The sowing of summer rapeseed has concluded across Latvia, but due to excessive moisture, not all planned areas were sown. However, the unsown areas account for a relatively small portion of the total planned area, Ģirts Ozols, Head of the Agricultural Department and Board Member of the agricultural cooperative “Latraps”, told LETA.
He noted that this year’s spring sowing period was unusually long, resulting in summer rapeseed being at very different stages of development across the regions. In some parts of Latvia, rapeseed has not yet begun to bloom, in others it is in bloom, while in some areas the seed pods have already begun to form.
Ozols also pointed out that excessive moisture has negatively affected crops throughout almost the entire country, with the worst situation in Latgale, where large puddles have formed in some fields, making it nearly impossible to carry out any agricultural work.
According to Ozols, conditions this year have generally been favorable for winter rapeseed, with a long flowering period and extended ripening phase. However, the overly wet weather has led to plant diseases, and the cool temperatures this year have had a negative effect. The most favorable daytime temperatures for crop development are between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius.
“We are eagerly waiting for warmer weather, which will help the crops recover and develop for a better yield,”
emphasized the “Latraps” representative.
He also noted that winter rapeseed could be harvested at the end of July this year, while summer rapeseed harvesting is likely to begin in September – which is late compared to the past two years. The exact yield and quality of both summer and winter rapeseed will only be clear after harvesting.
As previously reported, “Latraps” operated with a turnover of 244.216 million euros in the financial year from the 1st of July, 2023, to the 30th of June, 2024 – a 28% decrease compared to the previous year. However, the cooperative’s profit increased by 3.3%, reaching 2.82 million euros.
“Latraps” was established in 2000 and currently unites 1,995 members.
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