Rain threatens western Finland’s promising grain harvest

Rain is threatening a reasonably good grain harvest on Finland’s west coast, where much of the crop remains unharvested, Yle reports. Farmers hope the weather will turn dry for the rest of the month, as continued rainfall could reduce the quality of the harvest.

Harvesting is still seriously incomplete in places such as the Pori region and northern Satakunta. Experts from ProAgria, an agricultural development organisation, say the grain has not been fully ripe in many areas.

Some farmers have already harvested grain even though some of the seeds were still green. Pekka Laurila, a ProAgria crop production specialist familiar with conditions around Pori, said this may have been the right decision if the rain continues.

Further south inland, in the Huittinen region, harvesting is more advanced and is already complete in many places.

The year has been better than average for crops in western Finland, particularly because of the rain received in June. However, the decisive stages of the harvest are now under way.

“The grain is fairly close to ready. Rain is bad news,” said Elisa Kivioja, a ProAgria expert who monitors farming areas in northern Satakunta.

Farmers are also struggling with high fuel prices. Laurila called the price “shocking” and said the situation could not continue. Kivioja noted that reasonably good harvest expectations had pushed down the price of grain, meaning farmers face lower income from both developments.

Thistles have also grown unusually large this year. Laurila said they had reached human height and risen above the crops, with large clusters appearing in the middle of fields.

Thistles are a particular problem on organic farms, where crop protection products are not used. Chemical control is also difficult because the weed must be treated early. Its large roots and thick stem mean it may survive treatment carried out too late, Laurila said.

Although thistles are harmful to farming, their flowers provide nectar for insects such as butterflies, while their seeds provide food for birds.