Drought in Odesa Region Accelerated Harvesting: What to Expect for Prices.

According to inkorr.com: During the third decade of August, there was intense soil drought in the Odesa region, which accelerated the ripening of sunflowers and corn by 2-3 weeks compared to the average long-term indicators.

According to the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine, referring to data from the Climate-Oriented Agriculture Institute, the rainfall level in the Odesa region was only 2.9 mm, which did not improve the moisture situation in the soil.

Unfavorable Agro-Meteorological Conditions

According to NAAS, agro-meteorological conditions remained unfavorable for completing the vegetation of late agricultural crops. In some fields, early wilting of sunflower and corn plants was recorded, which negatively affected moisture accumulation in the soil before sowing winter crops for the 2026 harvest.

Status of Agricultural Works

As of today, the harvesting of major grain crops and rapeseed has been virtually completed in the Odesa region. Harvesting of other grains, sunflowers, as well as fruits and vegetables continues. Some farms have already begun sowing winter rapeseed.

Moisture Problems

Overall, in the southern and eastern regions of the country, there has been no precipitation for more than three months, which has led to accelerated ripening of sunflowers and corn by 2-3 weeks and caused plant wilting. At the same time, in the west and north of Ukraine, particularly in the Lviv region, significant rains have fallen — up to 62.8 mm, which improved soil moisture reserves.

In the Kyiv region, conditions for sowing winter grains remain mostly unfavorable due to the lack of precipitation.

NAAS noted that agro-meteorological conditions remain the main risk for sowing winter crops for the 2026 harvest. The southern and eastern regions face a catastrophic lack of moisture, while the western areas have good prospects due to the rains.

Brief Summary: Bad weather has significantly impacted the agricultural sector in Ukraine, especially in the southern and eastern regions, where there is a critical shortage of moisture. This may negatively affect future harvests and the sowing of winter crops. In contrast, in the western regions, where it has rained, the situation is more stable, which increases the chances of a successful harvest.