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March 22, 2002
Winter wheat production prospects in Turkey are better than last year due to above normal precipitation received this growing season (Figure 1) and a below normal harvest last year. Turkey’s wheat yields and production last year were lower than average due to localized drought conditions in Central Anatolia, the region that accounts for nearly 40 percent of Turkey’s wheat production. Wheat and barley are grown throughout the country, with wheat being the largest grain crop and barley being the second largest.
This year’s wheat and barley crops prospects are favorable due to abundant precipitation received from November to January, which also boosted moisture reserves throughout the country. However, final production and yield estimates for MY2002/03 will be largely determined by the rainfall received from March through May, which is when the head development and flowering stages occur (Turkey's crop calendar).
Turkey's wheat crop was planted late in the fall due to delayed rains in October 2001, but most of the country received above-normal rainfall from November-January. Below normal precipitation was reported in most parts of the country during February, and warmer-than-normal weather during February and March eased Turkey's winter wheat out of dormancy earlier than usual (Figure 2). The remaining snow cover in the country is currently within the eastern highlands (Figure 3). Rainfall during the next several months will largely determine the final yields of Turkey's, so far, excellent wheat crop.
Figure 1. Good Seasonal Precipitation for Turkey's Winter Wheat
Figure 2. Vegetation Vigor is Earlier Than Normal due to Warm Temperatures in February and March
Figure 3. Snow Cover Remaining Is in Eastern Highlands
Related Links
USDA/FAS/PECAD Weather Data over Major Crop Regions
http://151.121.3.218/rssiws/
USDA 2002 Annual Grain and Feed Report for Turkey (with
2002/03 wheat outlook estimates)
http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200203/135683778.pdf
NOAA SSD Snow and Ice Program
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/SNOW/index.html
For more information, contact Curt Reynolds with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division at (202) 690-0134.
