Ukraine: wheat harvesting may see significant delays into mid-July or later - ASAP Agri

Ukraine’s winter wheat harvest, which traditionally begins in the second half of July, could face major disruptions this year, with timelines ranging from an early start in late June to significant delays into mid-July or later.

Vladyslav Cherchel, Director of the Institute of Grain Crops, emphasized that the combination of drought and cold created sharp regional contrasts in crop development. In the south and east, extreme dryness and heat stress are likely to trigger premature vegetation termination and early harvest. Conversely, low temperatures in the west and north could delay maturity, leading to a late harvest start. He noted, “Traditionally, winter wheat harvesting starts in the second half of July, but this year, we may see everything — from early starts in late June to significant delays into mid-July or later.”

This year’s campaign faced the coldest May in two decades, with temperatures 4–6°C below normal and frequent frosts delaying vegetation. Meanwhile, southern and eastern regions struggled with ongoing drought, worsening soil moisture deficits. Looking ahead, Ukrainian meteorologists warn of looming heatwaves reaching +40°C and possible tornadoes, threatening further stress for key crops like corn, soybeans, and sunflower during critical development stages. June’s unpredictable weather will be decisive in shaping the final harvest schedule.

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