I. Fieldwork progress

According to the operative data, spring crops and legumes (including corn) with the forecast of 8.1 million hectares were planted on an area of 7.7 million hectares (96% of the forecast), including:

Sowing of early spring grains is completed on an area of nearly 2.6 million hectares;

Corn for seed has been planted on an area of 4786 thousand hectares (97% of the forecast);

Buckwheat — on an area of 138 thousand hectares (84% of the forecast);

Millet — on 95 thousand hectares (86% of the forecast);

Rice has been planted on an area of 10 thousand hectares, or 42% of the forecast (including AR Crimea with over 50% of the area);

Sowing of sugar beet was conducted on the area 332 thousand hectares, which is 100% of the forecast;

Sunflower is planted on an area of 4540 thousand hectares, or 99% of the forecast;

Soybeans- on 1658 thousand hectares, or 99% of the forecast.

II. Condition of crops

Winter crops. During late May, almost over the entire territory of the country the earing process of winter crops was occurring. Winter rape started to massively develop pods. Plant’ height ranged from 85 to 165cm.

Early spring crops. Spring barley, spring wheat and oats, depending on the time of sowing, develop third node of a straw. In the southern regions process of earing of spring barley began 1.5-2 weeks before the average time.

Corn, depending on sowing time, is in the phase of seed germination, seedlings and leaf development.

Sugar beet. Early crops continue to grow roots and plants began closing in rows; in late sowings leaf formation is in process. Overall crop condition is mostly good.

Sunflower. Leaf formation process continues; seedlings have been received on late sowings, in the southern areas formation of inflorescences started.

III. Structure of sowing areas

According to the forecasts, for 2014 harvest, the sowing area under crops is expected to be 27.7 million hectares, which is the same as last year, including: spring crops on 8.1 million hectares, technical- 7.7 million hectares, 331 thousand hectares of which are with sugar beet, which is 13% more than last year.