Abnormal Heat and Drought Accelerate Harvest Start and May Reduce Yields

In Ukraine, the harvest in 2025 begins significantly earlier than in previous years. This is due to atypical weather conditions that have greatly impacted the agricultural calendar. This was reported by Vitaliy Postryhany, head of the Cherkasy Regional Hydrometeorological Center.

This is reported by AgroReview

Abnormal Weather Conditions and Their Impact on Farmers

According to the specialist, the spring and early summer of 2025 were marked by a weather anomaly, forcing farmers to head to the fields as early as June. This is especially noticeable in southern Ukraine, where the harvest started nearly three weeks earlier than usual. This development is linked to a prolonged spring-summer drought that led to the accelerated ripening of early grain crops.

Risks of Crop Loss and Recommendations for Farmers

Experts warn that if weather conditions change soon and rains with a drop in temperature begin, the harvest may be delayed. In such a case, each day of delay will result in a loss of about 3% of the harvest. At the same time, if dry and hot weather persists, the harvesting will occur more quickly, allowing farmers to minimize losses.

“Already now, the grain has reached the milk stage, and in some places, even the waxy ripeness – a week earlier than normal. Agro-meteorological conditions, the state of the crops, and forecasts indicate that by the start of the harvest, most areas of Ukraine need to be ready by early July. This year, global meteorological centers predict a hot and dry summer for Ukraine. This means that the harvest must be conducted in the shortest possible time to prevent grain shedding and minimize losses,” said Postryhany.

Experts emphasize that to avoid significant losses, farmers should be fully prepared for the active phase of the harvest starting in early July, as weather conditions remain unpredictable.