Wheat News - 06 Oct 2024

France - Drought And Geopolitical Tensions Drive Grain Prices Upward
Germany - Successful Grain Harvest: Winter Wheat Up 7.4% To 79.5 Decitons
Macedonia - Macedonia Aims For 255,000 Tons Wheat Production Increase
Poland - Wheat Prices Rise 21 Pln/T; Exceed €230/Ton Globally
Russia - New Sorbents Achieve Over 95% Germination In Four Hours
Russia - Vat Exemption Extended To Seeds For Rye, Barley, Wheat
Russia - Russia Expands Baltic Sea Ports, Aims For 50% Export Increase
Serbia - Serbia Lifts Wheat, Flour, And Oil Export Ban To Rmv
Spain - Wheat Prices Rise €4, Hits €210/Tm Amid Conflict
Switzerland - Heavy Rains Devastate Swiss Wheat Harvest, Driving Up Prices
UK - Uk Wheat Production Falls 25% To 11.7 Million Tonnes
Ukraine - Ukrainian Grain Exports Exceed 11 Million Tons In 2024/25
Ukraine - Russians Steal 8,000 Tons Of Ukrainian Grain From Mariupol
Ukraine - Bread Prices Rise: Wheat Bread Hits 48.50 Uah Per Kg
Ukraine - Ukraine Sows 1.82 Million Hectares, 35.1% Of Target
Ukraine - Ukraine Harvests 56.6 Million Tons Of Grains And Crops

India - Bihar Government To Distribute 14,750 Quintals Of Free Seeds
India - Wheat Prices Surge Over ₹3,000 Per Quintal Amid Demand
India - New Wheat Variety Could Yield 30-35 Quintals Per Acre
India - Wheat Msp To Rise 5% To Rs 2400, Bihar'S 30% Boost
India - Nuziveedu Launches Nws-2214 Wheat Yielding 60-75 Quintals
Iraq - Barzani Launches Slevana Wheat Factory To Boost Kurdistan Economy
Kazakhstan - Kazakhstan Harvests 22.7 Million Tons Of Grain This Year
Philippines - Philippines Wheat Imports Projected At Record 7.15 Million Tons
Syria - Syrian Regime Imports 8,728 Tons Of Ukrainian Wheat
Turkey - Turkey Eases Wheat Import Restrictions To Stabilize Supply
Turkey - Turkey Partially Lifts Wheat Import Ban With 15 Tons Quota
Turkey - Turkey'S 2023 Wheat Harvest Reaches 22 Million Tons Total
Turkey - Turkey'S Wheat Import Ban Opposition Grows As 2024 Deadline Approaches

Argentina - 70% Market Devastated, 50% Population In Poverty Due To Drought
Argentina - Wheat Prices Rise 18% Amid Geopolitical Tensions And Drought
Argentina - Wheat Areas: 45.3% Adequate Water, 66% Normal/Excellent
Brazil - Rains Boost Summer Planting, Wheat Production Drops 32%
Brazil - Wheat Crops Progressing Well On 1.3 Million Hectares
Canada - Grain Futures Up 4.24% In Q3, Oats Surge 26.72%
Mexico - Tamaulipas Allocates 270 Million Pesos For 33,000 Farmers
Mexico - Wheat Cultivation Declines To Historic Low Of 17.7%
Mexico - 100,000 Tons Of Grains Stranded Due To 10-Day Blockade
United States - Wheat Production Hits 1.971 Billion Bushels, Prices Fall 1%
United States - Strike Ends After 45,000 Workers Secure 62% Increase, Halts $1.4

Africa - Afdb Aims For 120Mt Grain Increase By 2025
Egypt - Egypt Imports 2.908 Million Tons Of Russian Grain, Up 40%
Nigeria - Jigawa Aims For 120,000 Hectares Of Wheat In 2024
Tunisia - Tunisia Secures $6.5 Million For 200,000 Hectares Wheat Expansion

Russia - Wheat Sales From Russia'S Fund Fall To 135 Tons This Week
Russia - Chuvashia Exports 22,500 Tons Of Grain In 2024
Russia - Russia Raises Wheat Export Duty To 1,328.3 Rubles Per Ton
Russia - Rostov Region Grain Prices Rise 13% Despite 9% Harvest Decline

Australia - Frost Causes 10% Yield Decrease In Loddon Crops

France - Drought And Geopolitical Tensions Drive Grain Prices Upward
Drought and geopolitical tensions have heightened firmness in agricultural commodity markets this week. The interplay between climate risks and geopolitical issues is driving prices upward in grain markets.(La France Agricole)

Germany - Successful Grain Harvest: Winter Wheat Up 7.4% To 79.5 Decitons
Farmers in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reported a successful grain harvest, with winter wheat yielding an average of 79.5 decitons per hectare, up 7.4% from last year. Potato yields also rose to 438 decitons per hectare, exceeding the six-year average by over 21%. The state's harvest festival in Stralsund attracted thousands, celebrating agricultural achievements while addressing climate challenges and food security.(Süddeutsche Zeitung - SZ.de)

Macedonia - Macedonia Aims For 255,000 Tons Wheat Production Increase
The Macedonian Minister of Agriculture, Lupčo Nikolovsky, announced plans to expand the intervention fund to support various agricultural sectors amid a global crisis. Measures include subsidies for fertilizers and livestock. Local wheat production aims to increase by 500 kg per hectare, targeting 255,000 tons this year, while imports will be limited to about 50 tons.(Telegrafi)

Poland - Wheat Prices Rise 21 Pln/T; Exceed €230/Ton Globally
Wheat prices in Poland rose by 21 PLN/t to 800–950 PLN/t, with international prices exceeding €230/t. Rapeseed also surpassed €480/t, resulting in increases of 20-30 PLN/t domestically. Global sunflower seed production is projected at 50.6 million tons, mainly due to lower yields in Ukraine, while farmer inquiries have risen but sales remain limited.(topagrar.pl | Wiadomości Rolnicze)

Russia - New Sorbents Achieve Over 95% Germination In Four Hours
Researchers in Krasnoyarsk have developed new composite sorbents for drying thermolabile materials, particularly wheat seeds. The method achieves optimal moisture levels in four hours, improving germination rates to over 95% compared to traditional methods. The sorbents, based on magnesium sulfate and cenospheres, enhance storage quality while minimizing seed damage and energy consumption.(Научная Россия)

Russia - Vat Exemption Extended To Seeds For Rye, Barley, Wheat
A VAT exemption has been extended to seeds for sowing rye, barley, and wheat, as well as various other agricultural crops, following amendments by the Ministry of Agriculture. This applies to treated seeds sold at a 10% VAT rate retroactively from August 8, 2024, to December 31, 2029.(The DairyNews)

Russia - Russia Expands Baltic Sea Ports, Aims For 50% Export Increase
Russia is expanding its Baltic Sea ports to reduce reliance on Black Sea routes and aims to increase agricultural exports by 50% by 2030. The 2023-24 grain exports from Russia are projected at 72 million tons. New ports Vysotsky and Lugaport can handle up to 15 million tons annually. Current Black Sea exports account for 90% of total grain shipments.(ニューズウィーク日本版)

Serbia - Serbia Lifts Wheat, Flour, And Oil Export Ban To Rmv
Serbia will lift its ban on the export of wheat, flour, and oil to North Macedonia, as announced by Nikollovski in Belgrade. This decision aims to enhance trade relations between the two countries and ensure the supply of essential commodities.(Telegrafi)

Spain - Wheat Prices Rise €4, Hits €210/Tm Amid Conflict
Wheat prices have risen by €4 per ton, reaching a four-month high of €210/Tm, amid escalating Middle East conflict and geopolitical tensions. Barley prices increased by €3, with corn also up over €4/Tm. Year-on-year, cereal prices dropped approximately 20%, with oats down 33.6%. Dry conditions in Russia and adverse weather in Australia are affecting production forecasts.(Agronegocios | agroinformacion.com)

Switzerland - Heavy Rains Devastate Swiss Wheat Harvest, Driving Up Prices
Heavy rains in Switzerland have devastated the wheat harvest, leading to a crisis for local farmers. This disruption is expected to drive up prices for bread and flour, impacting consumers. The agricultural sector faces significant challenges as the country grapples with the fallout from the adverse weather conditions.(MSN)

UK - Uk Wheat Production Falls 25% To 11.7 Million Tonnes
UK farmers harvested approximately 11.7 million tonnes of wheat this year, marking the third smallest crop in 40 years and a nearly 25% decrease from 2023. The decline in production is also seen in oilseeds and barley, reflecting broader challenges in the agricultural sector.(Farmers Guardian)

Ukraine - Ukrainian Grain Exports Exceed 11 Million Tons In 2024/25
Ukrainian grain exports for the 2024/25 season have surpassed 11 million metric tons as of October 4, up from 6.8 million tons the previous year. This includes 6.4 million tons of wheat, nearly 3 million tons of corn, and over 1.4 million tons of barley. The government has set a wheat export limit of 16.2 million tons.(Yahoo Finanzas)

Ukraine - Russians Steal 8,000 Tons Of Ukrainian Grain From Mariupol
Russian occupants have stolen another 8,000 tons of grain from Mariupol, bringing the total for the year to over 180,000 tons. They use a coercive grain collection system at below-market prices, leading to significant economic losses for Ukraine. Additionally, stolen grain from Sevastopol has been sent to Syria.(Українські Національні Новини)

Ukraine - Bread Prices Rise: Wheat Bread Hits 48.50 Uah Per Kg
Bread prices in Ukraine continue to rise, with wheat bread from the highest grade now costing 48.50 UAH per kilogram (+6%), and first-grade wheat bread at 39.59 UAH (+7.7%). Rye bread is priced at 40.93 UAH (+7.9%), while a loaf costs 25.39 UAH for 500 grams (+7.4%). Further increases of 5-10% are expected in October.(24 Канал)

Ukraine - Ukraine Sows 1.82 Million Hectares, 35.1% Of Target
Weather conditions in Ukraine remain poor for winter grain sowing, with soil preparation hindered by a lack of precipitation. As of September 30, farmers had sown 1.82 million hectares of winter grains, 35.1% of the 5.19 million hectares target. This includes 1.67 million hectares of winter wheat, crucial for 95% of the country's wheat output.(Business Recorder)

Ukraine - Ukraine Harvests 56.6 Million Tons Of Grains And Crops
Ukraine has harvested 56.6 million tons of crops this season from 15.8 million hectares, including 37.3 million tons of grain and 15.8 million tons of oilseeds. Key outputs are 22.3 million tons of wheat and 5.5 million tons of barley. Odesa, Poltava, and Vinnytsia are the leading regions, with 11 million tons of grain exported.(Son Dakika | НикВести | LA NACION | Українські Національні Новини)

India - Bihar Government To Distribute 14,750 Quintals Of Free Seeds
The Bihar government will provide free wheat seeds to farmers to enhance crop production. The target is to produce 3.5 lakh quintals of certified wheat seeds across 21 districts, with an initial distribution of 14,750 quintals for free. Using quality seeds can increase production by 20%. The initiative aims to boost farmers' income and simplify agriculture.(Zee News Hindi)

India - Wheat Prices Surge Over ₹3,000 Per Quintal Amid Demand
Wheat prices are rising sharply, reaching over ₹3,000 per quintal in some areas, driven by increased demand during the festive season despite high production. In Rajasthan, prices range from ₹2,650 to ₹3,050 per quintal. The government is considering an Open Market Sale Scheme to stabilize prices, but farmers oppose it due to potential profit loss from higher market prices.(Hardum Haryana News)

India - New Wheat Variety Could Yield 30-35 Quintals Per Acre
Scientists at the Karnal Indian Wheat Research Institute have developed five new wheat varieties for Haryana farmers, notably DBW 327, which can yield 30 to 35 quintals per acre compared to the current 15 to 20 quintals. This variety is resistant to diseases and weather fluctuations, potentially doubling farmers' incomes and enhancing food security in the region.(Chaupal Tv)

India - Wheat Msp To Rise 5% To Rs 2400, Bihar'S 30% Boost
The government is set to raise the minimum support price for wheat by 5% to Rs 2400/quintal for the 2025-26 season, following a record output of 113.29 million tonnes in 2023-24. Meanwhile, Bihar aims to produce 350,000 quintals of certified wheat seeds, offering farmers seeds at 25-30% above MSP with an 80% subsidy.(The Financial Express | दैनिक जागरण (Dainik Jagran) | Kisan Tak)

India - Nuziveedu Launches Nws-2214 Wheat Yielding 60-75 Quintals
Nuziveedu Seeds Limited has launched the NWS-2214 Kanak wheat variety for Rabi 2024, promising yields of 60-75 quintals per hectare. This resilient variety is tolerant to heat, drought, and diseases, maturing in 130-135 days. It aims to enhance productivity across multiple Indian states, improving farmers' livelihoods through innovative agricultural practices.(Lokmat Times | Press Trust of India | ThePrint | ANI News | Sangri Today Spotlight)

Iraq - Barzani Launches Slevana Wheat Factory To Boost Kurdistan Economy
Prime Minister Barzani inaugurated the Slevana wheat marketing factory in Zakho, highlighting its significance for agricultural development in the region. The establishment of this factory aims to enhance local wheat production and support farmers, contributing to economic growth in Kurdistan.(Kurdistan24)

Kazakhstan - Kazakhstan Harvests 22.7 Million Tons Of Grain This Year
Kazakhstan harvested nearly 22.7 million tons of grain from over 15 million hectares, with an average yield of 15 quintals per hectare. Wheat contributed 17.3 million tons from 12.1 million hectares, and barley produced 3.4 million tons from 2 million hectares. Spring and harvest financing reached 580 billion tenge, nearly three times previous years.(Петропавловск.news | ElDala.kz)

Philippines - Philippines Wheat Imports Projected At Record 7.15 Million Tons
Filipino demand for pasta and wheat products is projected to drive wheat imports to a record 7.15 million metric tons in 2024-2025, up from 6.915 million metric tons. Key factors include increased consumption, economic growth, and reduced local corn production. The US leads as the top supplier with 39% market share, followed by Australia and Brazil.(Philstar.com)

Syria - Syrian Regime Imports 8,728 Tons Of Ukrainian Wheat
The Syrian regime has confirmed importing wheat from Ukraine, countering prior claims of sourcing only from Russia. A shipment of 8,728 tons was rejected due to decay. The regime relies on Russian wheat, with imports increasing 17-fold since the invasion of Ukraine, totaling over 500,000 tons, about one-third of Syria's grain imports.(Enab Baladi)

Turkey - Turkey Eases Wheat Import Restrictions To Stabilize Supply
Turkey has eased import restrictions on wheat, allowing for more flexible trading conditions. This change aims to stabilize domestic supply and ensure food security amid rising global prices. The specifics of the new regulations and their potential impact on market dynamics remain to be fully assessed.(AgroPortal.ua)

Turkey - Turkey Partially Lifts Wheat Import Ban With 15 Tons Quota
Turkey will partially lift its four-month wheat import ban on October 15, introducing a quota system allowing millers to import 15 tons of wheat for every 85 tons purchased domestically. This measure aims to manage high stock levels, with wheat exports falling 41% in August due to the Ukraine conflict, marking the highest stock levels in nearly 30 years.(BNN Bloomberg | Yeniçağ | Borsa Gündem | Haber Gazetesi | Dünya Gazetesi | Bloomberg HT | Kıbrıs Postası | Son Dakika 24 | Gazete Banka | Gazete Gerçek)

Turkey - Turkey'S 2023 Wheat Harvest Reaches 22 Million Tons Total
Turkey's wheat harvest in 2023 reached 22 million tons, with over 20 million tons expected for pasta. Eksun Gıda aims for a capacity of 434,000 tons by year-end. The FAO reported a 0.5% drop in the Grain Price Index in August. Climate change impacts food access and prices, highlighting the need for sustainable practices and government support.(Gazete Anadolu | FUAR DERGİSİ | Haber Fark | Bölgenin Sesi Gazetesi)

Turkey - Turkey'S Wheat Import Ban Opposition Grows As 2024 Deadline Approaches
Turkey suspended wheat imports in June to stabilize prices and boost domestic production. The Flour Industrialists Federation opposes the ban's extension, advocating for the flour industry's needs. Additionally, Turkish flour mills seek relaxation of the ban, set to last until October 15, 2024, requesting import options through the state grain board or privately.(Ekonomim | Business Recorder)

Argentina - 70% Market Devastated, 50% Population In Poverty Due To Drought
Ulises Forte, an agricultural producer, highlighted the severe impact of drought and unclear policies on farming. He noted that 70% of the internal market is devastated, with 50% of the population in poverty. The current financial situation is dire, with high interest rates and taxes. Urgent rainfall is needed for wheat, while maize planting is delayed due to costs of 800,000 pesos per hectare. A supportive state is essential for recovery.(InfoPico)

Argentina - Wheat Prices Rise 18% Amid Geopolitical Tensions And Drought
International wheat prices have surged 18% since August, driven by geopolitical tensions and adverse weather. Russia's output is forecasted to decline 11% to 83 million tons, while Ukraine's is down 18% to 22.6 million tons. Argentina anticipates a harvest of only 20.5 million tons due to severe drought conditions.(Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario | agrositio.com.ar)

Argentina - Wheat Areas: 45.3% Adequate Water, 66% Normal/Excellent
After recent rains, 45.3% of wheat areas have adequate moisture, with 66% rated as normal/excellent. However, western Buenos Aires and La Pampa face water stress, risking yields. For barley, 62% of the 1.3 million hectares are adequately conditioned, with 80% rated as normal/good. Continued precipitation is essential for both crops.(Noticias AgroPecuarias | El Regional Digital)

Brazil - Rains Boost Summer Planting, Wheat Production Drops 32%
Recent rains have favored the planting of summer crops for 2024/2025, with 10% of the record 5.8 million hectares of soybean already sown. However, wheat production for 2023/2024 is projected at 2.6 million tons, a 32% drop from initial estimates. Financial losses for wheat exceed R$ 1 billion. Maize planting is also on track, with expected production of 2.6 million tons.(Diário Indústria&Comércio)

Brazil - Wheat Crops Progressing Well On 1.3 Million Hectares
Despite heavy rains, hail, and strong winds, wheat crops in the state are progressing well, according to Emater-RS/Ascar. Currently, 15% are maturing, 46% are filling grains, and 29% are flowering. The cultivated area is 1,312,488 hectares, with a projected yield of 3,100 kg/ha. However, increased ryegrass infestation raises concerns for producers.(Correio do Povo)

Canada - Grain Futures Up 4.24% In Q3, Oats Surge 26.72%
Grain futures rose 4.24% in Q3 but remained 9% lower than 2023 levels. Oats surged 26.72%, while corn and wheat saw gains of 6.92% and 5.51%, respectively. Soybeans fell 8.13%. Prices are under pressure, but low levels may spur recovery. Global demand and weather uncertainties could drive future price increases.(The Globe and Mail)

Mexico - Tamaulipas Allocates 270 Million Pesos For 33,000 Farmers
Tamaulipas has allocated 270 million pesos to support over 33,000 farmers by extending the application period for a program aiding sorghum and wheat producers, with a new deadline of October 11, 2024. In Sonora, remaining stored wheat will help mitigate a 75,000-hectare cultivation drop, leading to over 15 billion pesos in losses and 4.5 million lost workdays.(Expreso | El Imparcial)

Mexico - Wheat Cultivation Declines To Historic Low Of 17.7%
Wheat cultivation in southern Sonora is declining due to low prices, rising input costs, and drought. Only 25% of the Mayo Valley and 13% of the Yaqui Valley will be planted with wheat. In 2022, 296,215 hectares yielded 1.94 million tons. For 2024-2025, only 17.7% of the land is expected to be sown with wheat, the lowest in history.(meganoticias)

Mexico - 100,000 Tons Of Grains Stranded Due To 10-Day Blockade
Felipe de Javier Peña Dueñas, president of Conago, reported 100,000 tons of maize, soy, wheat, and broken grains stranded at Veracruz due to a 10-day train blockade by Chapulco residents demanding water access. The blockade affects deliveries, incurring daily costs of $18,000 to $20,000. The situation risks food supply shortages and inflation for basic grains in Mexico.(Forbes México)

United States - Wheat Production Hits 1.971 Billion Bushels, Prices Fall 1%
U.S. wheat production for 2024-2025 is projected at 1.971 billion bushels, a 9% increase from last year. Chicago wheat prices fell to $5.97 amid geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. Prices reached $6.15 before closing lower, with U.S. wheat stocks at 54 million tons. Corn prices rose 17%, while soybeans showed volatility.(newsdakota.com | LA NACION | Finimize | Agrolink | High Plains Journal | XM)

United States - Strike Ends After 45,000 Workers Secure 62% Increase, Halts $1.4
A three-day strike by 45,000 longshoremen ended on October 3, securing a 62% wage increase over six years. The strike threatened $1.4 billion weekly in agricultural trade, impacting 40% of U.S. containerized agricultural exports. President Biden declined to intervene in the labor dispute, emphasizing the significance of operational ports for U.S. agriculture.(High Plains Journal | High Plains Journal)

Africa - Afdb Aims For 120Mt Grain Increase By 2025
The African Development Bank (AfDB) aims to produce an additional 120 million tons of food by 2025 to address food insecurity, lifting 130 million people out of poverty. The initiative targets over 40 million farmers and focuses on boosting local wheat production amid rising demand and geopolitical tensions. Consumption in Sub-Saharan Africa has surged over six percent in the past decade.(THISDAY Newspapers)

Egypt - Egypt Imports 2.908 Million Tons Of Russian Grain, Up 40%
Egypt imported 2.908 million tons of Russian grain from July to September, a 40% increase, with wheat making up 2.884 million tons. The government plans to reduce wheat imports by 1 million tons annually by 2025 by mixing alternatives into subsidized bread. Egypt requires about 8.25 million tons of wheat yearly for over 70 million people.(Интерфакс | Business AM - FR | ARAB NEWS | Investing.com Brasil)

Nigeria - Jigawa Aims For 120,000 Hectares Of Wheat In 2024
Jigawa State plans to cultivate 120,000 hectares of wheat in 2024, significantly up from 55,000 hectares in 2023. Governor Umar Namadi announced this at the West and Central Africa Wheat Summit, highlighting federal support covering 50% of costs. New collaborations aim to enhance seed supply and local production, promoting self-sufficiency in wheat farming.(Leadership News)

Tunisia - Tunisia Secures $6.5 Million For 200,000 Hectares Wheat Expansion
Tunisia is entering a new phase of agricultural modernization to boost wheat production. On September 30, the Ministry of Agriculture signed a 20 million dinar ($6.5 million) financing agreement with the Tunisian Solidarity Bank to support small farmers. The initiative aims to add 200,000 hectares for wheat cultivation by the 2024/2025 campaign, addressing a production shortfall against a national demand of 2.8 million tons.(La Nouvelle Tribune)

Russia - Wheat Sales From Russia'S Fund Fall To 135 Tons This Week
Wheat sales from Russia's state intervention fund fell to 135 tons this week, generating 2.1 million rubles. Only one of five trading days was successful. Since August 19, 29,295 tons have been sold for 458.9 million rubles. The government plans to sell up to 500,000 tons in 2024 and has allocated 3.1 billion rubles for replenishing the fund.(Интерфакс)

Russia - Chuvashia Exports 22,500 Tons Of Grain In 2024
In the first nine months of 2024, Chuvashia sold 28,600 tons of grain and processed products, with 22,500 tons exported and 6,100 tons shipped to other Russian regions. Wheat accounted for 12,000 tons of exports, primarily to Kazakhstan, Belarus, China, and Azerbaijan. Internal shipments rose to 6,100 tons, double the amount from the same period in 2023.(Правда ПФО)

Russia - Russia Raises Wheat Export Duty To 1,328.3 Rubles Per Ton
Starting October 9, Russia will raise the wheat export duty by 6.6% to 1,328.3 rubles per ton. Barley duty will increase to 229.5 rubles, while corn duty will decrease to 2,696.7 rubles. Wheat exports are projected at a record 40 million tons this year, with indicative prices influencing these rates.(ROSNG.RU | Национальное аграрное агентство | Интерфакс | Альта-Софт | GazetemRU | Borsa Gündem)

Russia - Rostov Region Grain Prices Rise 13% Despite 9% Harvest Decline
In the Rostov region, procurement prices for 2024 grain have risen by 13%, averaging 14,800 rubles per ton for third-class wheat. The total grain harvest reached 11 million tons, with 70% classified as food quality. Direct exports increased by 1.9% to 5.4 million tons, while 1.2 million hectares of winter crops were sown.(Блокнот Ростов-на-Дону | Городской репортер | Городской репортер | Интерфакс-Россия)

Australia - Frost Causes 10% Yield Decrease In Loddon Crops
Late spring frosts in Loddon have severely affected crops, with one farmer converting 250 acres of wheat into hay. The mid-September frost hit after a dry winter, causing a 10% expected yield decrease in lentils. Rainfall was patchy, with up to 10mm recorded, while Agriculture Victoria noted ongoing dry conditions and slow progress towards a La Niña event.(Loddon Herald)