe.  Warm and dry weather in southeast Europe favored wheat harvesting and maturing spring grains.  Soil moisture is declining in the south but is still adequate.  

Europe Political Map - This map shows the countries included in the European Union - the original 15 member states (EU-15) and the 10 new member states (NMS-10) that joined this spring.  

Wheat Production in the NMS-10.   Wheat production in the European Union's new member states (NMS-10) is forecast higher than last year.  Weather conditions have been much more favorable.  In 2003/04, yields were impacted by a severe winter which was followed by spring and summer drought.  

Corn Production in the NMS-10.  Corn production is forecast higher than last year and the highest in the past 6 years due to generally favorable weather across the region this summer.  

China - Yellow River Basin Seasonal Precipitation.  Rainfall has been near to above normal since January in the Yellow River Basin, one of China's most important agricultural areas.  In 2003, excessive rainfall in the second half of the season caused flooding and crop damage, particularly to cotton.  For more weather data, go to  Crop Explorer.  

China AVHRR Satellite Image of the Yellow River Basin, June 8, 2004.  On this image, vegetation appears in shades of red, mature crops are dark gray, bare soils or immature crops are light gray.  Winter wheat is mature, harvesting has started.  Some spring-sown crops (mainly early corn and cotton) are visible, but most of the area will be planted with summer crops in mid-June after the wheat harvest.

China AVHRR Satellite Image of the Yellow River Basin, July 13, 2004.  This image was taken about 5 weeks later.  Warm temperatures and frequent showers created very favorable conditions.  Crops are mainly in the vegetative stage and appear to be growing well.  

China AVHRR Satellite Images - June 8, 2004 compared to July 13, 2004.  Summer crops are developing rapidly.  

United States 7-day Accumulated Precipitation ending July 13, 2004.  Persistent hot and dry weather in the western U.S. increased the threat of wildfires.  Scattered showers offered little relief.  Monsoon rain is gradually moving into the southwest and southern Rockies.  Moderate rain and relatively cool temperatures covered most of the Great Plains, Corn Belt, and east coast.  Some storms were severe, with wind, hail, and torrential rain.  

US Seasonal Drought Outlook through October 2004.  Drought conditions are expected to linger in the Rocky Mountains and Intermountain region until the first snowfall.  Some improvement is expected in the western Great Plains and Southwest.  Conditions in the eastern half of the US should remain favorably moist.