Global Grain Production Shows Modest Gains in 2025 Amidst Weather Challenges

Despite unfavorable weather conditions, global grain production experienced a slight increase in 2025, according to recent data from the Central Statistical Bureau and the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Harvested grain production rose by 1.4% to almost 3.2 million tonnes, whereas the United States continues to assess its 2024 crop yields.

Production Highlights

The overall increase in grain production was primarily driven by winter cereals, which saw a production increase of 8.3%. Average yields for cereals reached 42.2 quintals per hectare, a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year. Winter wheat accounted for 75.2% of all harvested grain, up from 69.0% in 2024.

Winter Wheat Production Surge

The sown area for winter wheat increased by 9.1%, and its average yield rose by 1.2% to 50.3 quintals per hectare. This resulted in a harvested production of 2.4 million tonnes, a 10.5% increase.

Challenges in Spring Cereals

However, not all grain types fared as well. Buckwheat experienced a significant decline, with harvested production decreasing by 54.0% due to late sowing and rainy autumn conditions. Its average yield fell from 11.7 to 7.0 quintals per hectare.

Rapeseed and Vegetable Production

Rapeseed production increased substantially, rising by 48.2% to 120.1 thousand tonnes, following a 18.04% increase in sown areas. Conversely, vegetable production decreased by 21.7% to 84.9 thousand tonnes.

Long-Term Trends and Area Changes

Between 2018 and 2024, the sown area of cereals demonstrated consistent growth. However, in 2025, a decline of 5.4% was observed, bringing the total sown area to 757.7 thousand hectares. The area under potatoes as well decreased slightly, by 1.9%.

U.S. Crop Review and Revisions

The marketing year for corn and soybeans has concluded, prompting a thorough review of the balance sheet by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). This review led to revisions in acreage, yield, and production estimates for the 2024 crop [USDA NASS].

Global Grain Sowing Area Increase

Globally, the grain sowing area increased by 0.1% in 2025, reaching 119,409 thousand hectares (1,791,130 million mu) compared to 2024 [Tridge].

Data on grain stocks as of September 30, 2025, was released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service [USDA NASS].