January 29, 2001

RUSSIA AND UKRAINE: WINTER WHEAT ENJOYS UNUSUALLY MILD WEATHER

Temperatures have been above average for nearly two months in the winter-wheat region of the former Soviet Union (FSU). Despite brief episodes of cold weather in January, little or no cold-related damage has occurred so far this season in Ukraine or southern Russia. Temperatures dropped to minus 18 degrees Celsius in mid-January in parts of the central Volga Valley, but snow cover during this time was sufficient to protect winter crops from the cold. In areas devoid of protective snow cover (Odesa and Donetsk in southern Ukraine, Krasnodar in Russia's North Caucasus region), temperatures were not low enough or sustained enough to cause damage.

Winter-grain area increased from last year in Russia and Ukraine: Ukraine farms planted an estimated 8.9 million hectares of 2001/02 winter crops (chiefly winter grains) last fall, up from 7.9 million the previous year, while 2001/02 winter-grain area in Russia totaled approximately 14.7 million hectares, up from 13.8 million last year. Establishment conditions were unfavorably dry during October and November (see December 14 assessment).

Local reports indicate that winter crops are in generally good condition. The USDA will release its initial estimates of 2001/02 world-wide grain production in May.

For more information, contact Mark Lindeman with the Production Estimates and Crop Assessment Division on (202) 720-0888.