Despite prolonged rains, average grain yield increased by 7.1% last summer
Last summer saw a 7.1% increase in the average yield of grain crops in Latvia, despite significant rainfall impacting growing conditions.
Latvia experienced a notable increase in average grain yields in 2025, with a 7.1% rise compared to 2024, largely driven by a substantial increase in winter cereal yields. Specifically, winter wheat comprised a significant portion of the total grain harvest, rising to 75.2% from 69% the previous year. The average yield per hectare for winter wheat also improved, contributing to a total winter wheat harvest of 2.4 million tons, which represents a 10.5% increase from the previous year.
However, the adverse weather conditions had a severe impact on other crops, especially buckwheat, where yields fell dramatically due to late sowing and rainy autumn weather. The yield per hectare for buckwheat dropped from 11.7 centners in 2024 to just 7.0 centners in 2025, resulting in a 54% decrease in total production. While other crops faced challenges, the area dedicated to winter wheat increased, bolstering the overall performance of the grain sector.
In contrast to the struggles faced by certain crops, the oilseed yield saw positive results, with a staggering 48.2% increase in rapeseed yield in 2025 compared to the previous year. This highlights the varied impacts of weather on different crop types, with some experiencing significant gains while others have struggled amidst changing climatic conditions. The mixed results underscore the importance of adaptive agricultural practices in response to prevailing weather patterns in Latvia.