Lantmännen’s harvest forecast 2024: 5.4 million tonnes of grain

After last year’s historically poor harvest, among the worst in 30 years, we are now approaching a harvest that is the most important in a long time. Lantmännen’s forecast for this year’s Swedish harvest amounts to 5.4 million tonnes of grain. That is to be considered as an average harvest, compared to the past several years. 

Delayed spring farming – and regional variations 

“Delayed spring farming, combined with a wet winter and a dry early summer in large parts of the country means that this year’s spring crop harvest will be generally lower, while winter crops are developing better. In terms of quality for this year’s harvest, farmers have done what they can, but grain quality is largely dependent on the weather during the harvest period,” says Per Germundsson, Head of Grain Supply and Sales at Lantmännen Agriculture. 

There are regional variations in the harvest forecast; for example are the western parts of Götaland, Östergötland and parts of Skåne heading towards a good harvest. Vikbolandet and southern Gotland, however, were impacted severely by drought in the early summer, and seem to get a lower harvest. There are also further variations within the areas mentioned above. 

Profitable farming is a precondition for Swedish food supply 

Uncertainties in the global business environment highlights the importance of viable, competitive Swedish agriculture and a robust national food supply. The harvest forms the basis for profitability in agriculture, and it is important that farmers are able to salvage consistent and large harvests of a good quality. 

Last year’s harvest of 4.3 million tonnes of grain was among the worst in 30 years, and Sweden, which normally exports grain, has instead needed to import to cover its needs. The poor harvest, combined with high prices for input goods and energy, as well as higher interest costs, has been challenging for many Swedish farmers. Margins within Swedish agriculture are small, and a good harvest this year is critical for Swedish farming – but also for domestic food production and Swedish food preparedness. 

“Competitiveness and profitability in agriculture needs to be strengthened to cover the great need for investments, to manage the climate change, and to secure Swedish food supply. For example, investments of more than 50 billion SEK are needed in climate adaptation such as irrigation and drainage. That requires actions both in the market and in politics, since the profitability of Swedish agriculture doesn’t cover investments of that size,” says Magnus Kagevik, Lantmännen’s Group President and CEO. 

Farmers all around the country are now preparing for intensive work with this year’s important harvest. The harvest period stretches from July to October, after which the actual outcome is determined. 

Facts 

Description of a ‘normal year’ 
A normal year is calculated as the average of five years, after discounting the best and worst of the past seven years. That means that the value of a normal year is continuously changing. In 2024, the harvest is forecasted at 5.4 million tonnes, which should be considered an average harvest. 

How Lantmännen’s harvest forecast is calculated 
The harvest forecast is based on a return calculation built on weather data, precipitation, temperatures, and acreage for each county, which have been reported to the Swedish Board of Agriculture by farmers. Historical data, for example the yield for similar years, is also considered. At the same time, it is important to consider that even if Lantmännen has made several calculations, based on verified data sources, there is always uncertainty in a forecast. The weather during the rest of the summer and during the harvest will affect both the actual volume and the quality. The actual result of the harvest will not be known until farmers have salvaged their harvest and the total has been compiled. 

Press material 

Photos of spokespeople and genre images are available here: media library  
 

About Lantmännen
Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative and Northern Europe’s leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products. Owned by 18,000 Swedish farmers, we have 12,000 employees, operations in over 20 countries and an annual turnover of approximately SEK 70 billion. With grain at the heart of our operations, we refine arable land resources to make farming thrive. Some of our best-known food brands are AXA, Kungsörnen, Scan, GoGreen, FINN CRISP, Schulstad and Vaasan. Our company is founded on the knowledge and values acquired through generations of farmers. With research, development and operations throughout the value chain, together we take responsibility from field to fork. For more information: www.lantmannen.com