Insight Focus
Dry conditions are intensifying across sugar beet growing regions in the EU, raising concerns about yields. Crops are entering their most water-sensitive phase (root bulking). Soil moisture is low, especially in northern and western Europe.
From Dry Seedbeds to Drier Roots
Since our last update in mid-May, rainfall across northern and western Europe has remained scarce.
Early-season dryness allowed for quick sowing and decent emergence, but the continued lack of meaningful follow-up rain is now a serious concern. Sugar beet crops are now transitioning from canopy development to root bulking – just as soil moisture reaches seasonal lows.
Across Belgium, northern France, western Germany, and western Poland, the spring was one of the driest in decades.
Source: Refinitiv Eikon, Agricultural Weather Data
Soil moisture remains critically low, with most regions receiving just 0–50% of average rainfall in recent weeks. In Belgium, drought symptoms are now visible in the field.
German and Polish beets seem to still be in reasonable condition but need rain soon to prevent further deterioration.
Source: Refinitiv Eikon, Agricultural Weather Data
Cooler spring temperatures initially masked the stress, but with temperatures forecast to rise in early July and little rainfall on the horizon, the risk to yield potential is increasing by the day.
Southern Europe Better, but Scale Is Limited
Meanwhile, southern Europe (including the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and Greece) has benefitted from ample spring rainfall.
Source: Refinitiv Eikon, Agricultural Weather Data
Source: Refinitiv Eikon, Agricultural Weather Data
Sugar beet crops in Spain and Portugal are currently in good condition, with European Commission forecasts indicating yields 15–20% above the five-year average.
Further east, Romania and Bulgaria have seen improvements following early-season dryness, thanks to timely rains.
Source: Refinitiv Eikon, Agricultural Weather Data
However, strong performance in these regions won’t be enough to offset losses if the main producing belt in north-western Europe fails to recover in time.
July – The Crucial Month
With the root bulking phase now underway, the coming weeks are pivotal. Sugar beets are highly sensitive to water availability during this time, and without replenishing rains, yield prospects could worsen.
Persistent dryness in northern Europe, combined with only modest relief in the south, raises significant production risks. If drought conditions continue into early July, particularly in France and Germany, the market may start pricing in tighter EU sugar balances for the 2025/26 season.
